At the end of Q2 2025, the total warehouse space in Poland’s emerging markets reached nearly 5.4 million sq m, accounting for 15% of the country’s overall stock. The strongest growth dynamics were recorded in regions such as Kuyavia, Subcarpathia, Eastern Poland, as well as in regional cities including Kielce, Zielona Góra, and Legnica. Demand for warehouse space in these locations surged by as much as 78% year-on-year in H1 2025, while developers increased construction activity to almost 270,000 sq m.
“Emerging markets are gaining importance thanks to tenants’ growing interest in alternative locations offering good transport accessibility and a skilled workforce. At the same time, companies in major logistics hubs increasingly struggle with labor shortages, which further drives the search for new investment sites,” commented Przemysław Jankowski, Head of Industrial Agency at Knight Frank.
New Supply and Projects Under Construction
In the first half of 2025, more than 120,000 sq m of modern warehouse space was delivered in emerging markets. Although this represents a 32% decrease compared to the same period in 2024, development activity remains strong. Nearly 270,000 sq m is currently under construction—up 60% quarter-on-quarter and 64% year-on-year.
The largest completed projects included:
- Fortress Logistic Park Bydgoszcz – 10,600 sq m
- Panattoni BTS Valmet Automotive – 8,800 sq m
- P3 Bydgoszcz – 8,000 sq m
Strong Demand and Key Leases
Growing construction activity is a direct response to high demand. In H1 2025, tenants leased a total of 450,000 sq m in emerging markets, up 78% year-on-year. One of the largest transactions was a 63,400 sq m lease signed by German company Schaeffler, which will establish its new East European Regional Distribution and Kitting Center at Prologis Park Ujazd.
Notably, 87% of the space under construction is already pre-let, highlighting strong tenant interest and developers’ cautious approach to speculative projects. The largest ongoing project is Panattoni Park Rzeszów West, with a total area of 73,000 sq m.
“Revived demand and a high level of pre-lets indicate that emerging markets are becoming a significant complement to mature warehouse hubs. Further infrastructure development, including the Via Carpatia route, will further enhance their attractiveness,” added Szymon Sobiecki, Market Research Analyst at Knight Frank.
Transaction Structure and Vacancy Rates
New leases dominated transaction activity, accounting for 52% of the volume. Renewals made up 47%, while expansions represented 1%.
The vacancy rate in emerging markets fell to 10.6% at the end of Q2 2025, down 2.5 percentage points year-on-year. Rental rates in the region remained stable.
Source: CEO.com.pl
