Despite broad economic uncertainty throughout 2025, the industrial and trade counter market in Christchurch has continued to demonstrate resilience.
Rents have followed a steady upward trajectory, underpinned by robust occupier demand for modern, well located space, yet supply of such accommodation remained restricted throughout the year.
As we embark on 2026, Dorset industrial property expert Bryony Thompson, Partner at Vail Williams, examines the market’s performance and prospects.
A resilient, well-connected submarket
“Christchurch is one of the most established industrial locations in the region, with excellent transport connectivity and consistently strong occupier demand, particularly from third party logistics providers, online retailers, and the defence, aviation and maritime sectors,” Bryony explains.
Limited existing stock, a lack of new build delivery and industrial land lost to alternative uses have all contributed to continued rental growth across both new and second hand industrial units available for rent.
Post peak recalibration: Christchurch holds firm
The industrial sector experienced exceptional activity in 2021–2022, driven by post-COVID recovery and heightened logistics demand.
However, the aftermath of the 2022 mini Budget, rising inflation, increased construction costs and more expensive finance all cooled development activity and softened rental growth nationally.
“While overall activity dipped initially, Christchurch has remained comparatively strong,” says Bryony.
“Rents have continued to rise steadily, reflecting the depth of demand for modern, well-specified accommodation. The trade counter sector has not yet returned to its previous highs, but we have seen notable improvement through 2025, supported by a clear flight to quality.”
Flight to quality: ESG now a defining driver
Occupiers continue to prioritise highly sustainable, energy efficient space, a trend driven by both internal ESG policies and investor pressure to future proof assets.
“Tenants now expect EPC B as a minimum, with features such as photovoltaic panels, EV charging and improved insulation increasingly forming part of standard specification,” adds Bryony. “Developers delivering genuinely future proofed buildings in and around Christchurch are seeing strong take-up as a result.”
