Life
science is not just that high school class you took in 10th grade. In fact, it
is a flourishing industry and it has caught the attention of many prominent and
budding CRE investors recently.
The life and bio science industry has been
steadily surging for some time now due to increased knowledge, funding and
research in the scientific and medical fields. In fact, studies show 79% of adults say “science has made life easier for most people and a
majority is positive about science’s impact on the quality of healthcare, food
and the environment.”
So why are investors eyeing these properties? Let’s take a look.
1. Life Science Jobs are
Increasing
Life
science and biotech jobs are increasing at a steady rate. In recent years much
of society has shifted into caring about scientific advancements in various
fields such as, medical, nutritional, environmental and more. It has been recorded that “science holds an esteemed
place among citizens and professionals. Americans recognize the accomplishments
of scientists in key fields and, despite considerable dispute about the role of
government in other realms, there is broad public support for government
investment in scientific research.”
With
this mindset, from now to 2026, jobs are predicted to increase by 10%, a
faster than average rate, and medical research will increase demand for workers. When investors
see that an industry is steadily rising with no indication of plateauing
anytime soon, it is normally a good industry to invest in early.
#2. The Demand is High
Considering
new innovations and jobs are opening incredibly frequently in this field, it is
no surprise the demand is high. Growth has occurred in some of the most
prominent cities including Boston, San Diego, Chicago, New York City and more.
Vacancy rates for life science properties are remaining low. How low? It can
fluctuate between the 2-4% range, but in some cities like Cambridge,
Massachusetts, for example, vacancies are virtually 0%.
In
fact, rents in this city for scientific properties are on average $75/sf as per
recent research. This is good news for developers and the investors who back
them. Increasing supply in the slightest when demand is high can be a great
move financially.
#3. Advancements in Biotechnology
With
the population of seniors growing, and many diseases like cancer, HIV and
diabetes making headway in new medical
advancements the
need for lab space is critical in cities all over the country. One of the
biggest reasons lab space has increased recently is the mapping of the
complete human genome, and the scientific advancements that have accompanied it. The price of mapping
these genomes once
cost millions of dollars, but with recent advancements, has dropped to around $1,000. This has
resulted in expansive DNA research as well as medical and scientific
advancements across multiple fronts.
The
great thing about scientific advancements is that they build on each other, and
one discovery leads to the discovery of new things, which keep the market
constantly evolving — a great thing for
investors.
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