Despite numerous challenges, the Kraków industrial market is expanding quickly and has a bright future. The Małopolska region entered 2024 with a supply of more than one million sq m, and as of the end of H1 2024, another 61,000 sq m were under construction. In addition to ranking among Poland’s most strategic industrial locations, Kraków is also gaining ground as a preferred option for manufacturing firms due to its large pool of technical graduates from nearby towns and its strong base of university graduates. The advisory firm AXI IMMO performed the study of the Kraków industrial market.

Over the past few years, the Kraków industrial market has grown increasingly rapidly. As of June 2024, the Małopolska region has 171% more industrial and logistical space than it had five years ago, totalling 1.1 million sq m. The milestone of achieving one million sq m was estimated by the advisory firm AXI IMMO to have been reached by the end of 2023. In the first half of this year, 131,000 sq m were delivered to the Kraków industrial market, while another 61,000 sq m are still under construction. Deliveries comprised City Logistics Kraków Airport II (21,600 sq m), another hall within MDC2 Park Kraków South (35,600 sq m), and GLP Kraków III Logistics Centre (56,300 sq m) by the end of June 2024. Małopolska’s industrial market has long been known for having one of the lowest vacancy rates (as of the end of H1 2024, it was 6.1%, compared to the national average of 8.3%). As of the end of June of this year, there were about 69,000 sq m of available industrial and logistics space, of which nearly 50,000 sq m was located in two halls.

Marta Nowik, Director, Industrial & Logistics, Director of AXI IMMO’s Kraków branch, explains: “The region’s persistently low vacancy rate has slowed the dynamic growth of tenants in and around Kraków. Nevertheless, in the past two years, developers have provided about 300,000 sq m due to recognising the strong need for industrial space. This reality has allowed many local tenants to enjoy much-anticipated access to new, contemporary halls as part of growth, modernisation, or consolidation. In the upcoming quarters, we should anticipate hearing about the commencement of more investments due to the increasing take-up for industrial space.”

In 2023, leases of 232,000 sq m were signed in the Małopolska region, a result 4% better than in 2022. The first half of 2024 closed with 43,000 sq m due to the low availability of vacant space. Despite the lower base, a high level of leasing interest has been observed, demonstrating the good health of the sector in the region.

Marta Nowik says: “2023 was a record year for the Małopolska industrial market in terms of supply and take-up. Kraków has certainly risen to the top of the Polish industrial and logistical locations in the last three years, despite being distant from the “Big Five” of the industrial sector in terms of supply.”

Approx. 10% of industrial stock is located within the city’s administrative boundaries. Most logistics and manufacturing are situated along the A4 road in the eastern Kraków municipality, near the Balice airport and Skawina near Kraków. Kraków region warehouse locations are strategically significant in regional and cross-border logistics and distribution because they facilitate effective take-up servicing in Ukraine.

“The three main factors determining this market’s growth are the availability of investment regions, skilled labour, and effective communication. Companies have access to qualified engineers and other technical specialists who are successfully developing R&D departments and automating production and logistics processes, which is becoming increasingly important due to rising costs in recent years, thanks to renowned universities like the AGH University of Science and Technology and the Cracow University of Technology. The S7 road will also be finished this year, which will contribute to developing the potential of the region’s northern areas as well“, according to Marta Nowik.

The industrial market in Kraków has several difficulties, such as competition from the large Upper Silesian market and very limited land availability. It is also highly fragmented. However, as recent events have demonstrated, many businesses — including those that need highly skilled labour — are investing in the Kraków region due to enhanced infrastructure, increased municipal collaboration, and a comparatively high human potential.

“A German construction firm is an example of a business that chose to enter the local market due to the considerations above. The company has established an R&D department in the Kraków region as part of its recent investment,” highlights AXI IMMO expert.