JLL Industrial & Logistics team: The squeeze is on: why location matters more than ever
JLL Industrial & Logistics team.
The squeeze is on: why location matters more than ever
The market is tightening, and occupiers are getting strategic. With limited quality stock across key markets and rising costs, location decisions now carry more weight than ever. The occupiers winning space this quarter aren’t just looking for availability; they’re aligning property with broader operational goals around automation, labour access and network resilience.
This quarter we delivered results that demonstrate the value of strategic thinking. A Heathrow store opening came together on schedule thanks to integrated planning from the start, setting the template for three more launches before year-end. We also helped a client reposition a logistics park through detailed benchmarking of local labour markets and demographics, intelligence that’s now accelerating their leasing conversations.
Regional activity shows selective momentum. The North West is seeing strong demand for opportunities with sound fundamentals, such as our new Q92 Crewe instruction (93,090 sq ft) on behalf of Mileway, which is situated in a core M6 corridor location with significant height and fit-out in situ. Political and economic headwinds remain for occupiers; however, the North West mid-box market in H1 2026 has significantly outperformed H1 2025, and sentiment remains positive. Momentum in the South West market is building after a more subdued H1, compared with the same period in 2025, with several mid-box transactions either under offer or recently completed. Our G6 Horizon space (41,911 sq ft, available Q4) is already generating strong interest.
Multi-Let London delivered robust performance despite geopolitical headwinds. Grade A and secondary space both face supply constraints, and while occupiers are taking longer to evaluate costs and commit, compelling deals continue to close across all size brackets. In Scotland, Glasgow’s M8 corridor shows strong demand against persistently scarce quality stock, though supply constraints should ease slightly once construction begins at Westway Court, Glasgow Airport. Edinburgh’s 4% vacancy rate has pushed rents to £17.00 psf, the tightest conditions we’ve seen, with new multi-let estates becoming the primary supply source.
The opportunity is clear: well-located, quality space commands attention in this market, and occupiers who move decisively on the right opportunities are securing competitive advantage.
You can see all of the commercial property listed by JLL on NovaLoca here.
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