Sector

Industrial and logistics — tenant-side surveying

Industrial rents have risen faster than almost any other sector, which makes upward-only reviews painful and evidence disputes sharper. Eaves height, yard depth, loading provision and site cover drive value, and units are rarely as comparable as a landlord's schedule suggests.

Written by Chris McGarrigle MRICS · Tenant side only

What drives value here

  • Gross internal area, eaves height and clear internal height
  • Yard depth, service area, site cover and HGV manoeuvrability
  • Dock and level access door provision, floor loading and sprinklers
  • Office content as a percentage of the unit and how it is devalued
  • Power supply capacity, EV and refrigeration requirements
  • Estate quality, access to strategic road network and labour catchment

Comparables that are not comparable

A modern unit with 12m eaves, a 50m yard and full dock provision is not evidence for a 1980s shed with 6m eaves and shared loading, however close it sits. Adjusting for specification honestly — and pricing the difference — is where reviews are won.

Reviews and lease events

With rents rising, landlords push hard at review and the machinery matters: notice requirements, deeming provisions and third-party appointment. Diarising the dates and responding on time is basic risk management with real money attached.

Repairs, racking and yards

Industrial dilapidations claims focus on floor slabs, roof coverings, cladding, yard surfacing and racking removal. Many items are betterment rather than repair, and the diminution cap frequently bites where the landlord intends to refurbish or redevelop.

Common questions

Guides for industrial and logistics

Talk it through

Initial advice is free — tenant side only.

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