If there’s one CRE sector that’s on fire in Georgia, it’s industrial. Thanks to Georgia’s logistical advantages (ports, interstates, and rail), Atlanta alone delivered nearly 20M square feet of industrial space in 2024. Yet demand was so fierce that 8M square feet was leased almost instantly.
Savannah also saw explosive growth, adding 15–16M square feet, fueled by the nation’s fastest-growing container port and projects like new EV manufacturing facilities.
Smaller “flex” industrial spaces, ideal for last-mile delivery and hybrid operations, are in even tighter supply. In metro Atlanta, properties under 50K SF have vacancy rates hovering near 4%.
Retail’s Unexpected Comeback
Forget the retail apocalypse narrative, Georgia’s retail sector is holding strong. Vacancy rates are at historic lows (around 3.6% in Atlanta), thanks to limited new development and consistent population growth.
Hot spots like North Fulton and Gwinnett are thriving, with retail rents hitting record highs: $20–$40/SF depending on location. Grocery-anchored centers and entertainment-focused spaces are leading the charge.
Mixed-Use Magic
Old malls are getting a second life. North DeKalb Mall and West End Mall are being transformed into vibrant, live-work-play communities, blending housing, retail, and office space into one cohesive experience. Adaptive reuse is also booming—think warehouses reborn as trendy lofts or creative office hubs in places like West Midtown.