Commercial real estate encompasses various asset classes, including office, retail, multifamily, and industrial properties. While office, retail, and multifamily properties are where people work, live, and shop, industrial properties are where goods are developed, manufactured, stored, and distributed. This article explores the different types of industrial properties, their unique features, and key considerations for potential investors.
What is Industrial Property?
Industrial properties, as defined by NAIOP, include buildings used primarily for manufacturing, research and development, production, maintenance, storage, and distribution of goods. These properties often incorporate office spaces within the industrial building’s floor plan.
Why Investors Are Drawn to Industrial Real Estate
Investors find industrial real estate attractive due to the high demand for industrial spaces and the potential for stable, long-term returns. Here are some key performance highlights:
- Rent Growth: Average rent increased by $0.94 per SF per month, up 2.2% YoY.
- Pricing Growth: Average price grew to $163.51 per SF, up 4.66% YoY.
- Cap Rates: Average cap rate of approximately 6.39%.
- Sales Volume: Net 5.62 million SF sold in Q3, totaling $1.46 billion.
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Types of Industrial Properties
1. Heavy Manufacturing
Heavy manufacturing buildings are used to assemble, convert, or fabricate raw materials into products. These properties can span hundreds of thousands of square feet and house large machinery and equipment.
2. Light Manufacturing
Light manufacturing buildings are generally smaller and more adaptable, making them easier to lease to new tenants. They typically house equipment and machinery that are easier to relocate than those in heavy manufacturing facilities.
3. Warehouse and Distribution
Warehouses are primarily used for storing and distributing goods and materials. They are essential for manufacturers, wholesalers, and logistics companies, requiring efficient layouts, accessibility, and modern logistics infrastructure.
4. Cold Storage
Cold storage facilities maintain specific temperature and humidity conditions to preserve perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and biotech products. These facilities often have advanced refrigeration systems and insulation materials.
5. Flex Space
Flex industrial buildings are versatile and often found in industrial parks. They typically feature lower ceiling heights and more office space than other industrial properties, suitable for research and development, small warehouses, and light manufacturing.
6. Showroom
Showrooms are a type of flex space with up to 50% of the layout dedicated to sales or display areas. Common showroom properties include car dealerships and fashion design spaces.
7. Data Centers
Data centers house computer systems and network infrastructure, ensuring reliable operation, high security, and efficient cooling. They are critical for industries reliant on digital functions, such as telecommunications and e-commerce.
8. Research and Development
R&D and biotech laboratories support high-technology industries like computers, biotechnology, and chemical testing. These facilities often require specialized plumbing, water distribution systems, and climate controls.
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Key Considerations for Leasing Industrial Space
When leasing industrial space, several factors influence rental rates:
- Location: Prime industrial areas or those near key transportation routes typically have higher rental rates.
- Size and Configuration: Larger spaces or those with unique features like high ceilings or loading docks can command higher rents.
- Market Conditions: Local supply and demand dynamics affect rental rates, with competitive markets often seeing higher rents.
- Lease Terms: Length of lease, escalation clauses, tenant improvements, and other terms can impact the rental rate.
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Industrial Market Outlook for 2024
The industrial real estate market is expected to remain robust in 2024, with demand driven by escalating e-commerce needs and the necessity for specialized industrial spaces. While construction deliveries may moderate demand growth, new supply will add quality space to the market, maintaining steady asking rents through the end of 2024.
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