The supply of ready-to-occupy empty warehouses in the UK and Europe is at its lowest-ever level – and could fall even lower.
Researchers at JLL say the warehouse vacancy rate is low across Europe.
Ryan Loftus, Senior Analyst at JLL, speaking at an event in London, said: “Current estimated vacancy levels run at 6%, an all-time low. Despite this, forecasts for 2017 are for rents to stay stable, showing perhaps moderate growth.”
JLL says vacancy rates in major European markets are expected to stay low – perhaps as low as 5.5%.
Strong demand – a 12% increase in demand for warehousing across Europe – has been to blame. The market is running at 28% above the recent average annual performance and exceeded the previous record in 2015.
“It caught us somewhat off-guard,” said Loftus.