A major industrial real estate investor has reported record-breaking leasing activity across its U.S. and European portfolios in early 2026, highlighting continued strength in demand for modern logistics and warehouse facilities.
More than 8 million square feet of leasing activity was completed year-to-date, with approximately 7.1 million square feet in the United States and 1 million square feet in Europe. Both regions recorded their strongest first-quarter leasing performance on record, driven primarily by e-commerce operators and third-party logistics companies.
In the U.S., leasing activity was concentrated in major distribution hubs including Dallas/Fort Worth, Lehigh Valley, Indianapolis, the Inland Empire, and New Jersey. The firm also reported a decline in portfolio vacancy rates, supported by strong absorption in key industrial markets.
In Europe, leasing demand was strongest in logistics corridors across the Netherlands, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. The report indicates that vacancy levels in modern industrial assets remain significantly lower than in older stock, reflecting a growing divide between new and outdated facilities.
Industry trends show that demand is increasingly focused on Class A industrial properties, which offer higher efficiency, advanced infrastructure, and better access to transport and labor networks. These assets continue to outperform, particularly in large-scale logistics and e-commerce-driven segments.
Market data also shows that in the U.S., leasing in larger warehouse facilities has accelerated, with big-box logistics space leading absorption trends. In Europe, overall vacancy rates have stabilized, suggesting the market may be approaching peak supply conditions in some regions.
The company notes that ongoing supply chain restructuring, combined with limited availability of high-quality industrial space, is supporting continued rental growth and strong occupancy levels across key markets.
Looking ahead, industrial real estate investment remains focused on development and acquisition of modern logistics assets in strategic locations, as demand for efficient distribution infrastructure continues to grow across both sides of the Atlantic.
