An increasing number of retailers are looking to buy their first forecourt or expand their existing portfolios, with the property market for petrol stations said to be “hot”.
That’s the verdict from specialist business property advisors Christie & Co, who report a 50% rise in completions of filling-station purchases in H1 2025 compared to the same period last year. There has been an increase of just under a quarter (24%) of sites coming to market compared to H1 2024, with prices increasing 69% over the last five years alone.
The firm expects “exceptionally high demand for sites” to continue throughout the rest of the year, with multiple independent operators thought to be looking to expand their operations, and a continued increase in forecourt prices likely.
Christie & Co’s Retail Market Review contains a couple of notes of caution, however: the firm says there has been a “slight softening” of prices at the upper end of the forecourt-property sector, with buyers of such sites often taking on debt financing to facilitate purchases. Small groups are also expected to divest some sites across H2 2025.
Margins on petrol and diesel could soften in future, too, the firm says, explaining that the upcoming Fuel Finder scheme could prompt increased pence-per-litre competition among sites.
The review also highlights that forecourt crime remains a universal concern among operators, who are turning to ANPR-based technology to help combat theft, and are increasingly engaging with local police to share intelligence.
Another point of note highlighted by Christie & Co concerns the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will require retailers stocking tobacco products and electronic alternatives to obtain dedicated personal licences if they wish to continue selling in this category.
