Retail and industrial properties kept Ascension Parish’s commercial real estate market on steady ground during the second quarter, even as the office sector continued to lag.
The market recorded $145.2 million in sales over the trailing 12 months, a slight increase from May, according to Elifin’s latest market report. Deal activity remained largely unchanged.
The first half of the year, however, brought an interesting split: Properties changed hands more often, but for fewer total dollars. Ascension recorded 51 commercial deals through June, up from 39 during the same period last year. Sales volume fell from roughly $119 million to about $52 million.
The report tracked four of the parish’s five major commercial property sectors. No multifamily transactions were recorded during the quarter.
Retail
Retail stood out as the market’s strongest sector, posting the most substantial gains in both sales volume and deal activity.
The parish recorded $24 million in retail sales across 13 transactions during the first half of the year—a sharp increase from $6 million across five deals during the same period in 2025. Average sale prices softened, however, falling to $260.79 per square foot.
Industrial
Industrial properties also helped support the broader market, with modest gains in sales volume and deal activity. Average sale prices dipped slightly to $153.33 per square foot.
The year-to-date comparison was less favorable. Industrial sales totaled $12 million through June, well below the $51 million recorded during the first half of 2025.
Office
Office remained the market’s weak spot. Sales volume and average prices both declined, while the number of deals held steady.
The sector recorded $2 million in sales during the first half of the year, down slightly from $4 million during the same period in 2025.
Land
Land activity was mixed. Sales volume slipped, but property values increased to $5 per square foot, while the pace of deals remained steady.
Land sales totaled $12 million through June, nearly matching the $13 million recorded during the first half of 2025.
