| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 21, 2022 |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001786248 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 21, 2022 |
| Entity Registrant Name | NEXPOINT REAL ESTATE FINANCE, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | MD |
| Entity File Number | 001-39210 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 84-2178264 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 300 Crescent Court |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Suite 700 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Dallas |
| Entity Address, State or Province | TX |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 75201 |
| City Area Code | (214) |
| Local Phone Number | 276-6300 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | true |
| Entity Ex Transition Period | false |
| Common Stock Par Value 001 Per Share Custom [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | NREF |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock Par Value 001 Per Share 850 Custom [Member] | |
| Document And Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Security 12b Title | 8.50% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | NREF-PRA |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
