Demand for warehouses in overdrive as online sales increase

January 22, 2021
Rightmove logo

Following today’s ONS retail sales figures, Rightmove, with the largest online commercial real estate (CRE) audience in the UK, reveals the increase in enquiries in the industrial and warehouse property sector:

· So far this year, there has been a record number of enquiries for industrial and warehousing, with total enquiries on freehold properties up by 108% compared to the same period in 2020, and total enquiries on leasehold properties up by 38%1

· The Rightmove Commercial Real Estate portal had its busiest ever day for visits this week on Tuesday 19th January, with over 138,000 visits in one day

· In December, the number of enquiries in industrial and warehousing outperformed all other sectors:

  • The number of people enquiring to buy a premises was up by 56% on December 2019
  • The number of people enquiring to lease a premises was up by 43% on December 2019
  • Across Q4, the annual increase in enquiries for freehold in this sector was highest in the South East (+85%), London (+84%) and the East Midlands (+77%)
  • Across Q4, the annual increase in enquiries for leasehold in this sector was highest in the South East (+38%), East of England (+37%) and the West Midlands (+32%)

· Despite the challenges on physical retail premises, enquiries are still higher than a year ago in all regions except London, for those looking to lease a retail outlet:

  • The number of people enquiring to lease a retail outlet was up by 36% on December 2019
  • Across Q4, the annual change in enquiries for retail outlets was highest in the East of England (+42%) and lowest in London, down by 1%

Alex Solomon, Director of Rightmove’s Commercial Real Estate portal, says: “Retailers have been adapting since the first lockdown last year to expand their online set-ups, and with that has come a change in what they want from a commercial property. There’s been a greater need for warehouses of all sizes to respond to the increased demand from people shopping online, which has led to demand in the industrial and warehousing sector going into overdrive. Agents are reporting an extremely high conversion rate from businesses enquiring for warehouse space, with new leases being agreed quickly. While enquiries for retail outlets are still higher than before the pandemic, the rate of conversion is slower, suggesting people are considering a relocation to another outlet or starting up a new business, but until there is more certainty around when non-essential retailers can open again this pace is likely to remain much slower than that of industrial spaces.”

Rightmove

UK Property news updates shared directly from Rightmove PLC - the country's leading property portal.

You May Also Enjoy

Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

How to Become an Estate Agent with No Experience

Breaking into the property industry can seem intimidating – especially if you’ve never worked in it before. But the good news? You don’t need years of experience or fancy qualifications to start a career as an estate agent in the UK. In fact, many successful estate agents started with no background in property at all.…
Read More →
buying at auction uk
Estate Agent Talk

9 Advantages of Selling Your House by Auction

Selling your house by auction might seem like a daunting prospect, but it comes with numerous advantages that can make it a highly attractive option. While the traditional method of selling through an estate agent has its place, auctions are increasingly becoming a popular choice for homeowners looking for a swift and reliable sale. Here…
Read More →
Breaking News

Majority of Tenants Unsure How Changes Will Affect Them, Says LRG

With major changes to the private rental sector on the horizon, 62% of tenants say they don’t know whether the government’s Renters’ Rights Bill will address their concerns – highlighting a growing need for clearer communication around what the reforms will mean in practice. LRG’s latest Lettings Report shows that while landlords are widely aware…
Read More →
Home and Living

Perfume Storage Tips: How to Keep Your Fragrances Fresh

Perfumes are sensitive compositions that can be significantly affected by how they are stored. Proper storage ensures that your favorite fragrances stay fresh and maintain their intended scent profile. In this article, we’ll explore practical, fun, and effective tips to help you preserve your perfumes in perfect condition. Understanding the Sensitivity of Perfumes Perfumes are…
Read More →
Breaking News

Renters’ Rights Bill Delay Causing Uncertainty for Tenants and Landlords

Ministers need to tell landlords and tenants when measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill will take effect the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) is today warning. The Government pledged last year to abolish Section 21 ‘no explanation’ repossessions and to make other changes to the rental market this summer. With the Bill not scheduled to…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 02/04/25

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X.   Made Snappy 360 appoints new CEO and Sales Director to accelerate growth in the property technology space Made Snappy 360, the fast-growing proptech company known for its virtual tours and floor plan technology, has appointed industry veteran Mark Beresford-Ward as its new Chief Executive…
Read More →