Jim McFadden McFadden: “We appear to be at the lowest levels of industrial market supply that I can recall in 30 years in Orange County and L.A. South Bay.”

ORANGE COUNTY, CA—In the latter half of 2016, some for-sale properties were pulled from the market, but we could see these properties brought back on line within a few months of the new administration taking office, Jim McFadden, managing principal of Cushman & Wakefield’s Orange County/L.A. South offices, tells GlobeSt.com. We spoke with McFadden about the Orange County office and industrial sectors and trends he sees going forward.

GlobeSt.com: What are some of the major trends you see in the Orange County office sector?

McFadden: I think despite seeing interest rates increase, Orange County remains poised to see continued rent growth and more stability across both office and industrial sectors in 2017. Class-A office rents will continue to rise, but not at the same levels as class-B properties. I believe class-A office rents in Orange County are undervalued when you compare to San Francisco, Chicago and New York. The premier office product will continue to command higher rents in the Orange County and L.A. South Bay markets. In the latter half of 2016, we started to see some for-sale properties pulled from the market, but we anticipate for these properties to be brought back on line within a few months following the new administration taking office.

GlobeSt.com: What about the industrial sector?

McFadden: From an industrial standpoint, Orange County is one of the top markets in the US due to its talented labor base and proximity to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. One of my concerns, however, is the lack of industrial supply, with regard to both leasing as well as sale options. We appear to be at the lowest levels of industrial market supply that I can recall in 30 years in Orange County and L.A. South Bay.

And lastly, when it comes to land, I do not foresee land prices lowering in 2017.

GlobeSt.com: What is your view on the overall region based on your company’s activity in 2016 and looking ahead to the coming year?

McFadden: As one of Cushman & Wakefield’s regional leaders, I was encouraged by the performance from our Orange County and L.A. South Bay offices in 2016 across all product types. We represented some of the largest occupier transactions in our markets in both the office and industrial sectors. Further, from a capital-markets standpoint, we celebrated a tremendous year of performance that will go a long way to help cement us as a go-to real estate services firm ahead in Orange County. I am optimistic about the opportunities that await in 2017 and for us to continue to be a dominant market leader. Our firm has a solid foundation and our new leadership, which continues to foster the strength, connectivity and growth of our organization to provide best services to clients, have put us in a great position to grow top-line revenue.