Blog #industrial real estate

• Demand for industrial space weakened countywide in Q3, with an increase in sublet space.
• Vacancy rates are the highest since 2013 but still 200 basis points below the national average.
• The decline in net absorption is the largest year-to-date drop in 15 years.
• Average rents fell for the seventh consecutive quarter.
• Countywide negative net absorption in Q3 totaled 1.3 million SF, bringing the annual total to 4.1 million SF, the highest since the 2008 financial crisis.
• The average triple-net rental rate dropped to $1.59 per SF, down from the $1.71 peak at the end of 2023.
• Q3's 5% vacancy rate is an increase from 2% in Q1 2023.

In Q3 2024, the South Bay submarket saw a continued increase in vacant space, with the vacancy rate rising to 4.4%, up 20 basis points from Q2 and 50 basis points year-over-year. Tenants are becoming more selective, taking advantage of longer decision-making periods. Despite a 7.8% year-over-year decline in average asking rents, rents remained somewhat resilient due to concessions from landlords.

Leasing activity included 1.37 million square feet of new deals, though it was below the 10-year average. Net absorption was positive for the first time in a year, at +669,007 square feet. Construction continues with 1.5 million square feet in progress, which could impact vacancy rates if demand doesn't catch up.

Sales activity increased from Q2 but remained significantly lower than in 2023. Sales volume reached $71.9 million, and average prices per square foot dropped 22.5% year-over-year to $258.92.

GDP Growth: Q2 2024

• U.S. GDP grew at a 2.8% annual rate in Q2, up from 1.4% in Q1.
• Growth driven by increased consumer spending, business investment, and inventory growth.
• Consumer spending rose by about 2%, especially in health care, housing, recreation, and durable goods.
• Business investment increased, particularly in equipment and intellectual property.
• Inventory growth was notable in wholesale and retail trade, offset by declines in mining, utilities, and construction.
• Gross domestic purchases prices increased by 2.3%, down from 3.1% in Q1.
• Excluding food and energy, prices increased by 2.5%, down from 3.3% in Q1.
• Personal consumption expenditures price index increased by 2.6%, compared to 3.4% in Q1.
• Current-dollar personal income increased by $237.6 billion, down from $396.8 billion in Q1.
• Real disposable personal income growth slowed, and the personal saving rate decreased to 3.5%.

Employment: Q2 2024

• 206,000 jobs added in June, with a slight rise in the unemployment rate to 4.1%.
• Labor force participation rate increased to 62.6%, driven by prime-age workers.
• Wage growth slowed, with average hourly earnings rising 0.3% from May and 3.9% year-over-year.
• Job growth mainly in government and healthcare sectors.
• Private sector payrolls slowed, with gains in construction offset by declines in manufacturing.
• Job openings rose to 8.14 million in May, but a cooling trend is expected.

Monetary Policy: Q2 2024

• Federal Reserve left the overnight federal funds rate unchanged.
• Potential for at least one interest rate cut in 2024 remains.
• Disinflation resumed, with CPI inflation falling to 3.3% in May.
• FOMC held rates steady, awaiting further evidence of returning inflation to the 2% target.
• Financial markets expect a 0.25% rate reduction in September.
• Labor market showed better balance between supply and demand, with nominal wage increases trending down.

Global Economy: Q2 2024

• IMF forecasted global growth at 3.2% for 2024 and 3.3% for 2025.
• U.S. growth revised to 2.6% for 2024, slowing to 1.9% in 2025.
• Euro area expected to see modest growth driven by services and net exports.
• Japan's growth outlook revised downward due to supply disruptions and weak investment.
• Stronger activity in emerging markets, especially China (5% growth forecast for 2024) and India (7%).
• Latin America faced downward revisions for Brazil and Mexico due to natural disasters and moderating demand.
• Middle East and Central Asia impacted by oil production cuts and regional conflicts, with notable downward revisions for Saudi Arabia and Sudan.

Here are a few of the important points from the quarterly update on the greater Los Angeles industrial real estate market: 

1. Market Conditions:
   • Vacancies and availability increased across all submarkets.
   • Lease rates experienced a decrease.
   • Sales and leasing activity hit historic lows.
   • Construction starts diminished.
2. Employment and Wage Trends:
   • Unemployment rate fell to 3.8%, with a slight increase in labor force participation rate.
   • Average hourly earnings rose by 4.1% year-over-year, surpassing inflation.
3. Inflation Concerns:
   • Inflation measures remain elevated, with growing worries that the disinflation process has stalled.
   • CPI report indicates inflation surpassed forecasts, with both month-over-month and year-over-year increases.
4. Economic Growth:
   • Economy grew by 2.5% on an annual basis at the end of 2023.
   • Forecasted GDP growth for Q1 2024 is around 2.4%.
5. Investor Sentiment and Market Behavior:
   • Cautious investor sentiment due to uncertainty over potential federal interest rate cuts and geopolitical challenges.
   • Opportunities for owner-occupiers to acquire buildings with less competition from institutional investors.
   • Smaller buildings sought after via SBA loans and conventional financing, but with stringent oversight from lenders.
6. Tenant Trends and Industrial Real Estate:
   • Lease renewals becoming more prevalent among tenants.
   • Tenants increasingly subletting unused space.
   • Despite market corrections, industrial real estate remains sought after, driven by barriers-to-entry and demand for newer, functional space in infill Southern California markets.

The report ends with a note that the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles are seeing higher volumes.  With West Coast labor concerns resolved and issues at the Panama Canal (drought), Red Sea (safety), East Coast labor negotiations and now Baltimore (FSK Bridge Collapse) expect this trend to continue.

Provided it’s in the database, Ron Mgrublian – Lee & Associates will provide a free valuation report for your commercial real estate property. Even amidst the complexities of the current lending climate, it's important to note that the demand for Industrial Real Estate Properties remains remarkably high. This knowledge becomes particularly valuable for those individuals who have a remaining loan term of two years or less. 

Understanding the nuances of the market and its unwavering demand for industrial properties despite the challenging business & lending environment is pivotal. Ron Mgrublian and the adept professionals at Lee & Associates are here to offer their expertise, ensuring you receive valuable insight that is instrumental in making informed decisions about your commercial real estate property. Whether you're assessing your property's value for refinancing, selling, or strategic planning, these insights provide a valuable edge in navigating the dynamics of the commercial real estate market. 

To receive your report, please use the contact form, call, text or email me.

Listed for Sale by Ron Mgrublian and Jeff Coburn, the ±10,208 SF Long Beach Warehouse property recently sold. 

The Long Beach Industrial Submarket vacancy rates remain 41% below those of the Los Angeles Industrial Market, CoStar has the average Long Beach Market Sale Price at $367 PSF.

Ron Mgrublian is a Commercial Real Estate Broker focusing on Industrial Real Estate and Warehouse Properties with the Lee & Associates Los Angeles – Long Beach, Southern California office.

TERM: 1 Year, Month to Month Thereafter

• ESFR Sprinkler System

• 1-2 Docks Shared

• Office & Bathrooms Possible

• Dead Storage Okay

• High Functioning Property

• Great Strategic Location

• Minutes to 10 and 15 Freway

The Los Angeles industrial real estate market is one of the most active and sought after in the United States. It is a diverse market, ranging from smaller facilities to large, modern distribution centers. The demand for industrial space in Los Angeles has remained strong due to the city's strategic location, growing population, and thriving economy. The Los Angeles industrial real estate market has also benefited from the rise of e-commerce, as online shopping has led to an increased demand for warehouse and distribution facilities. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on many industries, the industrial sector has remained resilient, with strong leasing activity and a stable vacancy rate. Overall, the Los Angeles industrial real estate market presents many opportunities for investors, developers, and tenants alike. 

The Los Angeles industrial real estate market in the fourth quarter of 2022 was strong, with robust demand and limited supply leading to higher rental rates and lower vacancies. The e-commerce sector continued to drive demand for warehouse and distribution space. Overall, the market was characterized by a favorable balance between supply and demand, with positive outlook for the future.

The San Gabriel Valley industrial market in the fourth quarter of 2022 continued to perform well with low vacancy rates and rising rents. In the 1st quarter of 2023, it is expected to continue this trend with growing demand for industrial space from various industries, such as e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing. The San Gabriel Valley's strategic location, close proximity to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and excellent transportation infrastructure make it an attractive location for businesses. 

Overall, the San Gabriel Valley industrial market in the 4th quarter of 2022 remained strong, with ongoing demand and limited supply driving up rents and pushing down vacancy rates.

Back in July I wanted to get a new mountain bike.  I visited a few stores and called around and was told maybe next year.  I know those who are looking for new cars are experiencing the same issue.  And windows and dishwashers and so on and so on.  The report explores why this is happening and how long it will last.

Representing the Seller on the sale of 15343 Illinois Ave in Paramount, California, Ron Mgrublian was able to successfully find the Upleg portion of the 1031 Exchange for his client.  The property at 2094 E. Foothill Blvd in Pasadena, CA was identified with the assistance of Patrick Reddy of the Lee & Associates LA North office.  For more information contact Ron Mgrublian.