Managers and consultants are delivering conflicting messages over short- and mid-term prospects for the industrial and logistics sector.

In its 2024 Global Investment Outlook report, Hines says occupier demand in industrial and logistics is showing signs of cooling across various economic sectors. At the same time, indications from ecommerce spending levels suggest a potential near-term slowdown from online operators looking for new space.

Nevertheless, Hines anticipates “solid” mid-term rental growth, particularly in major supply-constrained population centres such as Paris, Madrid, Milan and Stockholm, which are poised to outperform other European markets.

In its analysis of the UK market for 2024, CBRE is of the view that the industrial and logistics segment will become increasingly polarised due to sustainability issues. Facilities that deliver green features will attract far more occupiers, and rents of non-ESG-compliant properties are expected