How to determine the value of industrial property?

Industrial property valuation is a crucial process in the real estate industry, as it helps investors, lenders, and property owners determine the worth of industrial properties when buying, selling, or leasing them.

Several factors influence industrial property valuation, ranging from tangible elements like location and infrastructure to intangible aspects such as markets and regulatory factors. 

Purpose of industrial property valuation

It is essential for several industrial and commercial applications. First, it offers a precise picture of a property's value, taking into account location, infrastructure, and market demand. Investors need this knowledge to make smart investment choices and ensure they correctly weigh risk and return.
Businesses' finances' and reporting rely on valuations as well. Frequent evaluations help to establish asset value for financial reporting needs, guarantee accounting rules are followed, and give stakeholders a clear picture of the financial situation of the business.

Furthermore, property valuation is required for taxation and regulatory reasons. Accurate values in South Africa guarantee just property tax assessments, avoid overvaluation or undervaluation, and maintain adherence to legal standards.

It also supports insurance and risk management. Correct assessments reduce the possibility of underinsurance or overinsurance and guarantee that insurance claims fairly represent the property's replacement or restoration worth.

Factors affecting industrial property valuation

Several factors are taken into account when valuing industrial properties. Some key considerations include:
1. Location: The location plays a significant role in determining the market value of industrial properties. Factors such as proximity to transportation hubs, major highways, seaports, or airports can enhance the property's value.
2. Properties layout: The size and layout of the industrial property can impact its value. Factors such as square footage, number of loading docks, elevators, and ceiling height are considered.
3. Condition and upgrades: The condition of the property and any recent upgrades or renovations can impact its value. Factors such as structural integrity, electrical and plumbing updates, and energy-efficient features are considered.
4. Tenant mix and lease terms: The mix of tenants and the terms of the lease agreements can influence the property's value. The length of leases, tenant creditworthiness, and rent escalation clauses are considered.
5. Market rents: Market rents for similar properties in the same area are considered in industrial property valuation. It helps determine the appropriate rental rates based on the market's supply and dynamics.
6. Economic indicators: Economic indicators, such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, and consumer spending patterns, can impact the value of industrial properties. Factors such as the demand for industrial space and the economy's overall health are considered.
7. Local market conditions: Local market conditions, including vacancy rates, tenant demand, and competition, can influence the value of industrial properties. These factors help determine the property's relative value in the local marketplace.
Methods of industrial property valuation
There are three main methods of valuing property in South Africa:
1. Cost approach: This approach involves determining the cost of replacing a property with a similar one, considering factors like land cost, construction materials, labour, and depreciation. Particularly well-suited are new constructions, properties with slight depreciation, and unusual or specialist properties like factories or custom-built warehouses.
2. Income approach: This approach finds optimal use in income-generating properties such as office buildings, retail spaces, and rental properties. Conversely, its applicability diminishes for owner-occupied properties, where value isn't primarily reliant on rental income. It involves estimating the property's potential properties and subtracting the expenses to determine its present value.
3. Comparable sales approach: This method relies on the principle that properties with similar characteristics tend to sell for similar prices. It's ideal for brand construction or properties with less depreciation. It also works well for rare or unusual properties, including factories or custom-built properties, which resist easy comparison to others in the neighbourhood. However, its reliability does improve for older properties, where the replacement cost may need to be more precisely aligned with current market values.

Impact on the property buyers and sellers

Every property is different and needs a different valuation method. Researching various valuation techniques and consulting with qualified property valuers can help you find the best approach for your property. 

Precise property evaluations provide just and equitable transactions, providing a reliable basis for buyer-seller negotiations and promoting market trust. When property values are accurate, investors can breathe easy knowing they are getting a good deal. On the other hand, sellers can be confident that their property has been fairly compensated.

You can view our property listings, or if you're looking to sell your property, contact our property practitioners at Newpoint Property.