Market Data
Retail NNN sector
storefront

Retail NNN

Essential retail properties leased to creditworthy national tenants with strong operational track records.

Median asking cap rate6.60%↑ +5 bps

Data as of Q2 2026. Median asking cap rate for single-tenant net lease listings, The Boulder Group, Q2 2026. Asking, not closed.

Key Metrics

Median asking cap rate

6.60%

↑+5 bps

Market Overview

“

The retail NNN sector remains a cornerstone of institutional real estate investing, characterized by properties leased to creditworthy national retailers with proven business models.

Major chains like Dollar General, Walgreens, CVS, and 7-Eleven dominate the landscape with extensive store networks and long-term operational stability. These convenience-oriented retailers generate consistent cash flows from essential consumer spending categories that remain resilient across economic cycles. The sector has benefited from e-commerce integration strategies by major retailers, where physical locations serve as fulfillment and pickup points, enhancing tenant viability. Modern retail NNN leases typically span 10-20 years with built-in rent escalations, providing investors with inflation protection and predictable income streams. Cap rates in this segment currently reflect the stability and creditworthiness of major tenants, with rates ranging depending on location, property condition, and lease length.

Top Tenants

S&P ratings via Hanley Investment Group, Q3 2026.

1
Dollar General
BBB · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
2
McDonald'sopen_in_new
BBB+ · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on50 states
3
7-Eleven Inc.
A- · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on44 states (North America)
4
CVS Health
BBB · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
5
Starbucksopen_in_new
BBB+ · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on50 states
6
Walgreens Boots Alliance
Rating withdrawnNNN
location_on50 states
7
Dunkin'
B+ · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on40 states (Northeast, Midwest, Southeast)
8
Dollar Treeopen_in_new
BBB · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on50 states
9
Taco Bell
BB+ · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on50 states
10
Family Dollar
BBB · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on47 states (South, Midwest, Northeast)
11
Wendy's
B+ · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on50 states
12
Burger King
BB+ · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on50 states
13
AutoZoneopen_in_new
BBB · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on50 states
14
Subway
NNN
location_on50 states
15
NAPA Auto Partsopen_in_new
NNN
location_on50 states
16
Circle K
BBB+ · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on50 states
17
O'Reilly Auto Partsopen_in_new
BBB · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on50 states
18
Sherwin-Williamsopen_in_new
BBB · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on50 states
19
Chase Bankopen_in_new
A · S&P · Jul 1, 2026NNN
location_on50 states
20
Ace Hardwareopen_in_new
NNN
location_on50 states

Market Outlook

show_chartCap Rate Direction
6.60%
trending_flatNeutral
storefrontTenant Demand
Strong
trending_upPositive
local_shippingE-Commerce Risk
Moderate
trending_flatNeutral

The retail NNN market is experiencing a measured but optimistic outlook through 2026 and beyond. Consumer spending on essentials continues to drive performance, particularly in convenience categories served by Dollar General and similar discount retailers. The integration of omnichannel retail models has strengthened tenant fundamentals, as brick-and-mortar locations increasingly serve as critical distribution points for online orders. Capital flows remain strong into this sector due to its defensive characteristics and income stability. Rent growth is expected to continue, with selective geographic markets seeing stronger appreciation. Competition from e-commerce persists but is evolving from a threat into an opportunity for properties positioned as fulfillment and click-and-collect hubs. Investors should monitor tenant operational metrics closely and focus on leases with strong escalation clauses and long remaining terms.

Key Investor Tips

  1. 1Prioritize properties with tenants having investment-grade or strong speculative-grade credit ratings (BBB- or higher) to ensure lease stability and reduce default risk.
  2. 2Analyze rent escalation structures carefully-leases with CPI adjustments or fixed annual increases provide inflation protection and income growth potential.
  3. 3Evaluate property locations near population centers and retail corridors with strong demographic fundamentals and limited oversupply to maximize long-term asset appreciation.
  4. 4Consider the tenant's omnichannel strategy and whether the property serves as an effective fulfillment or customer service point, which enhances long-term viability in the modern retail environment.
  5. 5Assess lease length and remaining term-investments in properties with 8+ years of lease remaining offer reduced refinancing and renewal risk compared to near-term expiration dates.
  6. 6Monitor cap rate trends by geography and tenant type; off-market deals often emerge from smaller independent owners seeking liquidity without auction-driven price compression.
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infoDisclaimer

Data and analysis on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment, financial, or tax advice. Statistics may be estimated from publicly available sources and should be verified with primary data providers before use in investment decisions. Tenant information is sourced from public filings and may not reflect current conditions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

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