Slovakia's Industrial & Logistics Real Estate Market: A Q3 2025 Snapshot for Businesses
The third quarter of 2025 presented a nuanced picture for Slovakia's industrial and logistics property market, as detailed in the latest report from CBRE. For businesses evaluating their next warehouse or industrial space, understanding these trends is crucial for strategic planning and securing optimal premises.
Rental Activity and Evolving Demand
Total rental activity in Q3 2025 reached approximately 80,000 m², showcasing continued movement in the market. However, new lease transactions, or 'take-up,' stood at over 44,000 m², marking a decrease of 25% quarter-on-quarter and 47% year-on-year. This shift suggests a more cautious approach from some businesses or a period of market adjustment, potentially creating opportunities for agile tenants to negotiate favorable terms.
Vacancy Rates: Where to Find Space
The overall vacancy rate saw an increase, climbing to 7.97%. This rise indicates more available options for businesses, especially when compared to previous quarters. Western Slovakia emerges as a key region for those actively seeking space, reporting the highest vacancy rate at 10.25%. This area could offer a broader selection of properties and potentially more competitive rental conditions for new entrants or expanding operations.
Future Supply: New Developments and Pre-Leasing Trends
Looking ahead, the market is set to expand significantly, with 151,000 m² of new industrial and logistics space currently under construction. A remarkable 79% of these new developments are already pre-leased, underscoring strong underlying demand for modern, high-quality facilities. This high pre-lease rate suggests that while new supply is coming, securing prime locations might still require forward planning, especially for specific requirements.
Lease Dynamics and Regional Hotspots
New lease agreements constituted the largest share of rental activity at 36%, closely followed by renegotiations at 33%. This balance highlights both new market entries/expansions and existing tenants optimizing their current arrangements. Geographically, the wider Bratislava area remained dominant, accounting for 45% of leases, with Western Slovakia a strong second at 43%. These regions continue to be the primary hubs for industrial and logistics operations in Slovakia.
Sectoral Demand Insights
From a sectoral perspective, Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers led the demand, representing 39% of leases, reflecting the ongoing importance of supply chain optimization. The automotive sector also maintained a significant presence, making up 24% of the market activity, underscoring Slovakia's role as a key European automotive manufacturing hub.
Rental Price Trends: What to Expect
Rental prices showed mixed signals. The highest achievable rent (prime rent) increased by 1% year-on-year to €5.80/m²/month, indicating sustained demand for top-tier properties in prime locations. Conversely, the average rent experienced a slight decrease, settling at €4.65/m²/month. This divergence suggests that while premium spaces command higher prices, there might be opportunities to find more budget-friendly options, especially in non-prime locations or areas with higher vacancy.
Strategic Implications for Businesses
For businesses seeking industrial or logistics space in Slovakia, Q3 2025 data offers valuable insights. The increased vacancy, particularly in Western Slovakia, could present opportunities for finding existing space. Meanwhile, the high pre-leasing of new developments emphasizes the need for proactive engagement for future-proof facilities. Understanding these trends, alongside regional and sectoral demand, will empower businesses to make informed real estate decisions in Slovakia's evolving market.
Source: kancelarie.sk
