Industrial property prices and rents in Singapore are projected to moderate this year, due to a higher supply of industrial space and weaker demand, as reported by Colliers in a February research report. The firm predicts a growth of 0% to 2% in both annual industrial rental and price rates, compared to the 3.5% growth that occurred in 2024.
According to Colliers, JTC’s 4Q2024 data indicates that the industrial property market in Singapore is “losing steam”. While the JTC All Industrial rental index showed an increase of 0.5% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) in 4Q2024, bringing the total growth for the year to 3.5%, this is a significant decrease from the 8.9% rental growth recorded in 2023. The price index also increased by 0.5% q-o-q in 4Q2024, which was lower than the 1.2% growth in the previous quarter. Industrial property prices saw a 2.1% increase in 2024, which is less than half of the 5.1% growth seen in the previous year.
The report highlights that there will be a surge in the supply of industrial space this year, with over 2.5 times the supply in 2024, before tapering off from 2026 onwards. This influx in supply has resulted in an imbalance between supply and demand, with some segments of the market facing slower pre-commitments for upcoming projects and lower occupancy rates for completed projects.
The increase in supply, combined with caution among occupiers due to high interest rates and rising operating expenses, is expected to continue to dampen rental growth. Additionally, the uncertainty brought about by heightened trade protectionism could also affect business confidence and investment decisions.
However, the report also notes that industrial demand is expected to remain supported by the semiconductors, logistics, and advanced manufacturing sectors. As such, the gradual ramp-up of industrial leasing activities is expected over time as policies become clearer and market sentiments improve, supported by the ongoing upturn in the chip cycle.
In the meantime, the higher supply of industrial space and the projected moderation in rental rates could present opportunities for tenants, with more options available in the market. The availability of new industrial developments with modern specifications may encourage businesses to relocate from older manufacturing spaces to newer projects.
Nicolas Menville, the executive director and head of Singapore-based industrial clients for Colliers, suggests that this could be a good year for tenants to make a move, given the increased supply and projected moderation in rental rates. He adds that businesses may be more inclined to relocate to newer projects, equipped with better specifications and facilities.
Overall, the report predicts that industrial property prices and rents in Singapore will see moderate growth this year, influenced by the higher supply and weaker demand. However, the presence of strong sectors, such as semiconductors and logistics, could provide some support for the market.
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