Boston topped all U.S. markets for net lease investment in net lease properties as national levels surged close to pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2021 according to a recent report from CBRE.

The investment was driven by robust institutional acquisition activity, increased interest in office assets as well as the momentum of return-to-the-workplace plans and foreign investment despite COVID-19 related international travel restrictions. Boston ranked first overall, first in office and fifth in retail net lease investment among the top 20 leading target markets for investors in Q1 2021.

“Boston continues to attract investors looking for high-growth opportunities, specifically in the office and retail sectors,” said Will Pike, vice chairman of Net Lease Properties for Capital Markets at CBRE. “In fact, total net lease investment activity nearly tripled in Boston year over year at more than $2.3 billion during the first quarter.”