Industrial Property Tijuana Case Study: Beating the Competition in Otay

Overview

In the dynamic industrial property Tijuana market of Otay, Tijuana, securing a prime property is both a challenge and an opportunity. This case study details how our team successfully navigated this landscape to secure a high-return industrial facility for our client. By leveraging in-depth market insights, swift decision-making, and strategic negotiation, we outpaced competitors to acquire a premier property owned by Crisosa, a leading 3PL company in Mexico. Currently undergoing renovations to elevate it to a Class-A facility, this property is set to deliver substantial returns and long-term value in one of Mexico’s most coveted industrial hubs.


The Opportunity: AIndustrial Property Tijuana Opportunity: Prime Facility in Otay

Our team was alerted to a rare opportunity: a logistics facility in Tijuana being offered for sale by Crisosa, a well-established 3PL company with a significant presence in Baja California. The property’s strategic location in Otay, the epicenter of Tijuana’s industrial activity, made it exceptionally desirable due to its immediate proximity to the U.S. border, facilitating efficient cross-border trade and manufacturing.

Key Property Highlights:

  • Leasable Area: 10,310 m² of versatile industrial space suitable for logistics and manufacturing operations.
  • Strategic Location: Situated in Otay, Tijuana’s most sought-after industrial zone, offering unparalleled access to major transportation routes and the U.S. border.
  • Facilities and Infrastructure:
    • Loading Docks: 8 docks designed for efficient handling of goods, catering to high-volume logistics operations.
    • Access Doors: 5 access doors providing flexible entry and exit points for operational efficiency.
    • Office Area: 784 m² of modern office space to support administrative and management functions.
    • Lot Area: Spanning 19,210 m², offering ample space for operations and potential future expansion.
    • Electrical Capacity: A robust electrical infrastructure with 500 kVAs, capable of supporting heavy industrial equipment and manufacturing processes.
  • Existing Tenant with Sale-Leaseback: Crisosa planned to sell the property and lease it back, ensuring immediate and stable rental income for the buyer.
  • Exceptional Market Potential: The property projected a potential 11% CAP rate, an outstanding return in the Mexican industrial real estate market.

The Challenge: Overcoming Fierce Competition in a High-Demand Market

1. High Demand and Limited Supply

The industrial real estate market in Otay, Tijuana is characterized by high demand and scarce availability. Its strategic importance as a nearshoring hotspot for Mexico-US border manufacturing attracts numerous investors and companies seeking logistical advantages. Properties of this caliber rarely become available, intensifying competition among potential buyers.

2. Urgency and Market Timing

Given the property’s attractiveness and the aggressive pursuit by other buyers, the window of opportunity was narrow. Securing the property required immediate action and a compelling proposal to stand out in a crowded field.


The Strategy: Swift, Informed Action and Strategic Negotiation

1. Comprehensive Market and Financial Analysis

Our team quickly mobilized to conduct an in-depth assessment of the property’s value and potential:

  • Return on Investment Analysis: We confirmed the projected 11% CAP rate, highlighting the property’s exceptional investment value in comparison to regional market averages.
  • Market Alignment: Evaluated how the property’s features met the specific needs of logistics and manufacturing companies, particularly those focused on supply chain optimization in Mexico and cross-border operations.

2. Crafting an Aggressive and Attractive Proposal

Understanding the competitive landscape, we collaborated closely with our client to develop a compelling offer:

  • Aggressive Letter of Intent (LOI): Drafted an LOI that not only met but exceeded the seller’s expectations in terms of price and terms.
  • Demonstrated Commitment: Emphasized our client’s readiness to proceed promptly, showcasing financial readiness and decisiveness.
  • Negotiation Leverage: Structured the offer to provide value to the seller beyond the monetary aspect, including favorable leaseback terms for Crisosa.
  • Exclusivity Assurance: Communicated the seriousness of our proposal to discourage the seller from entertaining other offers, thereby reducing competition.

The Results: Securing the Property and Enhancing Its Value

Successful Acquisition

Our strategic approach yielded significant results:

  • Outpacing Competitors: The strength and attractiveness of our proposal effectively eliminated other potential buyers from contention.
  • Building Trust with the Seller: Our professionalism and thoroughness fostered a strong rapport with Crisosa, encouraging them to move forward confidently with our client.

Enhancing the Property’s Value

Post-acquisition, the property is undergoing significant upgrades:

  • Class-A Facility Renovations: Crisosa, now the tenant, is investing in substantial improvements to elevate the facility to Class-A standards, including advanced logistics infrastructure and modernized office spaces.
  • Increased Market Appeal: These enhancements position the property to meet the demands of top-tier logistics and manufacturing companies, ensuring long-term tenancy and increased rental income.

Key Takeaways for Industrial Real Estate Decision-Makers

  1. Strategic Location is Paramount:
    • Proximity to critical infrastructure, such as the U.S. border, significantly enhances property value and appeal to companies engaged in cross-border trade and nearshoring.
  2. Swift Decision-Making is Crucial in Competitive Markets:
    • In high-demand areas like Otay, the ability to act quickly and decisively can be the determining factor in securing a property.
  3. Comprehensive Analysis Informs Better Offers:
    • Thorough market and financial analysis enable crafting proposals that are both competitive and aligned with the client’s investment goals.
  4. Building Strong Relationships with Sellers:
    • Professionalism and clear communication can build trust, making sellers more inclined to engage with your offer over others.
  5. Investing in Property Upgrades Yields Long-Term Benefits:
    • Enhancing properties to meet Class-A standards attracts high-quality tenants and can significantly increase return on investment.

Conclusion

This case study underscores the importance of strategic action, informed decision-making, and strong industry relationships in securing high-value industrial real estate in competitive markets. By acting swiftly and leveraging our expertise, we successfully guided our client through the complexities of the Tijuana industrial real estate market, securing a property with exceptional potential for high returns.


How We Can Assist You

If you are considering expanding your operations or investing in Mexico’s thriving industrial real estate market, particularly in Tijuana’s Otay region, our team is here to guide you. With our deep market knowledge and strategic approach, we can help you navigate opportunities for business expansion, foreign direct investment, and supply chain optimization.

Contact us today to explore how we can support your industrial real estate needs with precision and confidence.