North West industrial investments transacted in 2025 totalled approximately £1.19billion (84 deals), a 16% increase on the £1.03billion (63 deals) transacted in 2024, according to B8RE’s H2 2025 market update. The number and size of transactions in 2025 were highly consistent with the five-year average of £1.18 billion.

On a quarterly basis, North West industrial investments transacted (by value) were split as follows:

• Q1 – 18% (17 deals - £218million)
• Q2 – 26% (19 deals - £314million)
• Q3 – 18% (15 deals - £213million)
• Q4 – 37% (33 deals - £444million).

The agency also recorded approximately £310million across 15 deals that were under offer going into 2026.

Commenting on the North West investment market, John Burrows, investment director at B8 Real Estate, said: “The North West industrial market remained notably resilient throughout 2025, albeit performance was increasingly sub-sector specific, with investor demand focussed on good quality value-add and multi-let assets.

“The end of Q4 saw a noticeable uplift in investor enquiries following the Autumn Budget, suggesting renewed confidence and a clearer understanding of the fiscal landscape. Looking ahead to 2026, there is a sense of cautious optimism across the market. However, much will depend on whether debt costs and gilt rates ease sufficiently over the course of the year to unlock greater liquidity, particularly within the core investment market.”

The North West Big Box occupational market saw demand rise to 3.77million sq ft in 2025 across 25 transactions, which marks the third straight year of growth, and a 15.5% increase compared to 2024 (3.22million sq ft). There was increased occupier activity from summer onwards, with 1.56million sq ft recorded in H1 2025 and 2.16million sq ft in H2 2025.

Will Kenyon, director at B8 Real Estate, concluded: “2025 proved to be a strong year for the North West industrial market, with take-up outperforming both 2024 levels and the five-year average. Activity gathered real momentum in the second half of the year and we believe this uptick signals further confidence in the North West for the year ahead.”