The fourth quarter of 2024 did not bring any significant change to the industrial and logistics real estate market. Although demand returned almost to pre-Covid volumes, the number of newly completed buildings remained low. Only 106,700 square meters of new space were delivered, which is the lowest in the last three years. The vacancy rate increased by 3 basis points to 3.13% and the highest rent achieved stabilized at around €7.50 per square meter. Given that many projects planned for this year have been postponed, the development for 2025 looks significantly more positive, with 870,300 square meters of new space expected to be completed. This is according to a regular quarterly survey conducted by Colliers.
The Office for the Protection of Economic Competition (ÚOHS) has authorized the American investment company Blackstone to purchase a portfolio of ten logistics parks in the Czech Republic.
Interviews with experts and questionnaire surveys showed that the Czech logistics sector is facing key decisions and changes that can fundamentally affect its future direction. Companies in the Czech Republic are facing increasing challenges, which include labor shortages, pressure on wage growth, the need to transition to automated processes and European regulatory policy. These factors force companies to rethink their strategies and investments in order to succeed in today's market.
The past few years certainly haven’t been easy for retailers. A pandemic, global chain disruptions and shortages, inflationary pressures that have squeezed consumers’ wallets and increased product costs, economic uncertainty and geopolitical instability have resulted in the closure of thousands of stores and the demise of numerous brands. Not content with all this economic disruption, a new phase of digital technology has altered consumer behaviour and increased expectations, changing the retail marketplace forever. Growth opportunities exist, but seizing them requires new mindsets, technologies, supply chain capabilities, and logistics networks.
Developer CTP is launching a new project within the development of Ostrava's Technology Park in Pustkovec (also known as T-park). The multifunctional building T6 with a total area of approx. 30,000 m2 will create a space that will connect the scientific sphere, innovative companies and students. The project, with an estimated investment of 50 million euros, is due to be completed at the end of 2027.
The study, carried out as part of the upcoming Panattoni Park Pilsen West III project by Buildigo, showed that dark facades mean up to a threefold increase in the heat island effect compared to the use of light facade surfaces. The combination of light surfaces and strategically placed greenery can also improve the perceived temperature by up to 20 percent, even compared to the original undeveloped location. The results of the study were published by the developer Panattoni.
American equity firm Blackstone is buying CT Real Estate, a portfolio of ten logistics parks, for €470 million from TPG Real Estate. The mentioned industrial properties currently cover an area of approximately 500,000 square meters in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Five years ago, TPG Real Estate created a joint venture with the developer Contera and thus acquired its portfolio, which has since quadrupled with joint efforts.
VGP, a leading European owner, manager and developer of industrial and logistics real estate, has officially completed the final phase of VGP Park Olomouc by handing over Hall E to MAPEI. This global leader in construction chemicals has leased 4,267 m² of modern warehouse and office space, which will serve as its new Czech headquarters. Aiming for BREEAM Excellent certification, this state-of-the-art facility marks the culmination of VGP's development at the park.
