A new market analysis compiled by Yardi® Matrix reports that the industrial sector of the U.S. economy is performing solidly. Warehouse and distribution assets posted double-digit total returns, record low vacancy rates and all-time high rents in 2017 and are on track for an even stronger year in 2018, according to the report.
The report, titled "Hitting Its Stride," details how rising e-commerce sales and online retailers' focus on moving closer to customers have made warehouse space popular with both investors and tenants.
See Also: Yardi Matrix report shows U.S. rent surge in April
Biopharmaceutical companies, whose growth potential and long-term returns have drawn increasing investment attention, are seeking new locations away from such traditional centers as Boston, San Francisco and Seattle. Meanwhile, rising imports, expanded Panama Canal capacity and larger cargo ships have driven up demand for industrial space at U.S. seaports. These and other factors "prompted a number of architects to design [warehouses] upward instead of outward," the report says, and inspired new designs to accommodate direct consumer delivery, refrigeration, vertical development and sustainability.
The report, which can be downloaded here, also includes a Q&A with Jim Connor, chairman and CEO of industrial asset owner and operator Duke Realty Corp.
Related Stories
Market Data | Jul 31, 2019
For the second quarter of 2019, the U.S. hotel construction pipeline continued its year-over-year growth spurt
The growth spurt continued even as business investment declined for the first time since 2016.
Market Data | Jul 23, 2019
Despite signals of impending declines, continued growth in nonresidential construction is expected through 2020
AIA’s latest Consensus Construction Forecast predicts growth.
Market Data | Jul 20, 2019
Construction costs continued to rise in second quarter
Labor availability is a big factor in that inflation, according to Rider Levett Bucknall report.
Market Data | Jul 18, 2019
Construction contractors remain confident as summer begins
Contractors were slightly less upbeat regarding profit margins and staffing levels compared to April.
Market Data | Jul 17, 2019
Design services demand stalled in June
Project inquiry gains hit a 10-year low.
Market Data | Jul 16, 2019
ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator increases modestly in May
The Construction Backlog Indicator expanded to 8.9 months in May 2019.
K-12 Schools | Jul 15, 2019
Summer assignments: 2019 K-12 school construction costs
Using RSMeans data from Gordian, here are the most recent costs per square foot for K-12 school buildings in 10 cities across the U.S.
Market Data | Jul 12, 2019
Construction input prices plummet in June
This is the first time in nearly three years that input prices have fallen on a year-over-year basis.
Market Data | Jul 1, 2019
Nonresidential construction spending slips modestly in May
Among the 16 nonresidential construction spending categories tracked by the Census Bureau, five experienced increases in monthly spending.
Market Data | Jul 1, 2019
Almost 60% of the U.S. construction project pipeline value is concentrated in 10 major states
With a total of 1,302 projects worth $524.6 billion, California has both the largest number and value of projects in the U.S. construction project pipeline.
