2024 was a year of significant adaptation for Colombian investors, who navigated a challenging economic and political landscape. With inflation closing the year at 5.2%, the country faced internal pressures and sought to capitalize on global opportunities. This environment had a direct impact on financial markets and investor behavior, driving a search for resilient and high-performance sectors to strengthen portfolios.

In contrast, the United States saw positive results from economic policies implemented in 2024, particularly in controlling inflation. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed an interannual increase of 2.9%, reflecting a moderation in the inflationary rebound. This, combined with three interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, brought the rate to a range of 4.25% to 4.5%. This stabilization bolstered the real estate sector, making it a key pillar for investors and maintaining its appeal for Colombians, who represent the second-largest group of Latin American investors in U.S. real estate, according to the latest National Association of Realtors (NAR) report.

Real Estate Trends in the U.S.

Within the U.S. real estate market, the industrial and multifamily segments continued to shine. Multifamily complexes, which consist of hundreds of residential units owned by a single entity and sharing common amenities, saw a notable expansion. According to CBRE data, 450,400 new units were delivered in 2024, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. Despite this increase, the vacancy rate dropped to 4.9% in the fourth quarter, below the historical average of 5% and significantly lower than the 8.4% recorded in the five years prior to the pandemic. This reflects sustained demand in the sector.

The industrial segment also maintained its dynamism, driven by the growth of e-commerce and supply chain optimization. A Colliers report indicated that net absorption showed signs of recovery due to increased lease activity, and industrial income continued to rise, with projected growth from 3% to 6% annually. New construction stabilized, contributing to a better balance between supply and demand in 2025. These trends underscore the resilience of the sector and its appeal as a strategic investment.

Key Trends for 2025

Ezequiel Chomer, Financial Director of Dividez, highlights three key trends that will shape the investment landscape in 2025:

1. Digitization as a Transformation Engine

Tools such as investment platforms, fintechs, and automated trading systems, which operate with algorithms and real-time data analysis, allow investors to optimize decisions and reduce operating risks remotely. This democratization of access to international markets enables more Colombians, including small and medium investors, to participate in strategic sectors without being physically present. As Chomer notes, “Digitization has created a more inclusive ecosystem, where anyone with Internet access can invest in strategic markets such as real estate in the United States, regardless of their location.”

2. Diversification to Mitigate Risks

Faced with economic volatility in Colombia, investors are exploring alternatives to diversify their portfolios beyond traditional instruments. Real estate in the United States has become a strategic option. Specialized digital platforms allow for participation in real estate funds and direct property acquisitions, diversifying between segments like multifamily and industrial. Investment funds based on diversified real estate assets, such as the Cash Fund by Dividez, offer flexibility and performance. According to Chomer, “Dividez Cash Fund, our fixed-rate financial product, offers investors the possibility of distributing their portfolio through an instrument composed of real estate assets, located in the markets with the highest performance in the U.S.”

With an entry ticket from $2,000, this product offers an annual fixed income of 6.50%, and an extra 3% promotional rate for first investments up to $15,000, totaling 9.50% per year for nine months. Its liquidity in 48 hours and utilities in dollars frequently weekly provide additional flexibility to investors.

3. Financial Education as a Key Tool

In a context where immediate access to information is fundamental, financial education has taken a leading role in enabling more successful investment decisions. This knowledge facilitates the interpretation of global trends and promotes strategic action, attracting a new generation of investors, including young people who begin to build their heritage through digital platforms and accessible educational programs. As Chomer explains, “Financial education is indispensable to generate confidence in markets, both for those who start and for those looking for more sophisticated strategies.”

Building Resilient Portfolios

The 2024 left a clear message for Colombian investors: adapting to an environment in constant change requires taking advantage of opportunities that arise from digitization, diversification, and strengthening of financial knowledge. These characteristics not only help overcome local uncertainty but also explore markets with a proven history of resilience and profitability, such as the multifamily real estate sector, which continues to be one of the safest and most promising bets.

“The integration of these trends will be crucial for Colombians to build more resilient portfolios and take advantage of the potential of strategic sectors such as multifamily and industrial real estate in the United States,” concludes Chomer.

Counterarguments and Future Outlook

While the trends highlighted by Chomer are compelling, it is essential to consider potential counterarguments. Some critics might argue that the reliance on digital platforms and fintech could lead to increased cybersecurity risks. However, advancements in cybersecurity measures and the increasing adoption of blockchain technology are mitigating these risks, making digital investments more secure.

Another potential criticism is the volatility in the U.S. real estate market, which could affect returns. While this is a valid concern, the diversification strategies mentioned, including investments in both multifamily and industrial sectors, can help mitigate these risks. Additionally, the historical resilience of the U.S. real estate market, even during economic downturns, provides a strong foundation for long-term investment.

Looking ahead, the integration of these trends will likely continue to shape the investment landscape. As more investors embrace digitization, diversification, and financial education, the opportunities for building resilient portfolios will expand. For Colombian investors, this means not only navigating local challenges but also tapping into the robust and diverse U.S. real estate market.