The European logistics market is in its strongest position for decades
Following the record volumes achieved in 2017, the market remained strong, fuelled by e-commerce and constrained by short supply plus low vacancy rates across Europe. This affected rents, resulting in growth in the best locations.
The investment market adjusted down as expected after the exceptional volumes recorded in 2017. Investment volumes have doubled in 5 years. Industrial is the only asset class recording such a strong trend and is attributable to the keen interest of international investors in E-commerce.
Logistics take-up for warehouses over 5,000 sqm in 21 cities: +1% in 2018 vs 2017
•Demand is strong, take-up levels are 15% above the 5-year average
•Germany, Spain and the Netherlands hit a new record volume of transactions in 2018
•Supply remains insufficient to meet end-user requirements despite new developments
•Rents are on the rise. Prime rents increased by 4% during 2018 in a panel of 38 cities across Europe
Industrial and Logistics investment in Europe: -11% in 2018 vs 2017
•Supply is scarce to meet with a sharp demand on all risk profiles
•Prime yields compressed further in Europe to bottom at 4.0% in the UK and 4.05% in Germany
•Logistics prime yields are still set to decline in numerous European markets over 2019
