The new RICS report - Poland Commercial Property Monitor Q4 2015

The Polish economy continues to follow a consistently solid growth path and this is supporting upbeat sentiment on the investment side of the commercial real estate market. Strong labour market improvements and firm job creation are driving occupier demand, but the rapid growth in availability means rents are expected to remain under pressure for the time being.

Key macroeconomic trends

Economic growth in Poland has been robust, with GDP set to have increased by around 3.5% in 2015. Domestic demand has been the key driver of the expansion, fuelled by rising employment, strong real wage increases and improving financial conditions - all of which are likely to continue over 2016. Moreover, business confidence remains high and should lead to further strong growth in gross fixed capital formation following increases of roughly 10% and 7% in 2014 and 2015, respectively. One downside, however, may come from imports rising at a slightly faster pace than exports on account of the strength of domestic demand. As such, net trade may weigh on GDP modestly going forward. Nevertheless, the Polish economy continues to follow a consistently solid growth path and this is supporting upbeat sentiment on the investment side of the commercial real estate market. On the occupier side, although strong labour market improvements and firm job creation are driving occupier demand, the rapid growth in availability means rents are expected to remain under pressure for the time being.

Occupier Market

The Occupier Sentiment Index remained in negative territory, although to a lesser extent than previously, coming in at -9. Nevertheless, occupier demand growth accelerated notably over the quarter, with each sector seeing a solid increase in tenant demand, led by offices. Availability continued to rise sharply with the office sector seeing the greatest uptick. As a result, the value of landlord incentive packages increased in all areas of the market. Against this backdrop of supply growth outstripping that of demand, rents are expected to fall across the majority of sectors over the next twelve months, albeit prime retail space may post marginal gains.

Investment Market

The Investment Sentiment Index climbed to +37, the highest reading since 2011 and signalling a sharp rate of improvement in overall investment market dynamics. Investment enquiries rose across the board, with demand increasing smartly from both domestic and foreign investors. The supply of property for sale fell in the industrial and retail areas of the market but increased marginally in the office sector. Twelve month capital value expectations returned to positive territory, with prime locations across all sectors now projected to see price growth.

Key market indicators

• 3 Month Rental and Capital Value Expectations - The excess supply of space available for occupancy continues to weigh on near term rent expectations.
• Market Valuations - A significant 86% of respodnets sense commercial real estate to be either at or below fair value at present, a notable increase from the 58% who were of this opinion in Q3.
• Credit Conditions - On balance, credit conditions reportedly improved slightly over the quarter although some respondents notice more challenging access to finance.
• Property Cycle - Around 60% of contributors in total sense their local market is currently in the early to mid upturn stage of the property cycle.
• 12 Month Capital Value Expectations - All prime areas of the market are projected to post capital value gains over the year ahead, while much weaker expectations were returned for secondary assets.
• 12 Month Rent Expectations - Prime retail rents are projected to see a small increase over the next twelve months while the outlook remains negative across all other sub-markets.

The Global Commercial Property Monitor:

This monitor tracks the sentiment of RICS members working in real estate in 29 global markets and is released quarterly as a guide to the market outlook. The data is a useful guide for governments, investors and other property professionals on where the commercial real estate markets are headed.

The monitor is based on two indicators:

* Investment Sentiment Index (ISI): This indicator combines results for investment demand and the supply of property for sale along with property price expectations.

** Occupier market conditions (OSI): This measure includes demands for leasable space, availability of leasable space and incentive packages landlords offer to potential tenants.

Poland Commercial Property Monitor Q42015

Global Commercial Property Monitor Q42015

Global Cities Commercial Property Monitor Q42015

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