Logix Initiative commissions study on multi-level logistics real estate

• Work started on two-part Logix study on multi-level logistics projects
• Multi-level construction offers advantages in terms of land costs and sustainability
• Initial survey results show relevance of the topic

Caption: The first two-storey logistics and commercial property in Germany: FOUR PARX "MACH²" in Hamburg Wilhelmsburg. Copyright: FOUR PARX GmbH.

In a two-part study, the Initiative Logistikimmobilien (Logix) is investigating the potential of multi-level logistics and commercial real estate in Germany and Europe, current barriers and ways to eliminate them. The scientific director of the study is Dr.-Ing. Roland Busch from the University of Wuppertal. The first study is published with the title "Multi-Level Logistics. Space-efficient logistics solutions in urban areas" in October 2026 at the Expo Real real estate fair, the second is expected to take place in autumn 2028.

First survey shows relevance and obstacles

The first publication includes a review of the current state of discussion as well as the results of several surveys with experts. An initial online survey with more than 100 participants from the project developer, construction, specialist planning, user and investor segments has already been completed. The results of the survey confirm the relevance of the topic: More than 80% of respondents have already dealt with multi-level logistics concepts, and more than 100 such projects could be implemented in Germany by 2035. The driving factors are the shortage of space, high land prices, the growing demand for last-mile locations and the increasing importance of sustainable construction. Demand is expected above all from the areas of e-commerce, contract logistics, pharmaceutical logistics, (specialist) wholesale as well as production and trade.

While project developers and construction companies are largely positive about multi-level projects and want to push ahead with their development, the attitude of building supervisory authorities, investors and financiers is viewed rather skeptically or negatively by the respondents. The biggest obstacles are seen as the high costs and low profitability, the uncertainty regarding third-party usability, the lack of experience in implementation as well as the rather low interest and reservations of investors and users so far.

"Multi-level logistics offers some potential, but is still an exception in Germany. Our initial results show that the benefits are well perceived, but also reveal reservations. In particular, there has been a lack of uniform building standards and clear guidelines for approval procedures so far. We are continuing to analyse these obstacles and in the coming research steps we will develop solutions that will already be incorporated into the first study and on which the second will be based," says Dr.-Ing. Roland Busch, Chair of Economics of Planning and Building at the University of Wuppertal.

Detailed impact analyses and concrete solutions

The processing period of the second study is scheduled from June 2026 to September 2028. Among other things, the researchers would like to create a typification for multi-storey logistics properties, map Europe's multi-level logistics properties and carry out best-practice case studies on projects and municipal planning and approval approaches. In addition, they are investigating the potential for reducing land use and the effects on traffic in impact analyses.

"Against the backdrop of rising land prices, the shortage of land for logistics in metropolitan areas and the German government's goal of reducing land consumption to less than 30 ha per day by 2030, multi-level logistics is a highly exciting and practice-relevant field of research. With the upcoming Logix studies on this topic, we are analysing the current situation, showing potential and examining ways in which this can be realised in concrete terms," says Dr. Malte-Maria Münchow, spokesman and board member of the Logistics Real Estate Initiative and Head of Logistics Strategy at Deka Immobilien Investment.

About Logix:

The Logistics Real Estate Initiative (Logix) is the central platform for the logistics and industrial real estate sector in Germany. It helps to ensure that logistics, industry, trade and commerce have the necessary space for the storage and processing of goods and goods. These are essential for the functioning of a modern economy and the prosperity of a society.

Logix bundles the interests of the industry, addresses relevant topics and promotes research, communication and dialogue between all market participants – from municipal representatives, business developers, developers, construction companies as well as users, investors and other stakeholders. With the expertise of its members and external experts, Logix carries out study and publication projects relating to logistics and industrial settlements.

The initiative promotes innovative and sustainable real estate concepts in new buildings and existing buildings. It promotes the use of brownfields and the responsible use of resources. To this end, it develops recommendations, provides orientation and establishes industry standards.

With the Logix Award, the initiative honors outstanding projects and innovations that are honored by an independent jury every two years.

The members of the Logix initiative are: abrdn Investments Deutschland AG, ALCARO, Aurelis Real Estate, Bayern LB, Bockermann Fritze plan4buildING, Bremer, CBRE, Colliers, CTP, Dachser, Deka Immobilien, Delta Development, Deutsche Pfandbriefbank, Deutsche Post DHL, Dietz AG, DLH Real Estate Germany, dörpinghaus divisek und partner, Drees & Sommer, Duisburger Hafen, ECE, EGLS, Ellisinvest, EQVANCE Real Estate, Evolutiq, Expo Real (Messe München),  Fiege, Four Parx, Frasers Property, Garbe, GCA projektmanagement + consulting, GDD, Goldbeck International, Goodman, greenfield development, GSE, GSK Stockmann, Harden Industriebau, Hines, Immogate, Jones Lang LaSalle, Lang & Cie. Industrial, Lidl, LIST Bau, Logicor, Logivest, Madaster, Marq Logistics, Mercurius, metawerk, MLP Group, Nuveen Real Estate, Panattoni, ParkProperty Europe, pfenning logistics, phase 5, Prologis, Property Team, 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 Thematic Group Logistics Real Estate 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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