REITs' Share Of Senior Housing Deals Has Doubled. Will Development Follow?
Public REITs' share of senior housing deals rose to 36% in 2024 from 15% in 2023, with total volume hitting $32.2B. REITs like Welltower and Ventas are gaining market share due to cost advantages and faster transactions. Welltower invested $15.5B this year, with 96% sourced off-market.
How this was made

The 30-second read
Why it matters
The data suggests a structural shift toward publicly traded REITs, which may affect valuation multiples for WELL and VTR.
Market read
Sector‑level trend with potential upside for leading REITs; limited immediate trading action.
What to watch
Rising construction costs and regulatory changes could temper the growth of REIT participation.
Background
The article summarizes a sector outlook from Walker & Dunlop, noting a rise in public REIT participation in senior‑housing deals.
Ticker impact
Welltower is highlighted as a leading REIT increasing its senior‑housing portfolio, closing $15.5B of investments this year.
likely upside as investors price in growing market share
The article reports new Q2 investment activity and a strategic shift, suggesting improved fundamentals.
Ventas is cited as another healthcare REIT gaining a larger slice of senior‑housing transactions.
potential modest upside from sector momentum
Sector‑wide data shows REITs now hold 36% of deal volume, indicating a favorable environment for Ventas.
Market effects
Senior‑housing REITs are gaining market share, which may lift the broader REIT sector.
U.S. senior‑housing market shows increased activity, potentially attracting capital inflows.
The trend could influence international REIT investors tracking U.S. senior‑housing exposure.
Counterpoint
If private buyers resume activity, public REITs could lose their speed advantage.
Key entities
- companyWelltower
Healthcare REIT expanding senior‑housing portfolio
- companyVentas
Healthcare REIT increasing senior‑housing deal share

