Leasing momentum reflects continued demand across Sunbelt portfolio

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Westwood Financial (“the company”), a leading necessity-based retail real estate investment firm, announced year-to-date operational results for the six months ended June 30, 2026.

H1 2026 Leasing Highlights Include:

• Executed 33 new leases totaling 144,000 sf and 105 renewals totaling 320,235 sf
• Achieved total leased percent of 97.6% vs. 97.4% same quarter end 2025 (+20 bps)
• Achieved an in-line shop leased percent of 94.9% vs. 94.5% same quarter end 2025 (+40 bps)
• Comparable new rent spreads were 19.2%; renewal rent spreads were 12.7%

“Retailer demand across all our markets, particularly in high-growth Sunbelt regions, is increasing competition and limiting availability of well-located, last-mile, community-oriented space,” said Lauren Ball, COO at Westwood Financial. “Our first-half results reflect the strength of our operating platform, strong tenant partnerships, and disciplined leasing strategy. By curating uses that meet the needs of each community, we are positioned to enhance tenant performance, strengthen our centers, and drive long-term occupancy.”

Westwood executed more than 464,000 square feet of leases across its portfolio during the first half of 2026. Notably, 45% of the new leases occurred in retail centers in Southeast markets, reflecting continued retailer expansion and strong consumer demand across the region.

North Carolina was a significant contributor to H1 leasing activity, highlighted by leases with PNC Bank at Steelecroft Shopping Center in Charlotte; UNC Health at Towne North in Raleigh; and Lotte Market at McCrimmon Corners in Morrisville. In Atlanta, Glenwood Park, acquired by Westwood in 2024, reached 100% leased following the additions of Beem Light Sauna and the Beehive.

“Necessity-based retail remains one of the most resilient and attractive real estate sectors,” said K.C. Bills, CEO at Westwood Financial. “Strong demographics, limited new supply, and healthy retailer demand support the long-term outlook across our markets. We remain focused on creating value through active asset management, disciplined capital allocation, and reinvesting into opportunities with the greatest growth potential.”

About Westwood Financial

Westwood Financial owns, manages, and operates 120+ high-quality shopping centers in top U.S. metropolitan markets, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Orlando, Phoenix, and Raleigh. The centers are primarily anchored by top-tier grocers and leading service and experiential-based operators. Established in 1970, Westwood Financial is headquartered in Los Angeles, with regional offices in Atlanta, Dallas, and Phoenix. More information is available at westfin.com.

Contact:
Matthew Loving
Director of Investor Relations
MLoving@westfin.com

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SOURCE Westwood Financial