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Southeast Market Reports

IndustrialMarket ReportsSouth CarolinaSoutheastSoutheast Market Reports

Columbia’s Industrial Market Is Establishing Itself as a Major Player in the Southeast

by John Nelson

Columbia’s industrial market is evolving into a competitive contender in the Southeast, with only a low 4.7 percent vacancy rate. The Scout Motors manufacturing project is a huge win for Richland County and the Midlands and will bring back the iconic Scout SUV (and pick-up truck). The 4,000 jobs on 1,600 acres is greatly anticipated.  South Carolina was the fastest growing state in 2024, according to U-Haul, and near the top in 2025, with no signs of slowing. Columbia is in the middle of this steady growth with its central location as an excellent logistics hub with I-20, I-77 and I-26 and less than two hours from the Port of Charleston. Growing inventory The Columbia industrial market now contains approximately 81 million square feet of inventory, reflecting steady expansion over recent years. Despite being smaller than major logistics markets, Columbia stands out due to its active construction pipeline, with nearly 4 million square feet under development as of late 2025.  This represents one of the highest development ratios among comparable secondary markets, signaling strong investor confidence and long-term growth expectations. Much of this new supply is concentrated in: • Build-to-suit logistics facilities • Large-scale speculative distribution centers  • Advanced manufacturing …

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Market ReportsRestaurantRetailSouth CarolinaSoutheastSoutheast Market Reports

With Suburban and Infill Projects, Columbia Takes the Next Step in its Retail Evolution

by John Nelson

As we wrap up April, Columbia’s retail market is growing in two distinct directions. Out in Lexington County and the northeast Richland County, new retail-anchored mixed-use projects are stepping up to meet the demands of a booming housing market. At the same time, downtown is getting a major facelift as new infill developments reshape the city center. Historically, Columbia has always had a reputation as a steady, reliable market — thanks to our major hospital systems, state government, universities and Fort Jackson. But that steady market is officially evolving. Between tightening vacancy rates and the massive wave of economic confidence brought on by the Scout Motors plant, Columbia has moved beyond just being a “safe bet” and is quickly emerging as a highly competitive powerhouse in the Southeast. Suburban powerhouse Platt Springs Crossing (South Lexington/Red Bank): A centerpiece of this growth is Platt Springs Crossing, a $65 million, 57-acre mixed-use development at the intersection of Platt Springs and Old Orangeburg roads, has seen overwhelming interest from national brands. • Anchor success: Lowes Foods opened its 51,000-square-foot store in late 2025, serving as a massive traffic driver. • Tenant velocity: Confirmed regional and national tenants include Chipotle Mexican Grill, Panda Express, …

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FloridaIndustrialMarket ReportsSoutheastSoutheast Market Reports

Southwest Florida Industrial Market Is Primed for a Surge

by John Nelson

When it comes to the Florida commercial real estate market, the conversation typically gravitates toward the larger metro areas. However, for those of us on the ground, it’s clear that Southwest Florida is becoming a key player in the state, particularly for industrial users.  By nearly every measurable standard — population growth, job creation and infrastructure investment — Southwest Florida continues to outperform much of the United States. Industrial users and investors have taken notice, and so far in 2026, leasing activity has already outpaced all quarters in 2025. According to the latest Colliers market report, the market has absorbed 115,777 square feet of flex and industrial space in the first quarter alone, compared to fourth-quarter 2025 which saw (-189,303 square feet) of negative absorption.  This is due to pent-up demand from users taking a cautious “wait-and-see” approach last year. And while the factors preventing them from making decisions in 2025 still exist, the sheer necessity of a physical presence in the area has finally outweighed the perceived risks.  ‘Supply reset’ On paper, the data might give pause. Overall vacancy in Southwest Florida rose to 9.7 percent in first-quarter 2026, a sharp departure from the 7.2 percent we saw just …

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Market ReportsMarylandRestaurantRetailSoutheastSoutheast Market Reports

Retail Leasing, Development Activity ‘Slow and Steady’ in Baltimore Market

by John Nelson

Mirroring conditions nationally due to elevated interest rates, associated higher construction costs and general economic and geopolitical uncertainties, the volume of retail leasing and new development activity remains “slow and steady” in the greater Baltimore metropolitan region.  The collective business and real estate communities remain optimistic for a rebound later this year, given the robust fundamentals that remain constant locally and the lessons learned during a tepid first-quarter 2025, which was followed by an over-performing remainder of the year. We expect the same to occur in 2026, with robust third and fourth quarters on the horizon later this year. Interest rate complexities  Although interest rates have declined somewhat over the past year, the continued elevated climate has made all phases of the retail industry more expensive and forced developers and retailers to take a brief pause or to dig deeper for projected returns. More specifically, this has placed a halt on the future development of several new shopping centers in the Baltimore area due to higher financing costs, and multiple local retailers are also rethinking expansion plans because of steeper Small Business Administration and local banking loans.  Separate retail centers in Harford and Howard counties — after being designed and …

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IndustrialMarket ReportsMarylandSoutheastSoutheast Market Reports

Baltimore Industrial Recalibration: Driven by New Supply and Selective Leasing

by John Nelson

Baltimore’s industrial market entered the first quarter of 2026 in what some are describing as a correctional rather than a contractional phase, with CoStar Group recently characterizing the market as undergoing a “sharp correction” driven by rising vacancy, elevated supply and slower leasing activity.  Vacancy reports vary but the rate is hovering at approximately 9.7 percent as leasing teams worked to absorb approximately 3.2 million square feet of new deliveries over the past 12 months. Trailing absorption is negative at approximately 2.4 million square feet, reflecting a slowdown rather than a disappearance of demand, according to CoStar. New development pipelines remain active at 2.1 million square feet and new starts are moderating, signaling that developers are adjusting to conditions. In recent years, a series of events in Baltimore City made headlines and positioned the region in the worst possible way, and “Charm City” remains misunderstood in the minds of outsiders through the lens of these news articles. But, earlier this year, a substantial influx of institutional capital turned heads when making a decisive bet on the greater metropolitan area.  A joint venture between Camber Real Estate Partners and PGIM Real Estate acquired a seven-building infill industrial portfolio at a 5.75 …

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AlabamaMarket ReportsOfficeSoutheastSoutheast Market Reports

Birmingham’s Office Market: Stabilizing, Adapting and Gaining Momentum

by John Nelson

We hear this question a lot: “How is commercial real estate doing in Birmingham?”  Many people assume our market is experiencing the same volatility seen in national headlines over the past few years. The reality is a bit different. Birmingham is actually a stable market. While we certainly feel broader economic shifts, our office sector has avoided many of the dramatic swings seen in larger metro areas and is gradually positioning itself for future growth.  To set the stage, Birmingham’s office market consists of approximately 18.8 million square feet of multi-tenant inventory across five submarkets, four of which include Class A properties. Overall absorption for fourth-quarter 2025 totaled negative 35,336 square feet following a positive third quarter.  However, the market still finished the year with 56,786 square feet of positive net absorption. Occupancy remained largely stable throughout the year, with the overall vacancy rate holding at 19.8 percent. Direct vacancy improved slightly to 16.6 percent by year-end. Leasing activity also remained steady across the market. In total, 640,255 square feet of office space was leased in 2025, representing an approximately 14 percent increase compared to the amount of office space leased in 2024. Class A transactions accounted for more than …

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AlabamaMarket ReportsRestaurantRetailSoutheastSoutheast Market Reports

Selective Growth, Strategic Redevelopment Shape Birmingham’s Retail Market

by John Nelson

Birmingham’s retail market continues to show steady momentum as it moves into a new phase, defined by limited supply, strong tenant demand in key corridors and a growing focus on open-air, lifestyle environments. While higher interest rates and construction costs slowed new development activity over the past couple of years, Birmingham’s most established retail corridors have remained active. Well-located centers continue to lease space quickly, and redevelopment opportunities are beginning to reshape several of the MSA’s outdated retail properties. One of the defining characteristics of Birmingham’s retail landscape today is the limited availability of high-quality space in prime locations. Much of the vacancy that emerged during the pandemic has been absorbed, particularly in grocery-anchored centers and lifestyle-oriented districts. As a result, retailers looking for space in established corridors often face a fairly competitive leasing environment. Demand remains strong among quick-service restaurants (QSRs), boutique fitness operators, medical and service retailers and fast-casual and high-end dining concepts. Birmingham’s suburban growth corridors and mixed-use environments offer many of these advantages, allowing landlords in the most desirable centers to maintain strong occupancy while gradually pushing rents higher. Lifestyle centers Open-air lifestyle environments continue to set the standard for Birmingham’s retail landscape. The best example …

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AlabamaMarket ReportsMultifamilySoutheastSoutheast Market Reports

Downtown Supply Meets Suburban Stability in Birmingham’s Apartment Market

by John Nelson

Conditions in Birmingham’s apartment market vary by submarket heading into 2026. Several recently completed developments downtown are still stabilizing, creating short-term leasing pressure, while suburban areas across the metro continue to see steady renter demand. Much of the new multifamily development in Birmingham over the past several years has been concentrated in the downtown core. As a result, many of these properties are still working through lease-ups.  Marcus & Millichap research projects roughly 670 apartments will be delivered across the metro this year, with vacancy expected to hover around 6.1 percent and average effective rents near $1,302 per month. That level of supply has created temporary softness in parts of the downtown market.  Some newly delivered communities are offering concessions during lease-up periods as owners compete for tenants. In certain cases, owners are choosing to refinance rather than bring assets to market while occupancy stabilizes. These conditions are typical when several projects deliver within the same submarket over a short period of time. Outside the city center, Birmingham’s suburban apartment submarkets continue to perform well. Cities including Homewood, Vestavia Hills and Hoover remain among the metro’s most stable suburbs. Shelby County cities, including Pelham and Alabaster, are also seeing consistent …

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AlabamaIndustrialMarket ReportsSoutheastSoutheast Market Reports

Birmingham Industrial: Softness in Distribution, Resurgence in Manufacturing

by John Nelson

The Birmingham industrial real estate market has remained relatively resilient compared to many U.S. markets, but recent trends show a shift in demand patterns with recent softness in the distribution sector compared to growing activity from manufacturing users. Overall market fundamentals remain stable. Birmingham continues to benefit from disciplined development and historically tight vacancies. Multi-tenant leased vacancy has generally remained well below national averages, hovering around the 5 percent range in the first half of 2025. Rent growth remains positive at about 3.5 percent annually.  Renewing or vacant second-generation rents strategically lag new construction rents by about 15 to 20 percent. The second-generation base rent range is $6 to $7.50 per square foot depending on size, location and quality.  Distribution and logistics demand has softened in recent months. Following the surge of warehouse construction and demand during the pandemic, leasing activity slowed by 2025. Approximately 1.3 million square feet of speculative space was delivered locally in 2022 and 2023, with asking rents at about $8 per square foot.  The early deliveries benefited while the last projects to deliver were slower to lease as the economy stalled in the post-pandemic Biden era. Presently, 109,000 square feet of first-generation space delivered in …

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IndustrialMarket ReportsSouth CarolinaSoutheastSoutheast Market Reports

Upstate South Carolina Industrial Market Is Reaching an Inflection Point

by John Nelson

The Upstate South Carolina industrial market is at an inflection point — an expected condition in a maturing and evolving market. Similar transitions have occurred in prior cycles and have consistently required lease rates to adjust more rapidly than traditional annual market escalations. These adjustments are driven by a combination of factors, including supply and demand dynamics, construction costs, capital markets and broader economic conditions. Currently, construction costs are the primary constraint impacting new deliveries. The post-COVID development surge resulted in over 30 million square feet of speculative industrial construction, a portion of which has yet to be fully absorbed.  Today, we are approaching pre-COVID metrics with roughly 6.4 million square feet of speculative inventory (delivered or under construction) and an overall vacancy rate of approximately 7.3 percent. At this level, certain submarkets are at the point where additional speculative inventory will be required to meet tenant demand. The challenge lies in pricing. Much of the existing vacant space was delivered under a materially different construction cost structure, resulting in lease comps that do not reflect today’s construction and land costs. While incremental rent growth has occurred, it has not fully bridged the gap between legacy pricing and the economics …

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