More smaller warehouses need to be built: the expert

The dynamic development of the e-commerce sector, which gained considerable importance during the pandemic, had a strong impact on the warehouse real estate market. Today, more and more last-mile facilities are being built which, thanks to their close proximity to the end customer, streamline the entire process from ordering the product to its delivery.

"The natural effect of the development of e-com is the increase in demand for logistics and warehouse space. In many cases, investors, tenants, developers, and brokers compete in locating plots near the planned major city and national arteries, due to the constant lack of accessibility of transport caused by deficiencies in road infrastructure. There is currently an enhanced development of the warehouse, logistics, and production sector in Poland," Karol Frankowski, Leasing Manager, Hines Polska, said.

In his opinion, the demand for warehouses, especially for SMEs, remains unsatisfied.

"The increase in online sales has made it possible for small and medium-sized companies dealing in wholesale or retail trade, which is looking for smaller warehouse modules than those available in large halls. The answer to this trend on the part of funds and developers is the more and more frequent construction of halls with a depth allowing one warehouse aisle in the form of a module of approximately 1,300-1,700 sqm, or even 500-800 sqm of leasable space," the expert added.

(WBJ)