Logistics & Industrial

The rapid expansion of e-commerce and 3PL networks following the pandemic has fueled demand for last-mile facilities, fulfillment centers, and bulk warehouses—strengthening the logistics and industrial real estate sector. While the industrial market has recently faced challenges from moderating and shifting consumer demand, a cooling economy, and new trade policies, it remains resilient. Looking ahead, we expect the demand for logistics and industrial real estate and supporting services to grow amid a variety of tailwinds, including e-commerce, onshoring, and healthy fundamentals across many markets.

Cushman & Wakefield’s logistics and industrial real estate professionals deliver deep local market expertise to investor and occupier clients around the globe. We partner with you through every step of your real estate journey—from market analysis, site selection, and lease negotiations to investment sales and ongoing property management. Whether you’re expanding your footprint or maximizing portfolio performance, our team delivers the insights and services to help you achieve your goals.

Cushman & Wakefield offers an end-to-end range of logistics and industrial real estate services to occupiers, including:

• Site Selection Strategy
• Multi-Market Account and Transaction Management
• Lease Negotiations, Renewals, Rent Reviews and Restructuring
• Supply Chain Optimization
• Labor Analysis
• Occupancy Cost Comparisons and Analysis
• Location Incentives Negotiations & Implementation
• Build-to-Suit Construction Management
• Portfolio Administration
• Facilities Management
• Network Optimization
• Location Strategy & Site Selection
• Workforce Profiling & Labor Due Diligence
• Distribution Center Design
• Project Management
• Inventory Optimization
• Manufacturing Facility Design
• Logistics Execution Systems Design & Implementation
• 3PL Advisory

Inquire to discuss any of these services in more detail with an expert.

From owner representation to investment sales, Cushman & Wakefield offers a wide range of services to investors active in the logistics and industrial real estate market. These include:

• Real Estate Market Analysis
• Target Analysis
• Asset Positioning and Marketing Strategy for Lease or Sale
• Marketing Program Execution
• Negotiation
• Regular Reporting on Market Activity and Trends
• Investment Sales and Acquisitions
• Equity, Debt and Structured Finance
• Corporate Finance and Investment Banking
• Property Tax Services
• Dispute Analysis & Litigation Support
• Program, Project and Construction Management
• Supply Chain Optimization Services through Consulting

Read more on what’s next for industrial investors.

With more than 1,250 dedicated logistics and industrial real estate professionals across 400 offices worldwide, Cushman & Wakefield brings unmatched expertise to help you scale with confidence. Our teams draw on insights from thousands of successful assignments to deliver tailored, data-driven strategies that align with your business goals—no matter the market. 

Explore the latest global industrial dynamics in our new report, Waypoint.

Industrial real estate occupiers continue to face a dynamic set of challenges, including rising real estate costs, ongoing tariff pressures, and softening consumer demand. These factors are prompting many companies to reassess their footprints, operational strategies, and long-term growth plans.

Key challenges include:

• Transportation costs, which account for nearly two-thirds of total operating expenses. Strategically located real estate can help reduce these costs and partially or fully offset total operating expenses over time.
• Rising operational costs, which are pushing many occupiers to invest in automation and technology to improve efficiency and manage expenses.
• Tariff pressures and lighter consumer demand, which are leading to lower inventory levels and motivating companies to reduce their real estate footprints to control costs.

According to a recent Cushman & Wakefield survey of 54 North American markets, industrial occupiers were likely to delay leasing decisions by three months or more—and in some cases, indefinitely—in 75% of the markets. Data-driven insights from a supply chain network optimization analysis can help occupiers reduce costs and risk, improve service levels, and enhance flexibility. Solid advance planning helps prepare for disruptions (e.g., natural disasters, geopolitical events) and provides flexibility for responding to changes in demand or supply. Overall, occupiers with optimized supply chains can respond faster to market changes, offer better prices, and deliver superior customer experiences.