This may sound counterintuitive as we navigate the economic impact of a pandemic.
But I’ve recently reported that our Saskatoon industrial vacancy rate actually dropped in 3Q20 demonstrating the economic resilience of this asset class.
Two industrial properties I recently brought to the market sold within one week.
Tangible examples
One was an investment property with a four-year under market lease in place and one was sold vacant to an owner occupant.
The sweet spot from owner occupants appears to be in the 6,000 – 9,000 SF range; preferably with a larger than typical land to building ratio.
The range is much broader for industrial investment and not tied to specific size.
With historically low interest rates and with reasonably healthy industrial vacancy rates, investors are seeking assets with functional design, industry standard land to building ratio, lease term and tenant covenant in place.
The demand is coming from individual and institutional investors and therefore the price range is wide.
Leveraging capital
This market presents an opportunity for owner occupant businesses to raise expansion capital through a sale leaseback of their property.
Many businesses could realize a greater return on investment by turning sale proceeds back into their own operation.
As strong as the demand is for specific industrial property, the interest in buildings that are either functionally obsolescent or specialized in design, seems to be very tepid.
Inventory will tighten
A report issued by the city of Saskatoon earlier this month indicated that only two building permits had been issued in the Marquis Industrial area year to date in 2020.
It’s interesting to note that one was for 6,000 SF on 1.63 acres and one was for 8,000 SF on 2.3 acres.
I’d guess they are very likely owner occupants who were unable to find an existing building in the market to purchase.
The lack of new speculative construction will result in continued absorption of any existing inventory and place more pressure on the existing vacancy rate.
If you own an industrial building and are curious what it may be worth, now may be the time to call your commercial real estate broker and determine its value.
Posted by Barry Stuart
