Phoenix Q1 Industrial Sector Conditions Continue to Improve
PHOENIX, AZ – April 16, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The Phoenix industrial market continued to improve in the fi rst quarter of the year, posting its lowest percentage vacancy (11.8%) since Q1 2008. In that 7-year time period, the Valley’s industrial inventory gained over 32 million SF of warehouse/distribution, manufacturing and fl ex space. The most recent seven quarters have yielded the most productive net absorption gains during this period as well. This all coincides with a strong return to market fundamentals and an improving U.S. economy.
Leasing activity has remained steady throughout the past seven years, but the activity level signals that there is quality product for lease throughout the Phoenix area. With all the available space, rental rates have yet to return to pre-recession levels, but have been gaining ground slowly each quarter.
Using available and inexpensive funding resources, built-to-suit and spec. projects have gained momentum in the market in which nearly 2.4 million SF of product is under construction. Over 2.8 million SF was delivered to market inventory this past quarter alone.
The entire industrial market has its bright spots in diff erent areas. The Southeast Valley’s demand remains strong for data and call centers and manufacturing facilities, while the Southwest Valley continues as the center for large distribution buildings. Multi-tenant distribution and warehouse projects are currently in high demand for medium-sized space. Chandler and the Sky Harbor Airport area remain the strongest areas for new multi-tenant building activity.
The Valley’s industrial market closed Q1 2015 with a vacancy rate of 11.8%, 20-basis points lower compared to last quarter. Net absorption landed at 1,337,703 SF. The Southwest and Southeast Valley combined for nearly 1 million SF of that total.
Overall asking rental rates saw a minor drop of -0.4% which does not seem to be an indicator of any specifi c trend. Leasing activity was generally lower butwithin historical norms and quarterly fl uctuations.
In the largest lease transaction of the fi rst quarter, Tuesday Morning leased 593,600 SF at Liberty Logistics Center, 563 S. 63rd Ave. in Phoenix. The company is expected to move into the vacant facility by September of this year. The facility will be used as a Western U.S. distribution center for the discount retailer.
The largest sale transaction for the quarter was the $10.2 million sale of 651 N. 101st Ave. in Avondale. The 73,050 SF general industrial building was bought by Cummins Rocky Mountain and sold by Granco Enterprises. Price per SF was calculated at $139.63.
For more information, contact:
Matt DePinto, mdepinto (at) leearizona (dot) com; 602-474-9512
Lee & Associates Arizona
3200 East Camelback Road
Suite 100
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
602.956.7777
www.leearizona.com
Media Contact
Matt DePinto
Senior Research Analyst
Public Media Relations
602.474.9512
mdepinto (at) leearizona (dot) com
