I was a bit off the mark!

One year ago, I predicted that the Saskatoon Industrial vacancy rate would slip under 5 per cent by year end. It was sitting at 5.32 per cent at that time.

We’re just about to release our 4Q 2021 market reports which will show that the average industrial vacancy rate declined by 1.33 per cent to 3.99 per cent.

With a positive net absorption of 42,147 SF quarter over quarter, that rate of decline accelerated after a 1.23 per cent drop that took place over the two previous years.

Saskatchewan Economic Forecast

TD Economics is forecasting continued strong growth in 2022 with 3.4 per cent GDP and the unemployment rate dropping to 5.5 per cent

Saskatoon Industrial Market continues as strongest sector

Despite the strength demonstrated in this sector, there were only seven building permits totalling 73,041 SF issued in the Marquis Industrial area in 2021.

There are already shortages of lease options in a few size categories of warehouse. I believe we are fast approaching a critical situation where there will be a significant undersupply for tenants needing to expand in 2022.

There is currently a 6 – 8-month lead time to order steel. That means a developer needs to place an order 12 to 16 months before anticipated project completion. Many tenants don’t plan that far ahead.

It’s going to be an interesting year.

What’s my prediction for 2022?

I see a record setting vacancy rate under 3 per cent by the end of the year.

Not only do we have a supply issue, but inflation has impacted building costs significantly.

This will result in an increase in our average asking net rental rate from $11.41 PSF to well over $12.00 PSF.

In order for a developer to realize a reasonable return on investment, new shell space needs to be priced close to $14.00 PSF net.

I will report back to you in 12 months with a debrief of my 2022 predictions. You can hold me accountable!