For example, the US ranks eighth from the bottom in terms of expectations for rents in the second quarter, tailed only by the United Arab Emirates, Romania, the Ukraine, Hungary, the Republic of Ireland, Hong Kong and Singapore. However, markets such as Russia, India, Australia and the UK aren't far ahead.

The US ranks 19th out of 41 markets in Q2 expectations for capital values--an investment measure that converts rent into a capital sum--in the latest RICS survey. Only Brazil professionals reported an expectation that values will increase. US respondents expect little easing in the pace of price decline in the coming three months, according to RICS Americas. Although the upward shift in yields has moderated across most regions globally, it has increased in pace in the US.

"Across the United States, we're seeing lenders taking their lumps, writing down assets instead of hanging on to now outdated value expectations," says Matt Bruck, managing director of New York City-based RICS Americas, in a release. "The survey reveals that activity in commercial space continues to be slow."