Family Office Investment Trends in Alternative Assets
Research-backed insights on how family offices are shifting portfolios toward real estate, private debt, and alternative investments
Almost every family office investment manager we talk to — and research backs this up — is increasingly focused on alternative investments as a long-term strategy. According to Ocorian’s global study of more than 130 family office managers overseeing over $62 billion in assets, nearly all agree that alternatives are becoming a bigger part of the family office portfolio. Around 42% strongly agree this is a lasting trend.
Real Estate
33% plan to increase allocations by 50% or more
Private Debt
33% planning similar increases in private debt
Real estate and private debt are leading the charge. Roughly a third of family offices plan to increase their allocations to real estate by 50% or more, while 33% plan similar increases in private debt. Why the shift? Strong performance, diversification benefits, and increasing transparency top the list — with more choice, inflation protection, and steady income following close behind.
Funds remain the preferred vehicle for these investments, with 77% seeing growth there, compared to 56% for SPVs and GPLPs. This trend makes sense — these structures give family offices access to high-quality deals without the operational headaches of direct ownership.
Geographically, most of the growth is happening in the EU and UK, with 54% and 53% of managers, respectively, seeing increased exposure. The Middle East and Asia are following, highlighting how global family offices are adopting alternative strategies.
The Rise of Private Capital
The rise of private capital is also changing the game. Family offices can leverage their unique competitive advantages — executing transactions quickly, refinancing as needed, and making decisions at the top — giving them flexibility that larger institutions often lack.
Planned Allocation Shifts
How family offices are planning to shift allocations over the next two years
| Asset Class | Increase ≤10% | 10–25% | 25–50% | ≥50% | Stay Same | Decrease |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | 21% | 16% | 22% | 34% | 3% | 4% |
| Private Debt | 13% | 20% | 28% | 33% | 2% | 4% |
| Infrastructure | 13% | 19% | 28% | 31% | 4% | 3% |
| Private Equity | 15% | 28% | 26% | 28% | – | 2% |
Why Family Offices Choose Real Estate Syndications
Family offices are drawn to real estate syndications because they provide a way to access institutional-quality deals, generate reliable cash flow, and preserve wealth across generations — all without the day-to-day management headaches.
Our team works closely with family offices to provide structures and solutions tailored to their unique goals — whether that’s managing investments, optimizing tax efficiency, or preserving wealth for future generations. Syndications are simply one way to deliver that balance of cash flow, growth, and flexibility that today’s family offices demand.
Wealth Preservation
Multi-generational strategies
Tax Efficiency
Optimized investment structures
Tailored Solutions
Personalized approaches