Occupiers looking for warehouses are most active in Northwest
According to property consultancy DTRE, occupiers looking for space are most active in the Northwest accounting for 45% of total inspectaion taking place in the frst quarter of the year.
By Liza Helps, Property Editor, Logistics Matters
DTRE’s INDUSTRIAL & Logistics team carried out a total of 265 viewings across 18.2m ft2 in Q1 with the Northwest accounting for 45% of total inspections and cementing its position as the most active I&L market nationally. London is the second most active region with a 26% market share.
Logistics and 3PL continues to underpin occupier demand, accounting for 35-50% of viewings in most regions and 100% in the South West. Manufacturing is building meaningful momentum in the North West (24% in March, up from 17% in January) and potentially a positive signal of supply chain reshoring.
Last year DTRE data showed that total Big Box take-up across the Northwest reached 2.9 million ft2, a 21% increase on the full year of 2024 with rent levels continuing to increase. A headline deal at Trafford150, Trafford Park – achieved £10.90 per ft2 up from a high watermark of £10.25 per ft2 earlier in 2025.
Recent deals show secondary space is also in much demand with bedding company Comfy Quilts snapping up Oldham-based toys retailer Character Group’s 157,538 ft2 Middleton warehouse and office complex on a five year lease at a rent of circa. £4.90 per ft2 with an option to buy for just shy of £10 million.
Davies Harrison is advising.
