New Warehouse Lease Pre-Commitments Reach New High

Almost half of the 167 million sq. ft. of U.S warehouse space currently under construction — 72 million sq. ft. — is already pre-committed to tenants, primarily e-commerce, third-party logistics, and retail users, according to a new report from CBRE Group, Inc.

The current tally of pre-committed warehouse space is the highest since 2000. In addition, the current ratio of space under construction that is pre-leased to occupiers – 43 percent – exceeds the 17-year average of 38 percent. That signals healthy momentum for the market.

“Warehouse users are aggressively leasing space as soon as they have the opportunity, often even before the construction has been completed on the property. This is unusual compared with historical activity,” said David Egan, Americas head of industrial research, CBRE. “The high level of new deliveries will allow more occupiers to utilize modern space and will open up redevelopment opportunities for older product.”

When looking at the 10 U.S. markets with the largest amount of warehouse construction underway as of Q1 2017, 36 percent of space under construction is pre-committed. Among these markets, Denver leads the way with 70.3 percent of its under-construction space pre-committed, followed by Kansas City (54 percent), Chicago (51.3 percent), Indianapolis (50.6 percent), and New Jersey (43.3 percent).

“Warehouse development is at its highest level since 2000.  Yet brisk development activity continues to lag demand, and given users’ pressing need for modern facilities and the lack of adequate space, there is no slowdown in sight for new warehouse leasing,” Mr. Egan added.

To read the report, click here.