People of Cushman & Wakefield Echinox
Overview
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the volume of retail sales in the UK grew by 5.2% year-on-year in January 2016, representing the fastest growth in over two years. Trading conditions have been boosted by an improving labour market, resulting from an increase in real incomes and spending power. However, despite positive economic growth, concerns about Brexit and the ongoing Eurozone crisis have had a detrimental impact on consumer confidence, which stood at zero in February and March, the lowest level since December 2014, according to GfK.
Occupier focus
The retail occupational market remained strong in Q1 2016 and vacancy rates have started to fall as a result. Furthermore, the total UK retail footprint has been reduced. Although the quantity bought in textile, clothing and footwear stores decreased compared with February 2015, on the whole occupier demand rose, led primarily by food and clothing value retailers. On the supply side, 188,000 sq m of new shopping centre space was delivered onto the market in 2015 and we expect this trend to continue during 2016-2017, with 330,000 sq m of shopping centre space currently under construction.
Investment focus
UK funds and institutions, as well as overseas private equity investors continue to show strong appetite for shops in core locations, while there has also been greater interest for well-let units in certain second-tier markets. Demand for prime shopping centres is healthy, with several significant deals completed in Q4 2015. Investor appetite for secondary stock has waned, however, with some buyers now fully invested and others becoming increasingly sensitive to pricing and location. UK institutions and retail funds are dominating activity in the out-of-town sector, but more private equity buyers and opportunity funds have emerged and are mainly targeting attractively priced assets in second-tier and secondary locations. Prime yields are largely stable, but some high street locations may see further compression in 2016.
Outlook
Although demand for secondary locations is expected to remain selective, interest in prime space is likely to remain strong across 2016. Prime rents are forecast to remain stable, although we expect further rental growth in some of London’s West End sites.
This report has been produced by Cushman & Wakefield LLP for use by those with an interest in commercial property solely for information purposes. It is not intended to be a complete description of the markets or developments to which it refers. The report uses information obtained from public sources which Cushman & Wakefield LLP believe to be reliable, but we have not verified such information and cannot guarantee that it is accurate and complete. No warranty or representation, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained herein and Cushman & Wakefield LLP shall not be liable to any reader of this report or any third party in any way whatsoever. All expressions of opinion are subject to change. Our prior written consent is required before this report can be reproduced in whole or in part. ©2016 Cushman & Wakefield LLP. All rights reserved.This report has been produced by Cushman & Wakefield LLP for use by those with an interest in commercial property solely for information purposes. It is not intended to be a complete description of the markets or developments to which it refers. The report uses information obtained from public sources which Cushman & Wakefield LLP believe to be reliable, but we have not verified such information and cannot guarantee that it is accurate and complete. No warranty or representation, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the information contained herein and Cushman & Wakefield LLP shall not be liable to any reader of this report or any third party in any way whatsoever. All expressions of opinion are subject to change. Our prior written consent is required before this report can be reproduced in whole or in part. ©2016 Cushman & Wakefield LLP. All rights reserved.
