Blog #Industrial Market Report

Market Summary

• Demand Softening: Industrial demand continued to ease in Q3, with negative net absorption of -850,291 SF — the largest quarterly loss in 2025 and the 11th consecutive quarter of tenant contraction.
• Vacancy Surge: Countywide vacancy rose to 6.6%, the highest since the Great Recession (up from 1.8% over the past 11 quarters).
• Lease Rates Declining: Average NNN asking rate fell to $18.12 PSF (down from $19.20 PSF in Q3 2024).
• Tenant Concessions at Peak: Landlords offering maximum incentives to attract tenants.
• Bright Spot: Increased activity in 100,000–200,000 SF distribution & manufacturing spaces.

Key Market Indicators (Q3 2025 vs Prior Quarters)

Top Lease Transactions (by SF)

Top Sale Transactions (by SF)

Outlook

• Rising vacancy and falling rents signal a tenant-favorable market.
• Sales activity remains resilient, with average sale prices up 10% YoY despite higher cap rates.
• Construction pipeline cooling (down ~24% from Q2), potentially stabilizing supply in 2026.

Source: Lee & Associates Research, CoStar, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | © 2025

Q3 2025 San Gabriel Valley (SGV), CA Industrial Market Summary

Market Recovery Signs

• Vacancy Rate: Down to 5.3% (from 6.4% in Q3 2024), with YTD improvement to 5.4% from 6.2% in 2024.
• Net Absorption: Strong rebound with +1.56M SF YTD; 12-month total at +2.12M SF (vs. -1.78M SF in Q3 2024).
• Leasing Activity: Robust at ~9M SF across 539 deals, indicating tenant re-entry despite elevated availability (~6.4%).

Rents & Pricing Trends

• Avg NNN Asking Rent: $1.29 PSF, down from $1.49 PSF (Q3 2024) — reflecting landlord competition.
• Sale Price PSF: $240.24, down from $285.03 in Q2 2025.
• Cap Rate: Compressed to 4.8% (from 6.1% in Q3 2024), signaling rising investor confidence.

Supply & Development

• Under Construction: 617K SF — limited pipeline, new deliveries slowed significantly.
• Total Inventory: 177.75M SF, stable with minimal additions.

Top Lease Transactions (by SF)

Top Sale Transactions (Portfolio Deal by TA Realty)

Outlook: SGV industrial market is stabilizing with improving fundamentals, strong leasing, and moderating rents. Low construction and positive absorption support a tenant-favorable but recovering environment.

Source: Lee & Associates Research, Q3 2025

Overview

The "Industrial Market Insights Q3 2025" report by Lee & Associates analyzes the Southern California industrial real estate market, focusing on the South Bay, Midcounties, Central, and Inland Empire submarkets. It highlights macroeconomic drivers, trade trends, port activity, and submarket-specific fundamentals like vacancy rates, net absorption, rents, construction, and top transactions. Overall, the market shows softening conditions with rising vacancies, declining rents in some areas, and stabilizing investor activity amid economic moderation. Ports of Los Angeles (LA) and Long Beach (LB) remain dominant U.S. trade gateways, though competition from East/Gulf Coast ports intensifies.

Macroeconomic Drivers

• GDP: Real GDP grew 3.8% annualized in Q2 2025, rebounding from a 0.6% Q1 decline, driven by consumer spending and reduced imports. Q3 growth is projected at ~3%.
• Employment: Unemployment rose to 4.3% in August, with only 22,000 jobs added (downward revisions to prior months). Wage growth of 3.7% year-over-year supports consumer spending.
• Retail & E-Commerce Sales: E-commerce sales hit $304.2B in Q2 (up 1.4% QoQ, 5.3% YoY), representing 16.3% of total retail sales ($1.87T, up 0.4% QoQ, 3.9% YoY).
• Trade Partners: Mexico leads U.S. trade at 21%, followed by Canada (17%) and China (10%). Top 15 partners account for 74.2% of activity.
• Year-End Outlook: GDP growth ~2.6% annualized in Q4, with stable consumer spending despite labor cooling and a government shutdown. Moderate expansion and cooling inflation bode well for 2026 commercial real estate.

Port Activity

LA and LB ports handled ~41% of U.S. imports by TEU market share. West Coast ports lead in throughput, but East/Gulf ports (e.g., NY/NJ, Houston) are gaining.

Submarket Summaries

South Bay

• Fundamentals: Vacancy rose to 6.9% (from 6.3% in Q2). Net absorption negative at (757,229) SF. Deliveries: 429,112 SF. Under construction: 244,786 SF.
• Rents & Sales: Average NNN rent fell to $1.48/SF (down 8.5% YoY). Building sales averaged $291/SF (cap rate 6.4%).
• Market Trends: Softening conditions with higher availability (9.5%); tenant-favorable market. Investment slowed (13 deals, $75.4M volume).
• Top Leases (all new): 19801 S Santa Fe Ave (356,642 SF, Confidential); 901 E 233rd St (221,050 SF, Custom Goods); 20846 Normandie Ave (203,877 SF, Hadrian Inc).
• Top Sales: 3700-3730 Redondo Beach Blvd (99,377 SF, $35.5M, Investment); 2959 E Victoria St (54,500 SF, $23M, Owner-User).

Midcounties

• Fundamentals: Vacancy fell to 7.3% (from 8.0% in Q2). Net absorption positive at 678,807 SF. Deliveries: 0 SF. Under construction: 493,874 SF.
• Rents & Sales: Average NNN rent at $1.30/SF (down 16% YoY). Building sales averaged $259/SF (cap rate ~5.0%).
• Market Trends: Stabilizing with lower direct vacancy; availability at 9.8%. Investment slowed (17 deals, $148.2M volume).
• Top Leases: 15614-15700 Shoemaker Ave (521,091 SF, Breakthru Beverage CA, New); 8201 Sorensen Ave (234,330 SF, Rove Concepts, Renewal).
• Top Sales: 6259 Descanso Ave (54,000 SF, $17.4M, Owner-User); 14390 Marquardt Ave (31,308 SF, $17M, Owner-User).

Central

• Fundamentals: Vacancy rose to 7.1% (from 6.8% in Q2). Net absorption negative at (465,078) SF. Deliveries: 157,715 SF. Under construction: 749,742 SF.
• Rents & Sales: Average NNN rent steady at $1.41/SF. Building sales averaged $295/SF.
• Market Trends: Slight softening; availability at 8.5%, occupancy 92.9%. Steady sales (25 deals, $190.4M volume).
• Top Leases: 8500 Rex Rd (335,600 SF, Million Dollar Baby Classic, New); 4885 E 52nd Pl (210,347 SF, Uniuni, New).
• Top Sales: 4400 Pacific Blvd (253,200 SF, $48.8M, Investment); 7400 Bandini Blvd (94,937 SF, $38.5M, Owner-User).

Inland Empire

• Fundamentals: Vacancy rose to 8.9% (from 8.1% in Q2). Net absorption negative at (746,596) SF. Deliveries: 5,299,580 SF. Under construction: 6,036,579 SF.
• Rents & Sales: Average NNN rent up to $1.00/SF (from $0.98 in Q2, down 12% YoY). Building sales averaged $252/SF (cap rate 5.9%).
• Market Trends: Balancing with high availability (12.3%); occupancy ~91%. Investment surged (55 deals, $777.2M volume).
• Top Leases: 5690 Industrial Pky (844,311 SF, iDC Logistics, New); 13052 Jurupa Ave (827,578 SF, Elogistek, New).
• Top Sales: 11991 Landon Dr (765,456 SF, $208.76M, Investment); 22491 Harley Knox Blvd (348,375 SF, $90.6M, Investment).

The report emphasizes logistics and manufacturing as key industries in transactions, with a tenant-favorable shift prioritizing occupancy over rent growth. Data sourced from AIR CRE, CoStar, and internal databases.

• Demand for industrial space declined for the tenth consecutive quarter in Q2 2025.
• Vacancy rate increased to 6.1%, up from a record low of 1.8% in late 2022.
• Higher vacancy rates have led to improved market conditions for tenants, with rental rates dropping over 10% from their recent peak.
• Reduced demand is primarily driven by concerns over tariff impacts, contributing to decreased cargo volumes at the Los Angeles port complex.
• Year-over-year container traffic in May 2025 fell by 5% at the Port of Los Angeles and by 8.2% at the Port of Long Beach.
• Rising vacancies are fostering a more balanced industrial market.
• The overall vacancy rate reached 6.1% at the end of June 2025, the highest since 2012.

South Bay Submarket Q1 2025 Overview Summary

• Vacancy/Availability: The vacancy rate rose to 5.6%, up 70 basis points year-over-year, with Carson (7.9%), Compton (9.7%), and Rancho Dominguez (10.8%) seeing the largest increases. High-end properties now take 12.2 months to lease, shifting leverage to tenants. Landlords are offering more concessions, with 10.28 million square feet of vacant/available space. The market needs to absorb 5.1 million square feet to return to a 3% vacancy rate.
• Rental Rates: Average asking rents fell to $1.61 NNN, down 1.4% quarter-over-quarter and 8.0% year-over-year. After a 118% rent surge from Q2 2020 to Q2 2023, increased vacancy (10 MSF added) is driving further declines until leasing rebounds.
• Construction: Construction totals 1.4 MSF, with 360,466 SF delivered in Q1. Seven buildings are under construction, but new starts are limited, and no projects are preleased. Developers are pausing, waiting for tenants or better market conditions, which may increase vacancy if leasing doesn’t improve.
• Leasing Activity/Absorption: Net absorption was positive at 561,683 SF, but cumulative absorption since Q1 2023 is negative at -4.7 million SF. Leasing volume hit 1.3 million SF across 103 transactions, below the historical 2.5 million SF quarterly average. Buildings now take six months to lease.
• Sales Activity/Investment Trends: Investor caution persists due to high interest rates and economic uncertainty, widening the bid-ask spread. Despite lower deal volume, the South Bay attracts capital due to high rents and limited land. The region is poised for an investment rebound as borrowing costs ease.

The South Bay market faces challenges with rising vacancy and declining rents but retains strong fundamentals for future growth.

Additional Reports for Midcounties, Central and Inland Empire Included.

·  Industrial space demand has softened, raising the vacancy rate from 1.8% to 5.5% over eight quarters. 

·  Net absorption in 2024 hit its lowest level in over a decade. 

·  Rental rates continued to decline throughout 2024. 

·  Available sublet space reached a record high. 

·  Tenant activity remains weak, indicating slower business growth plans. 

·  Market uncertainty is tied to the U.S. elections and potential tariff impacts. ·

  Leasing activity fell 5.3% for the year, with Q4 down 28% from 2023. 

·  Orange County’s net absorption was negative 1.19 million SF in Q4 and negative 5.27 million SF for the year.

• The Inland Empire West submarket experienced a stall in net activity during Q3.
• Subleases and renewals dominated top lease transactions.
• Vacancy rates increased slightly, while availability trended downward.
• Pricing remained steady, but tenant concessions (e.g., free rent, tenant improvements) have risen and are now widely expected.
• Industrial construction slowed significantly, with the development pipeline at 43% of its year-over-year level.
• Institutional interest in the market continues to grow despite reduced activity.

• In Q3 2024, San Gabriel Valley's industrial market remained robust with a 6.3% vacancy rate.
• Rental rates softened slightly, now at $17.76 per square foot (PSF), NNN annually, indicating a balanced supply-demand dynamic.
• The construction pipeline remains active, with 545,702 square feet of new industrial space under development.
• The City of Industry, a dominant player in the area, accounts for 72% of SGV’s industrial space, focusing on modern Class A warehouse and distribution centers.
• As market conditions shift, tenants and developers must stay agile, seizing opportunities and addressing challenges in this thriving industrial landscape. Adaptability will be essential for maintaining a competitive edge.

• Development pipeline down 57% year-over-year
• Vacancy rates up 48%
• Lease rates adjusted by 28%
• Tenant activity has resumed in the Inland Empire West industrial market
• Historic levels of positive net absorption in the submarket
• Multiple 1-million-square-foot lease transactions executed by credit tenants
• Nearly 5 million square feet of move-ins from big-box deliveries with prior year leases
• Inland Empire continues to attract institutional capital
• Class A 835,000 square foot building sold for nearly $200 million

• Leasing Activity: 2.3 million square feet (MSF) of industrial space leased this quarter, up by 1.03 MSF from the previous quarter.
• Vacant-Availability Rate: Dropped by 0.4% from last quarter to 4.2%, but still 2.8% higher than last year.
• Market Trends: Increase in vacant-available space due to tenants returning unused space since 2023.
• Asking Lease Rates: Declined to $1.71 (direct) and $1.68 (overall) per square foot (PSF), though still 40%+ higher over the last five years. Class A spaces aim for $2.00+ PSF.
• Tenant Behavior: Tenants are more selective and pushing for rental concessions, with landlords becoming more negotiable.
• Net Absorption: Positive for sublet space (525,417 square feet) but overall net absorption negative at -539,467 square feet.
• Sales Volume: $51 million across 9 transactions in the South Bay, with average building prices at $288.61 PSF and land values at $143.79 PSF.
• Capitalization Rates: Increasing due to higher capital costs, forcing sellers to adjust prices.
• Interest Rates: Around 6.5% for fixed, 25-year owner-occupier loans.
• Insurance Challenges: Rising premiums and providers exiting the California market.
• Property Values: Some industrial areas affected by homelessness and vagrancy, impacting property and rental values.

• In Q2 2024, San Gabriel Valley's industrial market showed resilience with a 5.9% vacancy rate.
• Rental rates now stand at $18.72 PSF, NNN annually.
• The construction sector is active, with 706,000 SF under development.
• The City of Industry represents 72% of SGV's industrial base and is a key player in new Class A warehouse and distribution space projects.
• Tenants and developers must stay vigilant and adapt to market fluctuations to capitalize on opportunities in the evolving SGV industrial landscape.

·  Tenant demand in Orange County slowed in the first half of the year. 

·  Vacancy rate increased from 1.9% at the end of 2022 to 4.4%. 

·  Leasing activity decreased. 

·  Rent growth has flattened after over a decade of steady double-digit annual growth. 

·  Negative net absorption of 799,275 SF in Q2 and negative 2.1 million SF in Q1. 

·  Total decline in the past six quarters exceeds 5 million SF. 

·  Long-term average vacancy rate since 2020 is 4.5%. 

·  Tenants face less competition for space. 

·  Landlords are offering more lease concessions. 

·  Largest sale in Q2: 278,572-SF Fullerton building sold for $338 per SF by American Realty Advisors to Rexford Industrial Realty.