Columbus Industrial Figures Q1 2026

The market ended Q1 2026 in a markedly stronger position after the dislocation of late 2024. Net absorption climbed to 4.4 million sq. ft., up 20.3% quarter‑over‑quarter and 74.1% year‑over‑year, a sharp reversal from the negative 2.4 million sq. ft. recorded in Q4 2024. This demand pushed vacancy down to 5.0%, a decline of 120 basis points from Q4 2025 and 330 basis points from Q1 2025, while availability fell to 7.1%. Landlords regained pricing power, with average asking rents rising 6.3% over the quarter and 12.4% over the year. On the supply side, there were four new project deliveries, totaling 413,000 sq. ft. At the same time, the construction pipeline expanded to 4.6 million sq. ft., with one new project breaking ground. Overall, tightening fundamentals and renewed construction underscored a market that had moved back into growth mode in Q1 2026.