Liverpool’s industrial and logistics market has become one of the UK’s most talked-about sectors.
In this article Liverpool Industrial Expert Anthony O’Keefe of LM6 Commercial Property talks about 10 of the most common questions about renting commercial warehouse space in Liverpool
Q: How much does industrial and logistics warehouse space cost in Liverpool?
Costs vary depending on location, size, and spec,. Businesses should factor in rent, business rates, service charges, and utilities. One of the most common mistakes I see is tenants focusing only on headline rent without understanding total occupancy cost.
Liverpool remains one of the most cost-effective industrial and logistics locations in the UK. Compared to the Manchester, Warrington & the Midlands you’ll typically achieve better value per square foot.
Key corridors like the M62 and the Port of Liverpool command higher rents but secondary values are typically in the order of £ 6-8 per sqft and modern/new units £9-10 per sqft.
Q: What size logistics warehouse do I need?
This is one of the top questions we see from e-commerce and distribution businesses. It’s not just about floor area—you need to consider eaves height, pallet capacity, yard space, and workflow efficiency.
Q: What type of lease is standard for industrial property in the UK?
Most industrial and logistics leases are Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI), meaning tenants take responsibility for maintenance and insurance. This is a key area where we as Commercial Agents acting for occupiers can deliver value to the team in negotiating favourable lease terms.
Q: What additional costs should I factor in?
In addition to rent, occupiers need to budget for business rates, service charges, insurance, and dilapidations. These costs can vary depending on the estate and local authority, so detailed due diligence is essential. SDLT may also be payable on larger commercial buildings & legal costs should not be overlooked
Q: Is Liverpool a good location for logistics and distribution?
Without question. Liverpool is a strategic logistics hub with access to national motorway networks, strong labour availability, and global shipping routes via the port., It’s ideal for distribution across the UK.
Employment is critical and availability of power is becoming increasingly important in larger logistics operations. That’s why demand for industrial space here remains strong.
Q: What loading and yard facilities are important?
logistics units often include dock loading, level access doors, and secure yards for HGV manoeuvring. Older industrial stock may lack this, so aligning the building specification with your distribution model is critical.
Q: Can I fit out or adapt an industrial unit?
In most cases yes, but landlord consent is required. Whether it’s racking systems, mezzanine floors, or integrated office space, we negotiate flexibility early to support your operational needs.
Q: Are there planning or use restrictions?
Yes—industrial and logistics properties fall under specific use classes, and local planning policies in Liverpool can impact how a unit is used. This is where local expertise adds real value.
Q: How long does it take to secure a logistics warehouse?
Typically 8-10 weeks from heads of terms to completion, but timing depends on legal processes and negotiations. Having an experienced advisor helps keep momentum.
Q: Why use LM6 Commercial Property to acquire a Facility when I can search for premises using AI:
There is a plethora of information available which can be accessed directly by occupiers online. This can be time consuming and unwieldy to navigate.
However, this data doesn’t replace negotiation, local market insight, or deal-making. At LM6, we bridge that gap— streamlining the process, turning local market insight into real-world results, securing better terms, and ensuring businesses secure the right warehouse, in the right location, on the right terms.
We take time to understand operational and corporate requirements and aligning these to ever changing market conditions.
Often engagements involve forming project specific teams to provide advice in relation to planning, building fit out, dilapidations and we have the experience and versatility to create the optimum project team.
Q: Do you only property or do you assist in sale or leasing of vacant units
Whilst working with occupiers to source and acquire new facilities is a large part of our business we also assist in all aspect of strategic leasing advice and disposal.
Indeed our core strength is in the disposal of buildings on either a leasehold or freehold basis.
We act for developers, property companies, funds and occupiers across the region.
The key to our success is understanding operational and corporate requirements and aligning these to ever changing market conditions.
The current economic climate presents unique challenges for business and real estate issues.
In these testing times we can help – whether that be to sell, lease; relocate your operations or assist in landlord and tenant discussions.
