Winter is coming.

As the long summer of near-zero rates, limitless demand, and unbounded growth taper off into a new reality, we find ourselves in a remarkable period of transition.

Although the industrial (and broader commercial real estate) market remains healthy in terms of sales volume, new construction, and red-hot demand for space, a structural shift has already begun to take place.

Decision makers, in larger and larger numbers (and with more boldness), are beginning to question the economic fundamentals underlying the industrial market as a whole; even if only in private, for now.

Rising costs remain the biggest question on everyone’s minds – from construction, materials, and labour to borrowing, operating, purchasing, and leasing.

The second-most contemplated item is how will investors continue to extract yields or how will users be able to adapt to rising rents as each line item slowly creeps into margins.

The past decade saw a degree of certainty within the market whereby users could lock in reasonable rates for a period of 10 years or more. Meanwhile, investors were assured of their returns as values seriously lagged behind other global markets, providing ample runway and a buffer should any mistakes be made.

Now, however, all of these forces are beginning to converge, which have raised many questions.

How rich will the buyer pool be when selling assets?

How many tenants, aside from the AAA-covenant corporates, will be lining up to scoop up new space?

How will owners of smaller facilities deal with renewals when tenants are faced with a doubling or tripling of their rents while having few alternative options for relocation?

Overall, each stakeholder in the market is becoming more cautious and calculated as the general landscape brings forward more risk. How they negotiate and come to terms to make things work will largely dictate the success of the broader market moving forward. To what degree, and when, we see a recession finally play out remains to be seen. However, the fact remains that working together to get deals done in tougher economic climates is a critical mantra looking forward.

In the meantime, we observe a market continuing to charge forward, albeit much more carefully. Opportunity still abounds, however, strategy and timing will largely determine how successful each venture will be. 

So with that said, let’s examine how each of the Greater Toronto Area regions performed in Q3 2022, and where we expect the market to go moving forward.

Generally, the Toronto-North markets have newer product with higher ceiling heights and better shipping access. Further, there are benefits from access to major transportation routes.  

So, if you are an Investor, Landlord, or Owner-Occupier you may be wondering…

What rental rate can I expect? How much $/PSF would I be able to get if I sold my building?

These questions are being asked all the time.

The answer to this will depend on a range of factors, including: 

1. Rental Rates: The Toronto-North markets now have the highest-weighted average rental rates at $16.57 PSF, ahead of the West markets at $15.78 PSF and the Central markets at $15.58 PSF. Keep in mind that rental rates are a weighted average, and also subject to annual escalations. We continue to see a general upward pressure across the board into the high-teens to low-twenties, depending on a number of factors, such as building size, location, ceiling height, etc. Based on the increase of value of industrial land, infill sites, construction costs, etc… we can only see these rates continue to grow. Overall, we are still in a Landlord’s market. 
2. Property Values: We have seen a decrease in value in some properties that have been taken to the market at new watermark values. That said, depending on the building size and location, and especially for Class A, well-located space, pricing shall remain strong. Given the most recent increases in interest rates, we will see an impact on CAP rates.  
3. Development Opportunities: The Toronto-North markets still have quite a bit of land available for development in Vaughan-West along Highway 50. We are also going to see further development along Highway 400 as land sites in more central areas become more scarce. Regarding industrial land, pricing generally continues to increase. 

So, how much is your property really worth?

What rental rate can you expect or how much per SF would you be able to get if you sell your building? How much can we compress CAP rates to create even greater value?

Well, the answers to these questions will depend on a variety of factors, many of which we can quickly uncover in an assessment of your situation. And with our rental rates and valuations at all-time highs, and vacancy rates low, finding the right property is a real challenge.

Having said that, a lot of transactions are being done off the market.. and to participate in that, you should connect with experienced brokers that have long-standing relationships with property owners.  

For a confidential consultation or a complimentary opinion of value of your property please give us a call.

Until next week…

Goran Brelih and his team have been servicing Investors and Occupiers of Industrial properties in Toronto Central and Toronto North markets for the past 29 years.

Goran Brelih is a Senior Vice President for Cushman & Wakefield ULC in the Greater Toronto Area.

Over the past 29 years, he has been involved in the lease or sale of approximately 25.7 million square feet of industrial space, valued in excess of $1.6 billion dollars while averaging between 40 and 50 transactions per year and achieving the highest level of sales, from the President’s Round Table to Top Ten in GTA and the National Top Ten.

Specialties:
Industrial Real Estate Sales and Leasing, Investment Sales, Design-Build and Land Development

About Cushman & Wakefield ULC.
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with approximately 53,000 employees in 400 offices and 60 countries.

In 2020, the firm had revenue of $7.8 billion across core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, valuation and other services. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.

For more information on GTA Industrial Real Estate Market or to discuss how they can assist you with your real estate needs please contact Goran at 416-756-5456, email at goran.brelih@cushwake.com, or visit www.goranbrelih.com.

Connect with Me Here! – Goran Brelih’s Linkedin Profile: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/goranbrelih