What Should You Know Before Investing in Industrial Real Estate?

Modern Distribution Space Is What’s In Demand:

  • Modern, quality distribution space is in high demand in the industrial property sector.

  • The distribution and fulfillment space has experienced the fastest rent growth.

  • General distribution space is a relatively safe bet for first-time industrial investors.

  • An Industrial Asset’s Location Is Paramount:

    • The location of an industrial property is crucial for its success.

    • Proximity and easy access to major transportation corridors are important.

    • Industrial research labs and specialized buildings have high demand but may be more expensive to invest in.

  • Which Interior Features of Industrial Buildings Are the Most Important?:

    • Clear heights are essential for distribution centers.

    • Clear heights determine the amount of inventory that can be stored.

    • Loading docks are critical for loading and unloading products.

    • The configuration and setup of loading docks are important.

    • Column spacing affects the efficiency of operations in distribution and logistics buildings.

  • Most Important Exterior Considerations for Industrial Investing:

    • Truck courts are crucial for distribution operations.

    • Proximity to major transportation corridors benefits operations and tenant demand.

  • Truck Courts and their Importance:

    • Truck Courts are the area adjacent to a building's loading docks that consists of the loading and truck maneuvering areas.

    • Truck courts play a crucial role in logistics distribution properties as they can impact the efficiency and safety of operations.

    • The standard depth of a truck court is around 120 feet, but newer properties often have larger truck courts.

  • Trailer Parking in Logistics Centers:

    • Trailer parking is an important consideration for major logistics centers to accommodate heavy traffic.

    • Investments in assets with secured truck courts or trailer parking can be beneficial.

  • Repositioning Opportunities for Industrial Investments:

    • Repositioning a dated industrial facility can yield high returns and be a valuable investment strategy.

    • Buying a Class B asset at a lower price point and improving it can lead to significant returns.

  • Key Considerations when Investing in Industrial Real Estate:

    • Location, access to transportation, and proximity to major terminals and transportation hubs are important factors to consider.

    • Setting realistic assumptions expectations is crucial for success in industrial real estate investments.

  • Advantages of Investing in Industrial Real Estate:

    • Investing in industrial real estate can offer strong returns and repositioning opportunities.

    • Tax benefits, such as accelerated depreciation, can further enhance the advantages.

  • Risks Associated with Investing in Industrial Real Estate:

    • Tenant default, longer lease terms, and slower leasing velocity are common risks.

    • Value-add opportunities may be necessary to maximize returns on industrial real estate investments.