Outlook
Active asset management and new concepts in demand
The market climate for retail space will remain challenging during and after 2025, but will continue to offer interesting opportunities.
In good locations, the perspectives are still intact. The demand for locations in well-fre- quented shopping streets and centrally located retail parks is stable and satisfacto- ry. Secondary and tertiary locations are also in demand, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to reach the level of rents needed to support the required maintenance. In view of the continuing oversupply of average space, rental opportunities – also at prices below expectations – should not be carelessly rejected.
sation measures is essential, for example the modernisation of cooling and air conditioning systems, and has come to be nearly indispensable. Vacant areas should be in good condition before interested tenants are identified because there are generally numerous other alternatives. Fast rental is, consequently, dependent on the attractiveness of the space. It is also often necessary to create market-oriented configurations as a means of improving rental opportunities. The
In the new rental business, the demand will continue to shift from the previously dominating branches like fashion or home furnishings to a broader usage mix. Services like health, fitness and entertain- ment are becoming more important, and smaller branches like booksellers or vintage concepts are taking a more offensive market approach. The tense earnings situation of many retailers makes the careful evaluation of tenants’ credit standings and business models essential for new rentals. Tenants who work with online-offline concepts offer particularly good prospects because their branches not only service brick and mortar retail but also play an important role in online turnover. These outlets are generally rented for longer periods than competitors whose branches compete with online offerings.
One positive factor involves the numerous international inquiries for market entry in Austria. However, decision processes are now significantly more protracted than before the beginning of the inflation crisis with its generally negative effect on the retail trade.
The accelerated structural transformation and the ex- tensive supply of good space requires very active asset management by investors.
The accelerated structural transformation and the extensive supply of good space requires very active asset management by investors to successfully rent their properties over the medium and long term.
separation of multi-storey units, despite the frequently extensive costs, is regularly the requirement for successful rental efforts. Structural partitions, also for units over 1,000 square metres, can significantly improve rentability.
The continuous implementation of optimi-
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Retail Market Report
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