Key observations
Wave of new warehouses to be delivered in FY25. In 1Q25, c.209,000sqm of new industrial space was completed, the bulk of which came from the business park and warehouse segments. The completion of Geneo at 1 Science Park Drive added total GFA of c.116,000sqm of business park space, while in the warehouse segment, the completion of Boustead’s 36 Tuas Road (a five-storey prime logistics facility with temperature-controlled storage) and DB Schenker’s 33 Greenwich Drive (catering to the semiconductor and healthcare sectors) contributed total GFA of slightly more than 121,000sqm. As new supply outpaced take-up, vacancy rates for the business park and warehouse segments inched up c.2.1ppt and c.1.0ppt, respectively.
Looking ahead, an estimate the addition of 0.7mn sqm of industrial space over the rest of FY25, with c.32% allocated to warehouse space. The single-user and multi-user factory segments are each projected to make up another c.29% of upcoming supply. The remaining c.10% of new supply will be contributed by business parks. An additional 2.4mn sqm of industrial space is expected to be delivered in 2026-2027. This translates to an average annual supply of more than 1.1mn sqm over the next three years, higher than the historical average supply of c.0.9mn sqm and historical average demand of c.0.6mn sqm.
Rental growth continues, but has moderated. The rental index for all industrial space grew by 0.5% q/q in 1Q25, similar to the previous quarter, but significantly lower than average quarterly rental growth of c.1.6% recorded over the past three years. Interestingly, the business park segment recorded the strongest growth of c.1.2% in 1Q25, while the multi-user factory segment posted the lowest growth of c.0.3% (lowest in over three years). The strong rental growth for the business park segment was likely driven by Geneo, where leases for wet labs likely command a premium over typical business park space.
Although the logistics segment is expected to continue outperforming the other segments, the spike in warehouse supply expected in FY25 will lead to a moderation in rental growth and occupancy rates. The business park segment will likely continue to see a two-tier market, with the city fringe precincts outperforming the rest-of-island precincts as new supply comes online.
Singapore PMI records steepest decline since COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore’s overall factory activity retreated by 1.0 point to 49.6 in April 2025. This was the steepest monthly decline since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic (early 2020), and puts an end to a 19-month expansion. The sharp fall in the April PMI mirrors the pullback throughout the region, following the reciprocal tariffs announced by US President Donal Trump, which triggered a wave of export-order deferments and cancellations. The PMI trend is consistent with findings from the EDB’s survey of manufacturing firms, which reported deteriorating business sentiment for April to September 2025. Looking ahead, businesses would remain cautious, as a more protectionist global landscape, led by higher tariffs, will likely further dampen external demand and negatively impact Singapore’s manufacturing prospects.
To read the full report click the download PDF link.
Dale LAI
[email protected]
Derek TAN Weixiang
[email protected]
GENERAL DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER
The information herein is published by DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (each and/or collectively, the “Company”). This report is intended for “Accredited Investors” and “Institutional Investors” (defined under the Financial Advisers Act and Securities and Futures Act of Singapore, and their subsidiary legislation), as well as “Professional Investors” (defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong) only. It is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but the Company does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to its accuracy, completeness, timeliness or correctness for any particular purpose. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This research is prepared for general circulation. Any recommendation contained herein does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. The information herein is published for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate legal or financial advice. The Company, or any of its related companies or any individuals connected with the group accepts no liability for any direct, special, indirect, consequential, incidental damages or any other loss or damages of any kind arising from any use of the information herein (including any error, omission or misstatement herein, negligent or otherwise) or further communication thereof, even if the Company or any other person has been advised of the possibility thereof. The information herein is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities, futures, options or other financial instruments or to provide any investment advice or services. The Company and its associates, their directors, officers and/or employees may have positions or other interests in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking or financial services for these companies. The information herein is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity that is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country, or other jurisdiction (including but not limited to citizens or residents of the United States of America) where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. The information is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security in any jurisdiction (including but not limited to the United States of America) where such an offer or solicitation would be contrary to law or regulation
This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) which is Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 65-6878-8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.
DBS Bank Ltd., 12 Marina Boulevard, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, Singapore 018982. Tel: 65-6878-8888. Company Registration No. 196800306E.
DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch, a company incorporated in Singapore with limited liability. 18th Floor, The Center, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong SAR
DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong with limited liability. 13 th Floor One Island East, 18 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong Tel: (852) 3668-4181, Fax: (852) 2521-1812
RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTION
General | This report is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. |
Australia | This report is being distributed in Australia by DBS Bank Ltd, DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd (“DBSVS”) or DBSV HK. DBS Bank Ltd holds Australian Financial Services Licence no. 475946. |
Hong Kong | This report has been prepared by a personnel of DBS Bank Ltd, who is not licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to carry on the regulated activity of advising on securities in Hong Kong pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong). This report is being distributed in Hong Kong and is attributable to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (''DBS HK''), a registered institution registered with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to carry on the regulated activity of advising on securities pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong). DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch is a limited liability company incorporated in Singapore. |
Indonesia | This report is being distributed in Indonesia by PT DBS Vickers Sekuritas Indonesia. |
Malaysia | This report is distributed in Malaysia by AllianceDBS Research Sdn Bhd ("ADBSR"). Recipients of this report, received from ADBSR are to contact the undersigned at 603-2604 3333 in respect of any matters arising from or in connection with this report. In addition to the General Disclosure/Disclaimer found at the preceding page, recipients of this report are advised that ADBSR (the preparer of this report), its holding company Alliance Investment Bank Berhad, their respective connected and associated corporations, affiliates, their directors, officers, employees, agents and parties related or associated with any of them may have positions in, and may effect transactions in the securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking/corporate advisory and other services for the subject companies. They may also have received compensation and/or seek to obtain compensation for broking, investment banking/corporate advisory and other services from the subject companies. |
Singapore | This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) or DBSVS (Company Regn No. 198600294G), both of which are Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBSVS, may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, DBS Bank Ltd accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 6878 8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report. |
Thailand | This report is being distributed in Thailand by DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) Co Ltd. For any query regarding the materials herein, please contact Chanpen Sirithanarattanakul at [email protected] |
United Kingdom | This report is produced by DBS Bank Ltd which is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. |
Dubai International Financial Centre | This communication is provided to you as a Professional Client or Market Counterparty as defined in the DFSA Rulebook Conduct of Business Module (the "COB Module"), and should not be relied upon or acted on by any person which does not meet the criteria to be classified as a Professional Client or Market Counterparty under the DFSA rules. |
United States | This report was prepared by DBS Bank Ltd. DBSVUSA did not participate in its preparation. The research analyst(s) named on this report are not registered as research analysts with FINRA and are not associated persons of DBSVUSA. The research analyst(s) are not subject to FINRA Rule 2241 restrictions on analyst compensation, communications with a subject company, public appearances and trading securities held by a research analyst. This report is being distributed in the United States by DBSVUSA, which accepts responsibility for its contents. This report may only be distributed to Major U.S. Institutional Investors (as defined in SEC Rule 15a-6) and to such other institutional investors and qualified persons as DBSVUSA may authorize. Any U.S. person receiving this report who wishes to effect transactions in any securities referred to herein should contact DBSVUSA directly and not its affiliate. |
Other jurisdictions | In any other jurisdictions, except if otherwise restricted by laws or regulations, this report is intended only for qualified, professional, institutional or sophisticated investors as defined in the laws and regulations of such jurisdictions. |
HONG KONG | SINGAPORE |
INDONESIA | THAILAND |