Tenant activity for industrial has increased over the past few months and is closer to historic norms. We are seeing increased activity in the capital markets.
Owners Council
Owners Council Q&A: Jack Morris
I’ll always be bullish on New Jersey. As with any market, we may need to endure some ups and downs, but our state’s fundamentals give us a high floor and a very high ceiling. Qualities like access to New York City, a highly trained workforce, great medical facilities and care, an array of recreational assets and municipalities that are attractive to families give New Jersey long-term appeal. Also, citizens value safety and security, and I want to give kudos to the incredible law enforcement professionals who serve our communities in New Jersey each and every day.
Owners Council Q&A: Jeff Milanaik
Our industry, like all others, has seen an ebb and flow since 2020. While we received the benefit of thriving business immediately following the pandemic, the last few years have brought us stabilization. As seasoned professionals in the industry, Bridge Industrial recognized that the level of activity we had during COVID could not be sustained for an extended time. In fact, as early as 2022, in my role as NAIOP Corporate Chair, the signs of a shift began to appear, and activity began to shrink. However, as we are heading into the end of 2024, we are beginning to see signs of increased activity and customer demand.
Owners Council Q&A: Katie Kurtz
In many property types, the market remains at somewhat of a standstill, with the high cost of capital making desired return metrics hard to hit. However, the strength of the multifamily and industrial sectors allows smart investors to transact. The promise of further rate cuts does bring reasons for optimism. Predicting the exact industry response is challenging though, as it will take time for the market to adjust to the new rates and benchmarks before transaction volume picks up.
Owners Council Q&A: Lance Bergstein
The macro environment had an exponential effect on the commercial real estate market. The impact of increased inflation and borrowing rates magnified some of the underlying fundamentals in the New Jersey market. With that said, the industrial market in the state remained strong in comparison to the rest of the country. The scarcity of developable land in prime locations for logistics prevented rental rate cuts from becoming prevalent in the overall market. There is strong tenant demand, however, corporate spending approvals have been the barrier. As spending approvals become more attainable, there will not be enough chairs (buildings) left for tenants when the music stops. I continue to believe that New Jersey is underserved from an industrial and housing perspective and am very bullish on the activity our market will see in the next 18 months.
Owners Council Q&A: Alex Cocoziello
It feels that the market is at an inflection point. Geographic location, product type and risk profile determine the ability to raise capital, both debt and equity. Fundamental demand remains firm across the multifamily, industrial, life science and the retail sector, but volatility in monetary policy, the rates market and uncertainty surrounding construction costs have kept capital deployment tepid.
Owners Council Q&A: Lou March
We’re cautiously optimistic about the market. While there have been challenges like increased lending interest rates and the uncertainties associated with them, we’ve found opportunities to innovate and thrive. Leveraging joint ventures, early procurement and efficient planning has allowed us to combat potential delays and unforeseen expenses. Our growth in 2023, despite some projects stalling due to market factors, testifies to our adaptability and resilience in these changing times.
Owners Council Q&A: Sam Morreale
The market is greatly divided today between corporations that are making major investments in new facilities to attract and retain employees in a still-to-be-determined “back to work” versus “hybrid employment” environment. The remaining part of the market is indecision of corporations on utilization of their current office footprints versus the potential of downsizing due to a work at home component. Decisions also need to be made for improvements on an existing facility, whether it be to potentially right-size or relocate to a more modern and amenitized facility consistent with the employer leaders mentioned earlier.
Owners Council Q&A: Mark Shearer
Opportunities for industrial remain along the New Jersey Turnpike corridor. Because there is a lack of available land, we feel the opportunities will come from the redevelopment of contaminated sites and demolition of underutilized office complexes, and the conversion of obsolete industrial facilities. The Port and demographics continue to drive demand for space.
