Sebastien Giordano
Christophe Golenvaux *LWL Invest srl/bv
You can read the press release in Dutch & in French
The industrial sector is currently experiencing contrasting dynamics, marked by divergent trends. On one hand, investors appear to be benefiting from a favorable context, taking advantage of opportunities and conditions conducive to their activities. On the other hand, occupiers are adopting a more cautious stance, preferring to maintain their current positions without engaging in new expansionist strategies. This dichotomy raises questions about the evolution of the industrial sector and the factors influencing the decisions of these two groups of actors.
Brussels, January 21, 2025 - JLL, the Belgian industry leader, reviews the year 2024 for the industrial and logistics real estate market. 2024 has been a complex year in terms of geopolitics and the global economy. This instability has had an impact on the real estate market for both investors and occupiers.
Trends in the industrial market, combined logistics and semi-industrial segments
The industrial take-up volume is 1,589,000 m², representing a 27% decrease compared to 2023 and 35% compared to the five-year average. However, it should be noted that the five-year average is "boosted" by exceptional take-up in 2021 related to the pandemic context. This gap narrows to 20% when compared to the ten-year average.
Trends in the logistics segment
Despite a complex economic and geopolitical context, the Belgian industrial market demonstrated resilience in 2024, with a significant take-up of 707,654 m². Although this figure represents a decrease compared to the exceptional year of 2023, it testifies to the sector's continued robustness.
The Walloon axis particularly distinguished itself with an impressive take-up of 254,000 m², notably thanks to the pre-leasing of the WLP X project by Weerts to the distribution chain Skechers. This major transaction highlights the shift in demand towards a region where industrial brownfields are available for redevelopment. Demand remains strong on the main Belgian logistics axis, the Brussels - Antwerp axis, which accounts for 31% of the total volume (221,544 m²).
About JLL
For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with annual revenue of $20.8 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 106,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.