Rent isn't everything. The real costs of leasing warehouse space

Choosing a new warehouse takes much more than simply comparing rental rates across a few or even a dozen centres. With rising energy costs and varying technical standards, the actual cost of leasing far exceeds the amount charged per square metre. Another key aspect to consider is location, which has a significant impact on operating costs and logistics. With the logistics sector in particular currently facing strong cost pressures, rent remains an important factor. In practice, however, base rent is just a starting point – only when considered alongside operating costs, location, technical standards and business growth plans can it reveal which offer is actually the most cost-effective. Poland’s warehouse market has surpassed 36.5 million square metres of modern space, with nearly two million square metres expected to be delivered in 2026. With stock rising by six to seven per cent annually, tenants have plenty of options: from older, more affordable facilities to newer,