Blog #market report

The industrial sector in the San Gabriel Valley continues to exhibit resilience and robustness, even in the face of a minor uptick in the vacancy rate, which now stands at 3.3%. This small increase in vacant industrial spaces has not had a significant adverse impact on the market. Rental prices have experienced only a slight dip since the previous quarter, currently averaging at an annual rate of $18.96 per square foot on a triple-net lease basis. 

Despite these minor fluctuations, construction activity in the San Gabriel Valley remains steady and thriving. A substantial 5.3 million square feet of new industrial developments are currently underway, illustrating the enduring demand for industrial properties in the region. 

However, it is essential to note that a moratorium in Pomona, California, affecting warehouses, trucking facilities, and other industrial-related uses, is poised to expire by the close of 2023. This pending expiration of the moratorium introduces an element of potential opportunity into the local industrial landscape. Both tenants and developers should keep a watchful eye on market dynamics and remain flexible in their strategies, ready to pivot to seize emerging opportunities in this ever-evolving industrial market in the San Gabriel Valley. 

In conclusion, the San Gabriel Valley's industrial sector is in a state of transition, with various factors in play, from the rise in vacancy rates to the imminent expiration of the Pomona moratorium. Adapting to these changes and staying well-informed about market shifts will be crucial for those involved in the industrial real estate market in this dynamic and resilient region.

The San Gabriel Valley Industrial Market remains robust.

Some easing of demand in the 2nd quarter of 2023, see below for more.

Every key metric typically used to measure the health of the economy is performing well right now. GDP grew by 2.0% in Q1, and it is estimated to grow by 2.3% in Q2 by the Atlanta Fed . In terms of employment, over the last year the U.S. added 3.8 million jobs and now has an unemployment rate of 3.6%. With regard to inflation, both headline and core inflation are
trending downward. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 3% year-over-year in June and 0.2% for the month, below consensus estimates of 3.1% and 0.3%. This was the lowest rate of inflation since March 2021. And core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, rose by 4.8% year-over-year and 0.2% for the month. The annual core inflation level was
the lowest since October 2021, and its monthly gain was the smallest gain since August 2021.

Most economists, forecasters, and business leaders are anticipating that the Fed will continue to raise rates throughout the year until it reaches its target inflation rate. For this reason, most forecasters still believe a mild and shallow recession is likely within the next twelve months. However, a significant minority are anticipating that the US economy will avoid a recession altogether. For example, in its latest forecast, the National Association of Realtors has the economy growing slowly every quarter throughout 2023 and projects the economy to grow by 1.1% for the whole year. 

Regardless of one’s stance on this issue, it is indisputable that the industrial market is in a favorable position to weather most headwinds the economy might face. Total retail sales grew by 1.6% in May 2023 compared to the same period a year ago , and as a percentage of total sales, e-commerce retail sales (one of the key drivers of the industrial sector) now stand at 15.1% – 3.9 percentage points higher than where it stood at its peak prior to the pandemic in Q4 of 2019. With this said, available space continues to increase and there has been a growing sentiment regarding a shift in negotiating power from Landlords to Tenants

For the first time in a long time a change in the market materialized in the 1^st quarter of 2023 in the Los Angeles – Long Beach Industrial Real Estate Market.  It appears that lease rates may have hit their ceiling for now.  The level of leasing activity in Q1 of 2023 dipped to levels not seen since 2006.  Despite the drop in activity demand for Industrial space remains at top levels and a struggle between historically high rates and the need for space is likely to play out over the next 18 or so months.

The industrial real estate market in Orange County, CA is continuing to experience high demand with low vacancy rates. The region’s industrial market is primarily focused on manufacturing and distribution, with industries such as aerospace, defense, and technology driving the demand for space. 

In Q1 of 2023, the average asking rent for industrial space in Orange County was around $1.64 per square foot, which is slightly higher than the Southern California average. Despite the higher rental rates, the market remains attractive, with limited availability and a high demand for industrial properties. 

Overall, the industrial real estate market in Orange County, CA is currently strong, and is expected to continue to attract demand from a range of industries due to its strategic location, desirability and proximity to major transportation routes.

The Los Angeles industrial real estate market is one of the most active and sought after in the United States. It is a diverse market, ranging from smaller facilities to large, modern distribution centers. The demand for industrial space in Los Angeles has remained strong due to the city's strategic location, growing population, and thriving economy. The Los Angeles industrial real estate market has also benefited from the rise of e-commerce, as online shopping has led to an increased demand for warehouse and distribution facilities. While the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on many industries, the industrial sector has remained resilient, with strong leasing activity and a stable vacancy rate. Overall, the Los Angeles industrial real estate market presents many opportunities for investors, developers, and tenants alike. 

The Los Angeles industrial real estate market in the fourth quarter of 2022 was strong, with robust demand and limited supply leading to higher rental rates and lower vacancies. The e-commerce sector continued to drive demand for warehouse and distribution space. Overall, the market was characterized by a favorable balance between supply and demand, with positive outlook for the future.

The San Gabriel Valley industrial market in the fourth quarter of 2022 continued to perform well with low vacancy rates and rising rents. In the 1st quarter of 2023, it is expected to continue this trend with growing demand for industrial space from various industries, such as e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing. The San Gabriel Valley's strategic location, close proximity to the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and excellent transportation infrastructure make it an attractive location for businesses. 

Overall, the San Gabriel Valley industrial market in the 4th quarter of 2022 remained strong, with ongoing demand and limited supply driving up rents and pushing down vacancy rates.

Continued low vacancy rates drove higher lease rates in the 4th quarter of 2022 despite the economy slowing in other areas.

The Orange County Industrial Market continues to post record sale prices and lease rates due to continued strong demand.

Despite slowing sectors, record demand continues to drive sale price and lease rate growth.

Low vacancy and high demand continued to drive higher sales prices and lease rates.