28/10/2026
Industrial Leasing Resurgent as Businesses Manage Uncertainty
In uncertain markets, flexibility becomes increasingly valuable.
Bawdens’ analysis of 229 industrial transactions completed during FY2025/26 shows a clear shift in the way SMEs are approaching their property decisions.
During 2023 and 2024, almost 4 in every 10 transactions represented a purchase. Today, that has fallen to approximately 2–3 in every 10, with more businesses choosing to lease.
Why? Leasing can allow businesses to preserve capital, maintain flexibility and respond more quickly to changing market conditions and growth opportunities. Depending on lease terms, it can also provide greater flexibility to relocate, assign or sublease premises as business requirements evolve.
For industrial property owners, understanding this shift in occupier behaviour is increasingly important when considering leasing strategy, rental expectations and how an asset is positioned to the market.
Whether you're looking to lease your industrial property or secure your next premises, speak with Bawdens about what we're seeing in the market.
Source: Bawdens analysis of 229 transactions completed during FY2025/26.