Thursday, 30 July 2026
The Ruhr region recorded 255,500 sqm of logistics and industrial property take-up during the first half of 2026, with warehouse demand exceeding the five-year average by 26%, according to REALOGIS.
Warehouse space accounted for 237,800 sqm, representing 93% of total take-up. Office space contributed 10,000 sqm (4%), while mezzanine space totalled 7,700 sqm (3%).
Compared with the first half of 2025, warehouse take-up increased by 29%, reaching its strongest first-half performance in recent years and significantly outperforming the market’s five-year average.
The five largest leasing transactions accounted for 129,550 sqm, or 51% of total market activity. The largest deals were signed by Cencora (34,460 sqm), Goodcang Logistics (30,000 sqm), Blitz Distribution (22,890 sqm), Siemens Mobility (21,700 sqm) and FlexiSpot (20,500 sqm).
According to REALOGIS, the market continued to be driven by a relatively small number of large transactions rather than broad-based occupier demand, with available, well-located space attracting the strongest interest.
Existing properties remained the dominant source of leasing activity, accounting for 183,140 sqm, or 72% of total take-up. Brownfield developments contributed 56,160 sqm (22%), while new developments on greenfield sites represented 16,200 sqm (6%). No owner-occupier transactions were recorded during the first six months of the year.
Large distribution facilities continued to dominate occupier demand. Big-box logistics buildings accounted for 175,700 sqm, or 69% of leased space, while mixed-use industrial properties represented 54,900 sqm (21%). Business park units made up the remaining 24,900 sqm (10%).
Logistics and distribution companies remained the largest occupier group, leasing 126,400 sqm, equivalent to 49% of total market activity. Manufacturing followed with 68,600 sqm (27%), supported by major transactions from Cencora and Siemens Mobility. Retail occupiers accounted for 46,200 sqm (18%), of which 27,000 sqm was leased by e-commerce businesses. Other sectors represented 14,300 sqm, or 6% of demand.
Large transactions continued to shape the market, with units exceeding 10,000 sqm accounting for 149,550 sqm, or 59% of total take-up. Combined with properties between 5,001 sqm and 10,000 sqm, larger units represented approximately 90% of all leasing activity during the first half of the year.
Rental levels remained stable despite the strong leasing performance. Prime rents held at €7.75 per sqm per month, while average rents remained €6.50 per sqm, unchanged from both the end of 2025 and the first half of last year. Both rental levels continue to stand above their respective five-year averages.
