Amancio Ortega, the billionaire founder of Zara, has expanded his growing real estate empire with another major acquisition in the UK — a logistics warehouse leased to Amazon, purchased for
around £108 million.
The deal, made through Ortega’s family investment firm Pontegadea, highlights continued confidence in Britain’s industrial and logistics sector, even as other parts of the property market face economic headwinds.
A prime, income-generating asset
The newly acquired warehouse is located in England’s Midlands, a key logistics hub with excellent transport connections. The site is fully leased to Amazon under a long-term agreement, offering a secure and predictable income stream for Ortega’s firm.
According to people familiar with the transaction, the property was bought from a UK-based investment fund in a private deal. Pontegadea’s acquisition strategy often focuses on high-quality, tenant-secured assets — and this purchase fits neatly into that pattern.
Expanding beyond fashion and retail real estate
This move continues Ortega’s ongoing push to diversify Pontegadea’s portfolio beyond luxury retail and office properties. The company already owns landmark buildings on London’s Oxford Street and New York’s Fifth Avenue, but in recent years it has increasingly invested in logistics hubs across Europe, including sites in France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
The shift reflects a broader strategic bet on logistics — one of the few real estate sectors that has thrived since the pandemic, fueled by booming e-commerce and the rising importance of supply chain resilience.
A vote of confidence in UK logistics
Property experts say the acquisition underscores long-term optimism about the UK logistics market. Even with high interest rates and softer valuations in some sectors, demand for industrial assets remains strong.
“Despite economic uncertainty, logistics continues to attract investors looking for stability,” one analyst noted. “A warehouse leased to Amazon is about as safe as it gets — steady rent, long-term lease, and a top-tier tenant.”
The bigger picture for UK property
Ortega’s deal is part of a wider trend of global investors seeking “safe haven” real estate — assets backed by reliable tenants and long-term income potential. For developers, it highlights the growing appeal of build-to-suit industrial projects designed for major e-commerce and distribution players.
While the UK’s office and housing markets have seen uneven performance, logistics real estate continues to outperform. Trends like warehouse automation, last-mile delivery, and AI-driven inventory systems are reinforcing demand for well-located industrial properties.
Selective, strategic investment
Ultimately, Ortega’s latest move signals that major international investors are not turning away from the UK — they’re simply becoming more selective. By targeting assets with resilient fundamentals and strong operational backing, Pontegadea is positioning itself for long-term growth in a sector built for the future of commerce. Photo by WiNG, Wikimedia commons.