Industrial sector remains strong while retail suffers

Demand for industrial property space in Wales is significantly outstripping supply, according to the RICS Commercial Market Survey, Wales, Q3 2017.

Chartered surveyor respondents are reporting increases in occupier demand for industrial space and falling availability. They are also pointing to strong rises in interest from investors to purchase industrial property assets.

As a result, both rents and capital values in the sector are expected to keep rising in the three months ahead.

This is contrast to the retail sector, where occupier demand is reported to have been falling, and investor interest flat. As a result, short-term rent and capital value expectations in the retail sector have declined, according to the balance of surveyors.

Whilst there is variation between sectors, overall the commercial property sector in Wales remains stronger than in other UK regions, according to the survey. Like the industrial sector, office continues to perform well, with occupier demand and investor interest rising and expectations for rent and capital values in the three-months ahead still positive.

Chris Sutton, RICS Commercial Property Spokesperson said “With a growth in ‘last-mile’ logistics and steady demand from trade counter operators, the industrial sector has been very buoyant. This has mirrored activity in the capital markets with multi-let industrial investments in demand. In terms of the office sector, the announcement of the 266,000 sq ft public sector hub for HMRC in Central Square, Cardiff is the largest office pre-let ever agreed in Wales and this has given a further boost to the Central Cardiff Enterprise Zone.”