Since the NIC Spring Conference in 2024, attendees at each of NIC’s conferences have been asked to report their outlook for the year ahead upon check-in at the event. The question asks, “What is your outlook for the year ahead for senior housing and care?” Response options range from ‘extremely negative’ to ‘extremely positive.’ 

This year’s fall conference set a record with 94.9% of attendees responding, “positive” or “extremely positive.” This compares to a different environment in the spring of 2024 where the capital environment was less favorable and optimism was more limited. As shown in the graph below, the sector has steadily been moving in a positive direction since then as market fundamentals have improved, operational and financial performance has strengthened, and the senior housing sector is outperforming most other commercial real estate sectors.  

See highlights from the 2026 NIC Fall Conference, along with takeaways from the conference educational sessions here.