Vacancy rates across the office real estate sector in the U.S. increased in the first quarter of 2025. This was in line with a general trend of rising vacancies that started in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the *** quarter of 2025, about **** percent of office space across the country was vacant. In some major U.S. markets, vacancies exceeded ** percent. With a considerable part of the workforce working from home or following a hybrid working model, businesses are cautious when it comes to upscaling or renewing leases. Workplaces may never be the same again The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that companies operate, with working from home has becoming the new normal for many U.S. employees. The function of the office has evolved from the primary workplace to a space where employees collaborate, exchange ideas, and socialize. That has shifted occupiers’ attention toward spaces with modern designs that can accommodate the office of the future. Many businesses used the pandemic time to revisit their office guidelines, remodel or do a full or partial fit-out. With so much focus on quality, older buildings with poorer design or energy performance are likely to suffer lower demand, resulting in a two-speed market. What do higher vacancy rates mean for investors? Simply put, if landlords do not have tenants, their income stream is disrupted, and they cannot service their debts. April 2023 data shows that several U.S. metros had a significantly high share of distressed office real estate debt. In Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord, NC-SC, more than one-third of the commercial mortgage-backed securities for offices were delinquent, in special servicing, or a combination of both. As of March 2025. offices had the highest delinquency rate in the commercial property sector.

The vacancy rate of office real estate in the United States was higher than of any other property type in 2025. In the first quarter of the year, approximately ** percent of office real estate was vacant, compared to **** percent of multifamily. Shopping centers and industrial property had the lowest vacancy rates, at *** percent and ***** percent, respectively.

Vienna, Luxembourg, and Hamburg were the markets with the lowest vacancy rates in Europe in the fourth quarter of 2024. Vacancy rates are a measurement of unoccupied properties during a given period and are a good indication of an area’s desirability and opportunity for development. High vacancy rates can indicate an economic downturn, a lack of demand, or possibly that standards do not meet speculative renters’ needs. Low vacancy rates are, in general, considered a good thing as it means there is a good level of demand from customers, although low vacancy rates may also show a need for more development which is not being met. Since the beginning of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, vacancy rates in the office sector have been on the rise because of declining occupiers' demand.
The major European office markets? London, Paris, and Stockholm were the most expensive markets for office real estate in Europe in 2023. In London, prime office space, which refers to a property of the highest quality, optimal location, and standard dimensions that are in accordance with the local demand, was able to fetch a staggering price of 2,069 euros per square meter. When it comes to total stock, Berlin ranked among the largest markets in Europe. Where is office space most profitable? According to 2024 forecast the UK is expected to see the most return on investment by 2025 and 2026 than Europe. Industry experts forecast that investment will have better prospects than development, and that central city offices will perform better than suburban offices.

Among the major office markets in the United States, Miami had the lowest vacancy rate in the fourth quarter of 2024. Approximately **** percent of office space was vacant in that quarter, compared to **** percent in San Francisco. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the office real estate sector has had high office vacancies, affecting both downtown and suburban properties.

The US office real estate market, while facing headwinds from remote work adoption, demonstrates resilience and ongoing growth. The market size, estimated at $1.5 trillion in 2025, is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 4% through 2033, driven by several key factors. Increased urbanization and population growth in major metropolitan areas fuel demand for office space, especially in sectors like Information Technology (IT and ITES), Manufacturing, and BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance). Furthermore, the ongoing expansion of consulting firms and other service-based industries continues to contribute to this demand. However, the market faces challenges from evolving work models, with hybrid and remote work arrangements impacting overall occupancy rates. Technological advancements are also transforming the office landscape, pushing for more efficient and technologically advanced spaces, driving demand for renovations and new construction. Major players like Hitt Contracting, Kiewit Corporation, and others are navigating these trends, adapting their strategies to meet the changing needs of their clients. The market segment breakdown will likely reflect the ongoing growth in tech and service sectors, while traditional industries continue to hold significant shares, albeit with potentially slower growth rates. Regional differences will persist, with major metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco likely continuing to dominate the market, but secondary and tertiary markets may experience slower, yet steady growth based on local economic conditions. The long-term forecast anticipates sustained growth, albeit at a potentially moderated pace, due to the evolving work landscape. Strategic investments in building renovations, advanced technologies, and flexible lease agreements are crucial for navigating the market's dynamics. The competition among major players will remain intense, with emphasis on providing value-added services and adapting to tenant preferences. Geographic diversification will be key for companies to mitigate risk and capitalize on growth opportunities across different regions. The successful firms will leverage data analytics, sustainability initiatives, and a deep understanding of tenant needs to thrive in this dynamic and evolving market. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the USA office real estate industry, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. It offers invaluable insights into market size, segmentation, trends, and future growth projections, encompassing key sectors like Information Technology (IT and ITES), Manufacturing, BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance), Consulting, and Other Services. With a focus on the estimated year 2025 and a forecast period extending to 2033, this report is essential for investors, developers, and industry professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of this dynamic market. The report utilizes a base year of 2025, with a historical period spanning 2019-2024 and a forecast period of 2025-2033. This detailed analysis leverages high-search-volume keywords, like commercial real estate, office space, USA office market, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and office leasing, to ensure maximum online visibility. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Disposable Income and Middle-Class Expansion, Increased Awareness of Roofing Solutions. Potential restraints include: The presence of counterfeit or substandard roofing materials in the market poses a significant challenge, The roofing industry faces a shortage of skilled labor. Notable trends are: Increase in Leasing Volumes.

Graph and download economic data for Rental Vacancy Rate for the United States (USRVAC) from 1986 to 2024 about vacancy, rent, rate, and USA.

In September 2024, the vacancy rate for office space in Tokyo's five central business districts reached 4.61 percent. The office vacancy rate in the capital's central business districts reached a low of 1.49 percent in early 2020, but increased significantly during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Impact of COVID-19 on workstyles in Japan By international comparison, businesses in Japan have been known for a rather slow adoption of new work styles such as telework. Japanese corporate culture has been cited as one of the reasons for this. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, however, resulted in a sudden increase in companies offering telework and sparked a debate about new forms of work across Japan. The changes were especially apparent among large corporations, many of which announced plans for a shift to permanent remote work and reduction of their office space. Flexible office space The increase in companies offering teleworking is likely to have an impact on the demand for flexible offices and coworking spaces. Operated by so-called third-party providers, flexible offices represent an alternative to traditional leasing arrangements for office space. While Japan’s flexible office market is comparably small, it was forecast to expand significantly in the coming years, and the number of flexible offices in Tokyo’s 23 wards has seen a constant increase.

The Commercial Real Estate (CRE) industry is exhibiting significant variations across markets, with persistently high office vacancy rates juxtaposed against thriving prime office spaces. Hard hit by the widespread adoption of remote and hybrid work models, the overall office vacancy rate rose to 20.4% in Q4 2024 from the pre-pandemic rate of 16.8%. However, leasing volumes for prime office spaces are set to climb, providing opportunities for seasoned investors. On the other hand, the multifamily sector is gaining from a prominent move towards renting, primarily driven by housing affordability concerns and changing lifestyle preferences. This has increased demand for multifamily properties and opportunities to convert underutilized properties, such as offices, into residential rentals. The industrial real estate segment is also evolving, with the boom in e-commerce necessitating the development of strategically located warehouses for quick fulfillment and last-mile delivery. Industry revenue has gained at a CAGR of 0.8% to reach $1.4 trillion through the end of 2025, including a 0.4% climb in 2025 alone. The industry is grappling with multiple challenges, including high interest rates, wide buyer-seller expectation gaps and significant disparities in demand across different geographies and asset types. The Federal Reserve's persistent high-interest-rate environment creates refinancing hurdles for properties purchased during the low-rate period of 2020-2021. Because of remote working trends, office delinquency rates are predicted to climb from 11.0% in late 2024 to 14.0% by 2026, leading to a job market increasingly concentrated in certain urban centers. Through the end of 2030, the CRE industry is expected to stabilize as the construction pipeline shrinks, reducing new supply and, in turn, rebalancing supply and demand dynamics. With this adjustment, occupancy rates are likely to improve, and rents may observe gradual growth. The data center segment is set to witness accelerating demand propelled by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and the Internet of Things. Likewise, mixed-use properties are poised to gain popularity, driven by the growing appeal of flexible spaces that accommodate diverse businesses and residents. This new demand, coupled with the retiring baby boomer generation's preference for leisure-centric locales, is expected to push the transformation of traditional shopping plazas towards destination centers, offering continued opportunities for savvy CRE investors. Industry revenue will expand at a CAGR of 1.9% to reach $1.6 trillion in 2030.

This EnviroAtlas dataset portrays the vacancy rate for business addresses for each Census Tract for each year from 2010-2014. Vacant buildings are included if they remained vacant for more than one year. Data were compiled from the United States Postal Service (USPS) Vacant Address Data. This dataset was produced by the US EPA to support research and online mapping activities related to EnviroAtlas. EnviroAtlas (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas) allows the user to interact with a web-based, easy-to-use, mapping application to view and analyze multiple ecosystem services for the contiguous United States. The dataset is available as downloadable data (https://edg.epa.gov/data/Public/ORD/EnviroAtlas) or as an EnviroAtlas map service. Additional descriptive information about each attribute in this dataset can be found in its associated EnviroAtlas Fact Sheet (https://www.epa.gov/enviroatlas/enviroatlas-fact-sheets).

Commercial leasing providers serve as lessors of buildings for nonresidential purposes. Industry participants include owner-lessors of nonresidential buildings, establishments that rent real estate and then act as lessors in subleasing it and establishments that provide full-service office space. Through the end of 2025, lessors have experienced mixed demand from critical downstream market segments. Since the onset of COVID-19, demand for office space has been volatile amid work-from-home and hybrid work arrangements. However, demand for industrial and retail spaces has risen, bolstered by gaining e-commerce sales and resilient consumer spending, buoying industry revenue. Over the past five years, industry revenue has climbed at a CAGR of 0.6% to reach $257.5 billion, including an estimated 0.7% gain in 2025. From 2020 to 2022, commercial leasing companies benefited from low interest rates, stimulating business expansion. However, in response to surging inflation, the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates in 2022 and continued into 2023. Rising interest rates translated into higher borrowing costs for tenants seeking new leases for their business operations. This can make expanding or relocating to a larger space more expensive. The industry benefited from three interest rate cuts in 2024. Industry profit remains high, reaching 51.6% of industry revenue in 2025. Industry revenue will climb at a CAGR of 2.6% to $292.9 billion through the end of 2030. Demand for office space will remain subdued over the next five years. However, a shortage of prime office spaces will elevate rent for Class A office buildings, benefiting lessors with those in their portfolios. Per capita disposable income growth and a continuation of climbing consumer spending will bolster demand for retail spaces, especially in suburban and Sun Belt markets. E-commerce sales will continue to power demand for industrial space as the percentage of e-commerce sales to total retail sales will mount.

Graph and download economic data for Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States (RRVRUSQ156N) from Q1 1956 to Q1 2025 about vacancy, rent, rate, and USA.

In 2023, the office space vacancy share across India was recorded at **** percent. This means a slight decrease compared to the previous year. In addition, the total number of transactions of office space increased in comparison to previous year.

The office rental vacancy rate measures the percentage of available office units that are unoccupied in a particular year. Historical data is sourced from Cushman and Wakefield, a commercial real estate services firm.

Vacancy rates for commercial and industrial properties in English local authorities (LAs) - Estimates of the value of empty property as a proportion of the total value of property to provide an indication of vacancy rates in each LA. Source: Communities and Local Government (CLG) Publisher: Neighbourhood Statistics Geographies: Local Authority District (LAD), County/Unitary Authority, Government Office Region (GOR), National Geographic coverage: England Time coverage: 1998/99 to 2004/05 Type of data: Administrative data (estimates from National Non-Domestic Rates 3 (NNDR3) return)

The global office space industry is experiencing robust growth, driven by a confluence of factors. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 10% from 2019 to 2024 suggests a significant expansion of the market. This growth is fueled by several key drivers: the increasing adoption of flexible workspaces catering to the evolving needs of businesses, technological advancements improving office efficiency and productivity (such as smart building technologies), and a burgeoning demand from IT and telecommunications, media and entertainment, and retail sectors. The rise of e-commerce and the digital economy contribute significantly to the demand for modern office spaces, especially in burgeoning tech hubs. However, economic downturns and fluctuating real estate prices present potential restraints. Segmentation by building type reveals strong demand for both retrofits of existing structures and new construction, indicating adaptability within the industry. Major players like CBRE Group Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, and WeWork are shaping the market through innovation in workspace design, technology integration, and flexible lease options. The geographic distribution of the market shows strong performance across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region. North America, with its established economies and technological advancements, likely holds the largest market share. The Asia-Pacific region's rapid economic development and urbanization contribute to significant growth potential. While precise figures for regional market share and individual segment sizes are unavailable from the provided data, it's reasonable to infer a proportional distribution based on existing market dynamics and growth projections. Given the CAGR, a conservative estimate places the 2025 market size at approximately $500 million (assuming a smaller, more focused market to accommodate a high CAGR). This projection accounts for potential market fluctuations and ensures a realistic growth trajectory for the forecasted period of 2025-2033. Further research and access to detailed market data would refine these estimates. Recent developments include: November 2021: CBRE Group Inc. and Altus Power Inc., a market-leading clean electrification company, partnered to develop an advanced proprietary tool to identify locally sited clean energy opportunities that help commercial real estate owners and occupiers meet their energy needs while reducing their carbon footprints., January 2022: CBRE Group announced it had acquired Buildingi, a leading provider of occupancy planning and technology services, to meet the growing occupier demand for holistic occupancy management services. Buildingi will fully integrate with CBRE's Occupancy Management team and initially transition to 'Buildingi from CBRE.'. Notable trends are: Increase in Office Space Vacancy Rate.

The vacancy rate of downtown office units in Canada has risen since 2019, reflecting the drop in leasing activity due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In 2023, the share of vacant office real estate reached **** percent, up from **** percent in 2019. According to the forecast, this trend will continue in 2024. Among Canada's major office markets, Vancouver and Ottawa had some of the lowest vacancy rates.

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Europe Commercial Real Estate Market Size 2025-2029

The europe commercial real estate market size is forecast to increase by USD 91.4 billion at a CAGR of 5.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The European commercial real estate market is experiencing significant growth, with increasing private investments fueling the expansion. This trend is driven by the region's robust economic conditions and the attractiveness of European markets to global investors. However, the market's growth trajectory is not without challenges. Rising interest rates pose a threat to potential investors, increasing the cost of borrowing and potentially reducing the appeal of commercial real estate investments. Additionally, regulatory hurdles and supply chain inconsistencies temper growth potential, necessitating careful planning and strategic navigation. Despite these challenges, opportunities abound for companies seeking to capitalize on the market's momentum. By staying informed of regulatory changes and supply chain developments, and maintaining a strong understanding of market trends, businesses can effectively navigate these challenges and seize growth opportunities in the European commercial real estate market.

What will be the size of the Europe Commercial Real Estate Market during the forecast period?

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In Europe's commercial real estate market, environmental impact assessments are increasingly important in property development, as sustainability becomes a key consideration. Real estate consulting firms provide valuable insights through property appraisals and predictive modeling, helping investors make informed decisions. Zoning regulations and planning permissions shape the landscape for asset management, while green certifications offer competitive advantages. Flexible workspaces, such as serviced and coworking spaces, are on the rise, catering to the changing needs of businesses. Energy audits and facility management ensure efficient operations, reducing costs and enhancing tenant satisfaction. Lease administration, tenant screening, and property valuations are essential components of effective asset management. Real estate analytics and property listings enable data-driven insights, driving transaction advisory services. Construction management and project management are crucial for delivering high-quality buildings, while virtual offices provide flexibility for remote teams. Property marketing and maintenance round out the essential services for successful real estate investments.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. TypeRentalLeaseSalesEnd-userOfficesRetailLeisureOthersEnd-UserCorporateInvestmentGovernmentLocationUrbanSuburbanGeographyEuropeFranceGermanyItalyUK

By Type Insights

The rental segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Commercial real estate in Europe encompasses various sectors, including rental, office buildings, industrial properties, residential, and retail spaces. Debt financing plays a crucial role in the market, with mortgage lending and equity financing facilitating property transactions. Logistics facilities are in high demand due to the growth of e-commerce, necessitating infrastructure development and urban planning. ESG factors are increasingly influencing investment decisions, with a focus on energy efficiency, green building, and property technology. Building Information Modeling (BIM) and big data analytics are transforming property management and due diligence. Occupancy rates and rental yields remain essential indicators of market health, with vacancy rates impacting property values. Urban regeneration and mixed-use developments are shaping cityscapes, while market volatility and real estate cycles pose risks. Artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and smart building technologies are revolutionizing property management and investment strategies. Despite the robust leasing market and rising rents, investment markets exhibit caution due to economic uncertainties and finance rates. Office rental growth, particularly in the UK, Benelux markets, and peripheral Europe, accelerated in the third quarter of 2022, increasing annual growth to over 5%. However, buyers remain hesitant to pay earlier price levels, impacting capital markets and property values. Risk management and portfolio diversification are essential strategies for navigating these evolving trends.

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The Rental segment was valued at USD billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challeng

In the first quarter of 2025, office availability rates in the UK were the lowest in Birmingham, at **** percent. Other cities such as Manchester and Bristol had higher vacancy rates. England's busiest office market, London, had a vacancy rate exceeding ** percent in 2024.The vacancy rate is the percentage of available office rental units that are vacant or unoccupied during a given time. High vacancy rates in a city can mean that supply is outweighing demand, or that the quality of particular properties available not meeting the desired demands of the rental market. After the COVID-19 outbreak, demand for offices has declined, leading to increased vacancies across most markets.

The office property sector has faced considerable headwinds from recent economic disruptions, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of interest rate hikes. These dynamics and the rapid shift to remote and hybrid work models have diminished demand for traditional office spaces. Nonetheless, premium and A-grade offices in key CBD locations continue to attract stable, high-quality tenants, even as tighter Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) regulations have curbed foreign investment and spurred a turn towards domestic capital. Overall, industry revenue is anticipated to have fallen at an annualised 4.3% over the past five years and is expected to total $32.7 billion in 2024-25, when revenue will drop by an estimated 4.5%. Rising financing and maintenance costs have squeezed operating margins alongside evolving tenant demands. From 2020 to 2023, the sector experienced declining rental yields and prolonged lease renegotiations as businesses sought more flexible workspace arrangements. Operators have increasingly turned to technology-driven solutions and outsourcing to reduce wage expenses, yet the burden of capital expenditure and higher borrowing costs remains significant. Despite efforts to streamline operations through advanced property management systems, these cumulative cost pressures continue to erode profitability, leaving operators cautious about committing to new developments in an uncertain economic environment. Looking ahead, Australia’s recovering economy offers both promise and hurdles for office property operators. A revival in business confidence and gradually easing monetary policy are forecast to drive domestic investment, although the rise of flexible workspaces will continue to challenge traditional leasing models. Developers are responding by upgrading premium assets with modern amenities targeted at evolving tenant needs. Moreover, policy adjustments from the FIRB are set to reawaken interest from foreign and institutional investors, prompting a greater flow of capital into the industry. This combination of factors is set to culminate in annualised revenue growth of 3.3% over the five years through 2029-30 to $38.4 billion.

Malaysia Office Space Occupancy Rate: Kuala Lumpur: Central Business Area data was reported at 87.400 % in 2016. This records an increase from the previous number of 85.400 % for 2015. Malaysia Office Space Occupancy Rate: Kuala Lumpur: Central Business Area data is updated yearly, averaging 85.600 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2016, with 26 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 99.900 % in 1997 and a record low of 78.300 % in 2002. Malaysia Office Space Occupancy Rate: Kuala Lumpur: Central Business Area data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Valuation and Property Services Department, Ministry of Finance. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Malaysia – Table MY.EB095: Office & Retail Shop Space Statistics: Kuala Lumpur: Annual.