FAQ

• The Polish warehouse real estate market in a glimpse?

  At the end of 2009 modern warehouse space in Poland covered 6 million m², of which 1 million m² of vacant space*. Distribution parks are primarily concentrated in the western and central part of Poland. The Warsaw region, which has the largest volume of warehouse space, is followed by other regional markets such as: Upper Silesia, Central Poland, Wrocław and Poznań. Recently also new markets developed, such as Trójmiasto, Toruń, Szczecin and Cracow. Demand in 2009 decreased two-fold in relation to the year prior and totaled 765,000 m² (including renegotiations and extensions of existing contracts). New lease contracts were signed for the amount of 539,000 m². Tenants were mostly interested in facilities located in the Warsaw region (28% lease volume), Upper Silesia (24%) and the vicinity of Wrocław (18%). * Cushman & Wakefield data

• What is the procedure of leasing warehouses?

  As is the case on the housing market, warehouse space can be rented directly from the owner or through an agent. There are many real estate agencies specializing in this sector. Brokers help clients compare the offers of various developers and support them during negotiations. After familiarizing oneself with the initial offer in the agency the client makes an on-site visit of the facility. The last stage is adapting finished space to own needs, preparing and concluding a contract. If a client does not find a suitable facility, it is possible to build a facility tailored to meet individual needs. Thus the client starts to work with a specific developer on a new build-to-suit (BTS) project.

• What is the lifespan of the contract?

  The lease contract is concluded for a pre-defined period of time, usually 3-7 years. In case of BTS projects, the leasing period is usually longer, ca 10-15 years. A contract that is signed for a defined period of time can only be terminated after it expires. The longest timeframe a lease contract can be signed for is 30 years.

• What does the standard technical specification of a warehouse building include?

  Modern distribution centers offer warehouse and office space, divided into comfortable modules, which the tenant can freely combine and plan out. The parks are fenced and secured 24 hours a day. The customer has the possibility of adjusting leased space (its size, design and lighting) to individual needs. The standard technical specification of existing state-of-the-art warehouse buildings include the following elements:
  
  •    Gas fired heating system
  •    Skylights and smoke vents
  •    Gas fired heating system
  •    Skylights and smoke vents
  •    ESFR sprinkler installation
  •    Lighting per local code
  •    Clear height - 10m
  •    Concrete structure
  •    Column grid - 12m x 22,5m
  •    Jointless floor
  •    Floor loading 5 t/sq m
  •    Automatic ventilation system
  •    Steel roof structure

• What are the costs of functioning and using warehouse space?

  The main leasing expense is the rent. The (base) rent is denominated in net amount (without VAT) per 1 m², calculated in annual or monthly terms. The rent can be defined for the whole leasing period. The actual rent is the amount received after factoring in discounts, allowances, and additional expenses.
  
  The operating expenses are those that are incurred for the facility to be operational, i.e. real estate taxes and other encumbrances, costs of renovation and maintenance, utilities, management, insurance, security, cleaning etc.
  
  The operating costs are the following:
  •    administration costs,
  •    security and safety maintenance costs,
  •    costs of cleaning common areas,
  •    building and parking surroundings,
  •    building maintenance costs (electricity, water, heating costs, also for common areas),
  •    renovation and maintenance costs,
  •    insurance costs,
  •    real estate taxes.

• Is it possible to build an office next to the warehouse?

  Warehouse space can be adapted into office space. If office needs exceed 200m² it can be located on the entresol, i.e. on a higher story. Each one of our clients has office space. BTS projects can also foresee an office building that is located externally detached.

• What is the minimal lease module?

  The minimal lease module depends on the type of building (with docks from one or two sides) as well as the column grid inside the warehouse. In case of buildings with docks only on one side, the minimal lease module is calculated by multiplying the building's depth by the width of each aisle. The aisle is the smallest area between the column grid in the warehouse. If the distance between columns in a warehouse totals 24 m x 12 m the aisle is 288 m² big. The cross-dock facility (docks on two sides of the building) is governed by different principles, owing to the fact that the space can be accessed from various sides and can offer a minimal module from the middle of the building's depth.