STRING H1 PERFORMANCE ABOVE LONG-TERM AVERAGE
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Despite a challenging market environment marked by economic uncertainty and a continued shortage of available space, the Cologne logistics market delivered a solid performance in the first half of 2026. Including owner-occupier transactions, total take-up reached approximately 134,000 sqm, representing an increase of around 20% above the ten-year average and almost 58% higher than the comparable prior-year figure.
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A major contribution came from the strong first quarter, which recorded 82,000 sqm of take-up and was particularly driven by a large-scale transaction. The second quarter also generated a solid result, with 52,000 sqm of space leased. In contrast to the beginning of the year, however, no transactions exceeding 20,000 sqm were registered during this period. As a result, Goodcang’s lease of 35,000 sqm in Bergheim remains the largest letting recorded so far in the current calendar year.
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Rental levels remained stable during the first half of the year, both at the prime and average level. The prime rent for modern logistics space in well-connected locations has stayed unchanged at €8.20/sqm since the end of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 6%. The average rent currently stands at €6.70/sqm, likewise reflecting growth of approximately 6% compared to Q2 2025.