In a recent government land sale, an industrial site in Tsuen Wan was sold at a record high to SUNeVision, the technology arm of Sun Hung Kai Properties known for its data centre services. On the surface, these developments indicate positive prospects. But as the odds are stacked in favour of some land users, there are others left with fewer options than ever.

As more funds were deployed into the sector over the recent years, the capital value of industrial buildings has increased at a higher rate than the city’s real economic growth. Many of these transactions have been made with the intention to redevelop these industrial buildings for residential or office use, echoing government initiatives. The continuing trend would reduce the supply of industrial space, drive up the rental value and raise the barrier for some industries to enter.

The industries least affected are those seeking space for alternative use, such as businesses related to technology and innovation. For example, data centre service providers will usually beat other potential occupiers by offering more attractive returns to the property owner. These types of businesses are also in line with the government’s smart city blueprint initiative.

With landlords leaning towards the alternative users, those in the traditional industries such as car repair, food production, warehousing and logistics sectors, are being left behind. Traditional users face the challenge of meeting ever-rising rental rates, with some being forced to relocate. The impact should not be underestimated.

A case in point was the recent sale of two industrial buildings in the New Territories which forced all the tenants, mostly from traditional industries, to relocate. Close to one million square feet of industrial space will also be needed to reaccommodate these occupiers.

What clouds these businesses is that they are in a market limited by low vacancy, and short lease terms in which landlords can include a termination clause for sale and redevelopment.

Tenants who need 20,000 sq ft or more of floor space suffer most. Relocation costs for these occupiers are normally high, and they are even higher for tenants with special requirements such as in power supply and ceiling height, which will inevitably drive up the capital expenditure.

With many industrial buildings bounded by outdated land usage restrictions, coupled with traditional industrial districts being rezoned for residential use, tenants have fewer options.

These challenges have deterred some businesses from putting down their roots in Hong Kong, and some have even been forced to close shop.

The real issue goes beyond money – occupiers are facing a city with dwindling industrial land supply, market demand leaning towards new industries, limited government support and unfavourable lease terms.

Those affected are not only business owners and employees, but also everyday consumers. A more balanced strategy of fostering the revitalisation of rezoned districts while restoring industrial supply and creating more cost-effective spaces in underutilised industrial estates may help address the issue.

To make more affordable and suitable space available for these left-out tenants, streamlined waivers will be necessary to facilitate land use conversion. The government can also consider exercising more flexibility in reassessing strict land usage rights that prevent some industrial occupiers from being able to operate in a space.

Traditional industries are still an important pillar of our economy and deserve greater attention from the government and the market to create a rental environment essential for their survival.

Samuel Lai is senior director for advisory and transaction services – industrial & logistics at CBRE Hong Kong.