CoStar: US retail asking rent growth slows to 1.6% in Q2 2026

CoStar analysis shows U.S. retail asking rent growth slowed to 1.6% year over year in Q2 2026, the weakest pace in over a decade.

The deceleration was framed as normalization, with softer consumer spending growth, elevated interest rates, and tenant cost pressures limiting landlords’ pricing power.

Lease rollovers still generate sizable rent spreads in high-traffic corridors, with expiring rents often below current market levels despite some moderation since 2022-2024.

Most major markets posted slower growth, with several Sun Belt metros still among stronger performers at roughly 3% to 6% annual gains.