Top 10 Commercial Real Estate Lenders in 2024: A Year in Review

Introduction

Now that we're in 2025, it’s clear that 2024 was a pivotal year for the commercial real estate (CRE) industry. Interest rate fluctuations, economic uncertainties, and shifting market demands tested lenders’ resilience. Despite these challenges, many institutions maintained steady transaction volumes by innovating and adapting to borrowers’ needs. As we step into 2025, cautious optimism and preliminary market data suggest a gradual upswing in CRE activity, especially in emerging sectors and secondary markets.

In this retrospective, we spotlight the top 10 active commercial real estate lenders of 2024, exploring their achievements, specialties, and how they’re positioning themselves for potential growth in 2025. Plus, discover how Capitalize.io can help you quickly compare loan options from these institutions, saving you time and guiding you toward the best financing choice in minutes.

1. Wells Fargo Commercial Real Estate

2024 Overview

Wells Fargo reinforced its reputation as a mainstay in CRE lending by actively supporting clients amid economic headwinds.

• Customized Financing Structures: They introduced tiered loan programs to match different risk profiles, giving borrowers flexibility in repayment terms and interest rates.
• Digital Enhancements: Expanded their online application process for faster pre-qualifications, reducing wait times significantly.
• Client Support Initiatives: Hosted quarterly webinars and released market reports to help borrowers navigate interest rate shifts and regulatory updates.

Outlook for 2025

Wells Fargo’s roadmap for 2025 includes stronger partnerships with regional developers, reflecting a belief that secondary and tertiary markets may see renewed investment. They’re also exploring green financing initiatives, aiming to fund projects that meet sustainability benchmarks.

Compare on Capitalize.ioFind the best Wells Fargo loan comparisons on Capitalize.io, where you can view varying terms, interest rates, and specialized loan programs tailored to your property type.

2. JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking

2024 Overview

JPMorgan Chase remained a formidable lender, attributing its success to proactive risk assessment and high-touch client relationships.

• Risk Management: Implemented predictive modeling to assess loan performance under different economic scenarios, offering transparent risk projections to borrowers.
• Technological Investments: Rolled out a revamped digital platform integrating with accounting software, enabling businesses to track loan usage and forecast cash flow more accurately.
• Community Support: Allocated a portion of its CRE lending budget to projects that revitalized underserved urban areas, earning commendations from civic leaders.

Outlook for 2025

JPMorgan Chase anticipates a notable rise in construction financing requests as developers respond to pent-up demand. They plan to refine their digital tools further, aiming to cut down approval times and speed up funding for qualified borrowers.

Compare on Capitalize.ioQuickly review JPMorgan Chase loan products on Capitalize.io, where side-by-side comparisons help you identify the right terms for your next project.

3. Bank of America Commercial Real Estate Banking

2024 Overview

Bank of America showcased consistency, focusing on stability in a year marked by fluctuating economic signals.

• Steady Financing Support: Offered a broad spectrum of loan sizes, ranging from small-balance loans for local developers to high-value financings for institutional investors.
• Client Advisory Services: Published in-depth quarterly outlooks on CRE market sentiment, helping clients adapt strategies mid-year.
• Operational Efficiency: Implemented AI-driven underwriting checks to reduce paperwork and accelerate disbursements.

Outlook for 2025

Expect Bank of America to continue emphasizing secure lending practices while expanding its suite of variable-rate products, reflecting a measured approach to anticipated rate changes. They’ll also look to enhance relationships with institutional clients seeking large-scale refinancing opportunities.

Compare on Capitalize.ioCheck Bank of America’s loan options on Capitalize.io to quickly filter by property type, location, and interest structure.

4. Goldman Sachs Commercial Real Estate Financing

2024 Overview

Goldman Sachs leveraged its investment banking pedigree to help clients structure complex deals amid uncertain market conditions.

• Strategic Financing: Focused on specialized loan products like bridge loans and mezzanine financing to facilitate quick turnarounds on acquisitions.
• Market Analysis: Provided high-level macroeconomic insights, guiding developers and investors who sought advanced modeling of global market influences.
• Flexible Capital Deployment: Adapted funding strategies, encouraging borrowers to diversify holdings across commercial office, retail, and logistics properties.

Outlook for 2025

Goldman Sachs anticipates renewed investor interest in mixed-use developments and advanced logistics facilities. They’re preparing targeted financing packages to address growth in the e-commerce supply chain and technology-driven sectors.

Compare on Capitalize.ioLocate and compare Goldman Sachs loan offerings on Capitalize.io, ensuring you discover the best fit for your project’s scale and complexity.

5. CBRE Capital Markets

2024 Overview

CBRE leveraged its global reach to deliver tailored CRE financing solutions, even as certain markets saw slowdowns.

• Advisory Services: Went beyond lending, offering data-rich market intelligence on trending property sectors, from industrial warehouses to data centers.
• Debt and Equity Placement: Facilitated cross-border capital flows, matching international investors with local development projects.
• Market Research: Maintained a steady stream of whitepapers and webinars, guiding clients through mid-year slow patches with forward-looking insights.

Outlook for 2025

CBRE expects certain high-growth sectors—like healthcare and multifamily—will gain momentum as demographic shifts continue. They’re refining their value-add programs to back entrepreneurs seeking to reposition older assets into modern, in-demand properties.

Compare on Capitalize.ioSee how CBRE stacks up against other lenders on Capitalize.io. Explore terms, rates, and deal types to find your perfect match in seconds.

6. KeyBank Real Estate Capital

2024 Overview

KeyBank championed relationship-focused lending throughout the year, adapting to each client’s timeline and goals.

• Client Support: Offered “payment holiday” periods for select borrowers impacted by mid-year regional slowdowns, demonstrating flexibility.
• Technology Adoption: Launched a mobile loan-tracking app allowing real-time updates on disbursement status and required documentation.
• Community Engagement: Provided grants to local nonprofits aligned with affordable housing and small business support.

Outlook for 2025

KeyBank sees potential in transit-oriented developments and ESG-focused renovations. They aim to introduce new incentive programs for borrowers incorporating energy-efficient retrofits in their properties.

Compare on Capitalize.ioWithin Capitalize.io, easily review KeyBank’s loan rates, LTV ratios, and repayment terms alongside other major lenders.

7. Capital One Commercial Real Estate

2024 Overview

Capital One balanced predictability with innovation, primarily focusing on sectors that showed strong demand.

• Sector Focus: Maintained a foothold in healthcare and multifamily housing, expanding to suburban offices where remote-hybrid work created new leasing models.
• Digital Services: Improved virtual communication channels, allowing borrowers to finalize loan agreements remotely.
• Financial Stability: Demonstrated conservative underwriting guidelines, protecting both the bank and clients during market fluctuation.

Outlook for 2025

Capital One plans to broaden its financing options in senior living and medical office buildings, anticipating ongoing shifts in healthcare delivery. They’re also streamlining approvals for repeat borrowers with proven track records.

Compare on Capitalize.ioCompare Capital One loan products using Capitalize.io, which lets you refine searches by property sector and interest structure in minutes.

8. Deutsche Bank Commercial Real Estate

2024 Overview

Deutsche Bank capitalized on its global network, connecting international investors with U.S. development opportunities.

• Cross-Border Transactions: Facilitated significant foreign investments in coastal markets like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami.
• Customized Solutions: Structured loans for large-scale mixed-use projects, combining commercial, retail, and hospitality under one umbrella financing.
• Market Insights: Published monthly bulletins on foreign exchange impacts, helping domestic borrowers gauge global influences on interest rates.

Outlook for 2025

Deutsche Bank expects cross-border deals to grow, particularly as international capital seeks stable U.S. assets. They’re working on specialized hedging options for borrowers exposed to currency risks.

Compare on Capitalize.ioView Deutsche Bank loan comparisons instantly on Capitalize.io, perfect for complex, multi-national financing strategies.

9. PNC Real Estate

2024 Overview

PNC Real Estate maintained a strong operational framework, emphasizing reliability and client education.

• Agency Financing: Renewed and expanded partnerships with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, offering more competitive rates to qualified borrowers.
• Client Resources: Hosted localized workshops guiding smaller investors through the intricacies of commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS).
• Operational Efficiency: Invested in robotic process automation (RPA) to handle repetitive tasks, cutting down turnaround times.

Outlook for 2025

PNC anticipates an uptick in smaller multifamily deals, particularly in suburban areas where remote work has driven rental demand. They’ll also continue refining CMBS solutions for mid-market projects.

Compare on Capitalize.ioFind PNC loan rates, fees, and underwriting highlights in one go on Capitalize.io, helping you finalize the right financing for your deal.

10. Regions Bank Real Estate Banking

2024 Overview

Regions Bank focused on local growth markets and personalized service, carving out a niche in emerging suburban hotspots.

• Regional Focus: Concentrated on the Southeast and Midwest, where population shifts foster demand for new commercial spaces.
• Client Engagement: Deployed mobile banking coaches to meet borrowers on-site, facilitating face-to-face consultations.
• Community Projects: Financed retail and residential combos aimed at revitalizing small downtown districts.

Outlook for 2025

Regions Bank plans to expand into tech-driven real estate developments and eco-friendly building designs, aligning with broader market shifts toward sustainable, community-focused projects.

Compare on Capitalize.ioUse Capitalize.io to see how Regions Bank’s loan programs measure up against others, pinpointing a finance package that matches your regional project needs.

Anticipated Leaders in 2025

Looking at 2025, certain factors may shape which lenders rise to the top:

• Market Adaptability: Institutions able to pivot their offerings and underwriting to new economic signals are poised for success.
• Technological Innovations: Lenders investing in next-gen platforms that reduce friction for borrowers will likely gain competitive advantage.
• Client-Centric Methods: Personalized, data-driven approaches remain a key differentiator, attracting borrowers seeking customized financing.

How Capitalize.io Enhances Your CRE Financing Journey

Capitalize.io stands as your indispensable ally in 2025’s commercial real estate market. It offers:

• Extensive Data Access: Over 10 million loan comps ensure you’re making decisions based on reliable, up-to-date comparisons.
• Huge Lender Network: Explore 30,000+ lenders, spanning from community-centric banks to global financial institutions.
• Insightful Analytics: Harness robust data to forecast market trends and refine financing strategies.
• Efficient Searching: Filter by deal size, region, property sector, and more—cutting hours of manual research into minutes of precise comparisons.

Get Started Today

Visit Capitalize.io to sign up and access immediate loan comparisons from the industry’s top lenders. Quickly identify the most suitable interest rates, LTV ratios, and repayment terms for your unique project objectives.

Conclusion

As we reflect on 2024, these ten lenders showcased innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to customer needs—qualities that allowed them to thrive in a volatile market. Now, with 2025 underway, early signs suggest growing transaction volumes and fresh opportunities across various CRE segments.

Staying informed and leveraging advanced digital tools can give you the edge in a competitive environment. Capitalize.io ensures that in a matter of minutes, you can compare lenders side by side, zeroing in on the financing solution that fits your vision for 2025 and beyond.

Disclaimer: The information in this article reflects observations from the close of 2024 into early 2025. Loan terms and lender activities may change. For the most accurate and current data, please consult lenders directly or visit Capitalize.io for real-time comparisons.