CBRE Survey Finds Industrial Occupiers Prioritizing Cost Control and Higher-Quality Space

Occupiers emphasize cost control and higher-quality space while expanding domestic manufacturing footprints.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:24am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a few carefully arranged, premium-looking industrial objects such as a sleek metal gear, a polished steel pipe fitting, and a smooth concrete block, all lit dramatically with sharp shadows to represent the abstract concepts of corporate strategy, finance, and risk management in the industrial real estate sector.A refined, minimalist studio still life captures the industrial real estate sector's emphasis on cost control and higher-quality spaces.Greenville Today

CBRE's latest U.S. Industrial & Logistics Occupier Survey highlights a clear shift in priorities for industrial users, with occupiers emphasizing cost control and higher-quality space while expanding domestic manufacturing footprints. Survey responses show that occupancy-related expenses have moved to the forefront of decision-making, influencing business operations and location strategies.

Why it matters

The survey findings align with CBRE's broader industrial outlook, underscoring continued flight to quality, rising use of third-party logistics, and further domestic manufacturing expansion. Despite current cost pressures, the industrial real estate outlook remains cautiously optimistic.

The details

In response to the focus on cost control, industrial owners and landlords are offering richer incentives and initiating renewal discussions earlier in lease terms to retain tenants. Lease rollover is a notable issue in the near term, with two-thirds of respondents indicating that more than a quarter of their leases will expire within the next 36 months, representing more than 1.7 billion square feet. This wave of expirations is expected to give occupiers an opportunity to reassess location, building quality, and operational efficiency while landlords compete more actively for renewals.

  • The survey was conducted in 2026.
  • Renewal lease terms rose by 15.2% in 2025, and further increases are expected in 2026.
  • Two-thirds of respondents indicated that more than a quarter of their leases will expire within the next 36 months.

The players

CBRE

A global commercial real estate services and investment firm.

James Breeze

CBRE's vice president and head of industrial research for the Americas.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Lease rollover is a notable issue in the near term. Two-thirds of respondents indicated that more than a quarter of their leases will expire within the next 36 months, representing more than 1.7 billion square feet.”

— James Breeze, CBRE's vice president and head of industrial research for the Americas

“Half of respondents reported being somewhat concerned about power availability and grid reliability, yet fewer than 3% ranked power among their top challenges or site-selection factors.”

— James Breeze, CBRE's vice president and head of industrial research for the Americas

What’s next

The survey findings are expected to inform CBRE's ongoing research and analysis of the industrial real estate market, as the firm continues to track the evolving priorities and strategies of industrial occupiers.

The takeaway

The CBRE survey highlights the shifting priorities of industrial occupiers, with a greater emphasis on cost control and higher-quality space, as well as a renewed focus on domestic manufacturing expansion. These trends are shaping the industrial real estate landscape, with landlords adapting their strategies to retain tenants and occupiers reassessing their location and operational needs.