Q2 2026 Columbia Industrial Figures

Columbia’s industrial market posted mixed results in Q2 2026, as overall vacancy increased 50 basis points (bps) quarter-over-quarter to 4.2% following occupancy losses concentrated in Northeast and Southeast Columbia. Net absorption totaled negative 94,000 sq. ft. during the quarter, although tenant activity remained active with 714,000 sq. ft. of leasing completed, well above the market’s recent quarterly average. Despite total net absorption being negative, Class A net absorption remained healthy at 580,000 sq. ft.

Market performance continued to vary by class. Class A vacancy fell to 1.8%, supported by several major occupancies and continued demand for modern industrial facilities. In contrast, Class B vacancy increased to 6.0%, largely due to LuLaRoe’s departure from its 325,000 sq. ft. facility at 2000 Carolina Pines Drive, while Class C vacancy remained relatively stable at 3.6%.

Asking rents reached a record $6.06 per sq. ft., a more than 4.0% increase from the previous quarter and surpassing the $6.00 threshold for the first time. Meanwhile, development activity remained limited, with 228,000 sq. ft. of build-to-suit space delivered and no new speculative starts, reducing the active construction pipeline to 355,000 sq. ft. at quarter-end.