Take-up: Thriving activity in 2017 with historic volumes
The leading logistics occupier markets have all now accomplished historic volumes of transactions. First the UK and Germany in 2016. In 2017, France, the Netherlands and Spain concluded the year with all-time highs stimulated by a favourable economic backdrop plus strong demand from e-commerce and the retail sector.
The investment market achieved new record levels outperforming offices and retail despite an overall lack of high grade assets. Market drivers include GDP growth, new entrants such as Asian investors, large corporate deals and further yield compression.
Logistics take-up for warehouses over 5,000 sqm: +9% in 2017 vs 2016
• Retail and e-commerce contributed to market growth in most countries.
• Supply remained tight and new development barely keeps up with demand.
• Rents increased by 2% in 2017.
Industrial and logistics investment: €40 billion, +62% in 2017 vs 2016
• Historic industrial and logistics investment volumes boosted by corporate deals and portfolio transfers.
• Investor interest for logistics is not fading.
• Prime yields are at their lowest level and further compression can still be anticipated in some countries reflecting the lack of investment products.
