It’s officially summer, which means we’re halfway through 2025. The UK commercial property market entered the year on steadier footing, and we’re now seeing improved investor sentiment with modest but consistent growth in capital values and rental levels.
Retail warehousing and well-located shopping centres are regaining traction, while the industrial sector continues to benefit from structural demand. The office market remains the most complex sub-sector. Nationally, new development activity has slowed significantly, as construction costs and financing pressures weigh heavily. That said, our own conversations with occupiers suggest that demand remains resilient for well-positioned, high-quality office accommodation, particularly in regional centres where affordability and access are key.
Keep reading for a more detailed update on the commercial property market in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and South Cheshire.
Stoke-on-Trent: Attracting Value-Focused Investors and Occupiers
Locally, Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding area continues to perform well in both the investment and occupational markets. The city’s industrial stock remains highly sought after, especially among last-mile logistics and trade counter users who value proximity to the M6 corridor and wider Midlands catchment.
Our team has observed consistent demand from businesses looking to secure competitively priced accommodation. Stoke’s value proposition of offering good quality space at below regional averages is attracting attention from occupiers priced out of the major cities like Manchester. We’re also seeing steady growth in the residential sector which is helping to reinforce demand for local commercial amenities and services.
South Cheshire: Resilient Industrial Base and Increasing Investor Interest
In South Cheshire, demand for well-located logistics and light industrial units remains strong. Areas such as Crewe and Nantwich continue to benefit from their strategic position along key transport routes, making them appealing to regional and national operators.
We’re also seeing growing interest from property investors targeting secure long-term income, particularly for modern warehouse stock with strong tenant covenants. Limited availability of high-spec units has kept vacancy rates low and rental growth in the sector remains strong.
The office market in South Cheshire is more selective, with occupiers focused on flexible, high-quality space rather than size. Meanwhile, local retail parks and food led destinations are performing well, supported by stable household incomes and rising residential populations.
Market Themes
From our day-to-day interactions with clients across Staffordshire and South Cheshire, a number of consistent themes are emerging:
- Industrial & Logistics: Demand remains strong across the board. Businesses are prioritising location, functionality and cost-efficiency. Opportunities exist for investors in multi-let estates and value-add refurbishment projects.
- Office Space: Occupiers are reassessing their workspace needs post-COVID, but many still require well-specified accommodation in accessible locations. Flexibility and layout efficiency are more important than ever.
- Retail & Leisure: Retail warehousing is outperforming expectations, especially where assets are anchored by grocery or discount occupiers. Local centres with a strong convenience offering continue to trade well.
- Development Land: The appetite for strategic land is rising, particularly for mixed-use and residential-led schemes where infrastructure is in place or planned. Enquiries from SME developers have notably increased this year.
Across Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and South Cheshire, the commercial property market is demonstrating resilience and adaptability. While challenges remain in certain sectors, our region is well-placed to benefit from businesses seeking lower cost, well-connected locations outside of the major cities.
At Mounsey Chartered Surveyors, we remain actively involved in advising landlords, tenants and investors across all sectors of the commercial property market. Whether you’re looking to let, acquire, manage or dispose of assets, we’re here to provide trusted, locally informed advice.
Contact us today or browse our services: Commercial Agency, Commercial Valuation, Lease Renewal and Rent Review, Property Management, Residential Valuation, Commercial Property Consultancy.
