Industrial Property Guide
Finding and Evaluating Industrial Units
Future Market: Industrial Property is coming to REID Search as part of our phased market expansion. We launch new markets one at a time — Commercial → Civil → Industrial → Space → Insights — each receiving the full AI-powered intelligence treatment when it goes live.
Industrial property has its own vocabulary, its own valuation metrics, and its own set of operational requirements. This guide covers the key considerations whether you’re buying, leasing, or investing.
Key Specifications to Assess
| Specification | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Eaves height | Determines racking capacity and storage density | Modern logistics units: 12–18m; older stock: 6–8m |
| Floor loading | Manufacturing equipment and storage weight limits | Minimum 50kN/m² for heavy industrial; 25kN/m² for general |
| Power supply | Manufacturing and data operations need high capacity | Three-phase supply; check kVA allocation and upgrade availability |
| Loading access | Operations depend on efficient goods movement | Dock-level, ground-level, or both; number of bays; yard turning circle |
| Yard depth | HGV manoeuvring and external storage | 50m+ for articulated vehicles; check surface condition and drainage |
| EPC rating | MEES compliance — minimum E required, B target by 2030 | Current rating, estimated upgrade cost, landlord vs. tenant obligation |
Lease Considerations
- Use class — B2 (general industrial), B8 (storage and distribution), or E(g)(iii) (light industrial). Ensure your operation is permitted under the existing class or that change-of-use is achievable.
- Environmental permits — Manufacturing and waste operations require Environment Agency permits. Check what’s in place and what the landlord permits under the lease.
- Dilapidations — Industrial leases often have significant dilapidation liabilities. Budget for end-of-lease costs from the outset.
- Expansion options — Adjacent units, break clauses, and landlord development plans affect your ability to grow on site.
- Rates — Industrial rates vary significantly by region. The 2023 revaluation shifted liability — check the current rateable value.
What REID Will Provide
When this market launches, every industrial listing will be enriched with:
- Transport network analysis (motorway junctions, ports, rail freight terminals)
- Workforce availability and commuter catchment mapping
- Flood risk and environmental constraint data
- Power infrastructure and broadband connectivity
- Planning history and neighbouring use analysis
- Comparable transaction data from Land Registry
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