| Document and Entity Information | Oct. 26, 2023 |
| Document and Entity Information [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Oct. 26, 2023 |
| Entity File Number | 000-54295 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Sterling Real Estate Trust |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | ND |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 90-0115411 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 4340 18th Ave South Ste. 200 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Fargo |
| Entity Address, State or Province | ND |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 58103 |
| City Area Code | 701 |
| Local Phone Number | 353-2720 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares, $0.01 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | NONE |
| Security Exchange Name | NONE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001412502 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
