Logix publishes new study on multilevel logistics real estate

• Potentials, basic types and challenges at a glance
• Typing creates the basis for future standards

Caption: The new study on multilevel logistics real estate is available for free download as of today. Copyright: Logix.

Space for logistics real estate is becoming increasingly scarce, especially in the German metropolitan regions. At the same time, the need for easily accessible warehouse, distribution and production sites is increasing. Multi-storey logistics properties can offer an opportunity to use existing commercial and industrial space more efficiently. In its new study "Multilevel Logistics Real Estate", the Logistics Real Estate Initiative (Logix) examines the potential offered by this construction method and the conditions that need to be created for greater distribution in Germany.

 The publication, which was prepared under the direction of Dr.-Ing. Roland Busch from the University of Wuppertal, is the first of two studies on the subject of multi-storey buildings. It delimits the term multilevel logistics property, records and classifies projects that have already been completed in Europe and examines their structural and functional characteristics. The inventory shows a great diversity. At the same time, European projects can be divided into six clearly distinguishable basic types. While multi-storey logistics properties have already been realised in Europe in different forms, there are only a few projects in Germany so far, especially for properties with ramp access to the upper floors.

Potentials, basic types and challenges of multi-storey buildings

Multi-storey buildings are becoming increasingly important especially where land is scarce and expensive. A more efficient use of industrial and commercial space can help to reduce the sealing of areas that have not previously been used commercially (greenfields). At the same time, more centrally located locations enable potential for better accessibility of conurbations and, if necessary, for the optimisation of freight transport. 

"The increasing shortage of space requires a rethink in the planning and construction of logistics properties. Our study shows that the potential of multi-storey concepts is already being used in various projects in Europe and can play an important role in the development of logistics locations in the future," says Dr.-Ing. Roland Busch from the University of Wuppertal.

This assessment is confirmed by the results of a survey of 103 experts from the construction and real estate industry conducted in April and May 2026. Half of the 70 respondents who assessed the future prospects see great or very great potential for multi-storey logistics properties in the coming years. For the various multilevel types, the average forecasts add up to over 120 projects that the respondents expect to be realised by 2035. The greatest market potential is attributed to urban supply and last-mile multilevel logistics properties.

At the same time, the study makes it clear that there are currently various obstacles to greater spread. These include, in particular, the comparatively high construction costs and the lack of cost certainty in implementation, which arise from the more complex requirements of multi-storey buildings. Challenges arise, for example, from the supporting structure, access and fire protection, for example due to the higher requirements for loads, ramps and vertical access. In addition, there is a lack of empirical values and building standards that have not yet been established, which makes planning and calculation more difficult. The approval and testing procedures have also not been very routine so far and can be more complex due to the complex requirements.

More transparency as a basis for future standards

In particular, starting points can be seen in standardisation and in the preparation of existing experience. Best practice examples, a systematic recording of completed projects and typification can help to create more transparency about the different forms of multi-storey construction. From this, type-specific building standards and more efficient planning and approval processes can be derived in the future.

"For the first time, the study provides a structured overview of the different forms of multi-storey logistics properties and the experience gained in Europe with completed projects. This creates an objective basis for discussing the prerequisites for greater use of such concepts in Germany in the future," explains Dr. Malte-Maria Münchow, spokesperson for the Logix Initiative.

The publication was produced by Logix together with the Federal Ministry of Housing, Urban Development and Building (BMWSB) and the sponsors of the study, BayernLB, WISAG Facility Management Logistik, GSE Deutschland and the MLP Group. It will initially be published on German and will then also be published in English. The publication can be downloaded free of charge from the Logix website: https://logix-award.de/publikationen/

About Logix

The Logistics Real Estate Initiative (Logix) is the central platform for the logistics and industrial real estate industry in Germany. Logix bundles the interests of its stakeholders, addresses relevant topics at an early stage and promotes research, communication and dialogue between all market participants – from municipal representatives and economic development agencies to developers and construction companies to users and investors. 

With the expertise of its members and external experts, Logix carries out study and publication projects relating to logistics and industrial real estate. With its work, Logix contributes to ensuring that logistics, industry, trade and commerce are provided with the space urgently needed in Germany for the storage and processing of goods and goods. It makes an essential contribution to the functioning of a modern economy and the prosperity of a society.

Since 2013, the initiative has been honoring outstanding project developments and innovations with the Logix Award, which are honored by an independent jury every two years.

The Logix Initiative includes: abrdn Investments Deutschland AG, ALCARO, Aurelis Real Estate, BayernLB, BF.infrafinance, Bockermann Fritze plan4buildING, Bremer, Camelback Mountain Capital, CBRE, Colliers, CTP, Cushman & Wakefield, Dachser, Deka Immobilien, Delta Development, Deutsche Pfandbriefbank, Deutsche Post DHL, Dietz AG, DLH Real Estate Germany, dörpinghaus divisek und partner, Drees & Sommer, Duisburger Hafen, EGLS, Ellisinvest, Energy Partners,  EQVANCE Real Estate, Evolutiq, Expo Real (Messe München), Fiege, Four Parx, FOX Industrial Real Estate, Frasers Property, Garbe, GCA projektmanagement + consulting, GDD, Goldbeck International, Goodman, greenfield development, Greenflash, GSE, GSK Stockmann, Hagedorn, HagerEnergy, Harden Industriebau, Hines, Immogate, Jones Lang LaSalle, Lang & Cie. Industrial, Lidl, LIST Bau, Logicor, Logivest, M3 Geotechnik, Madaster, Marq Logistics, Mercurius, metawerk,  MLP Group, Nuveen Real Estate, Panattoni, ParkProperty Europe, pfenning logistics, phase 5 International, pkb consulting, Prologis, Property Team, Rail4Real, Real I.S., Realogis, Robert C. Spies, Segro, Sicore Real Assets, Singu, Sunrock, Trammell Crow Company, Union Investment, Verdion, VGP, WDP and Wisag.

The cooperation partners include the BVL Logistics Real Estate Thematic Group with Power of Logistics, the German GVZ Society (DGG), the German Association of Towns and Municipalities (DStGB), the Initiative Die Wirtschaftsmacher and the ZIA (Central Real Estate Committee). Exclusive media partners are Immobilien Zeitung, Deutsche Verkehrs Zeitung and Logistik heute.

For more information, please visit: https://www.logix-award.de

Contact:

Logix GmbH Initiative Logistics Real Estate | www.logix-award.de

Dr. Malte-Maria Münchow | +49 171 494 1000 | kontakt@logix-award.de

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