Lack of demand for offices in The City

New office developments in the City of London are unoccupied.

Costs and lack of demand are just two of the reasons why offices are remaining empty according to new reports.

Many of the office developments in the capital are remaining unoccupied due to a lack of demand and the high expense of office space in the weak financial climate.

The current economic downturn has also seen some companies extend existing leases rather than seeking out new ones upon expiration.

Some of the most well-known skyscraper projects have remained empty following their completion including Minerva’s Walbrook in London’s financial district.  The Walbrook is just one of the buildings that remains unoccupied in the area, two years after its completiton. In fact it is estimated that in the vicinity, 66% of the office space completed this year is yet to be leased.

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London office rents set to soar in Q4

Savills report predicts office space rents will rise in key European cities in Q4.

The real estate advisor believes a lack of development will cause rents to soar in cities like London and Frankfurt.

Office space rents are set to soar in key European cities in the last quarter of 2011 according to a new report by real estate advisor Savills. The firm believes that a lack of development could lead to a major hike in office rents right across the globe, with London and Frankfurt both setting the tone.

Although lettings begun to pick up in Q3, a lack of speculative development in recent years means an office space shortage in key central business districts could be a very real possibility. With a rising number of businesses planning a relocation in the new year and a lack of new or prime office space in the City, businesses wishing to relocate in or to the capital could be forced to shell out much more than they’d originally anticipated. (more…)

Aldermanbury up for sale

Commerz Real have instructed Savills to sell its 10 Aldermanbury building in the City of London.

The German fund managing firm are marketing the site for £260 million, representing a 5.5% yield. The building was originally developed by Legal & General and Stanhope, and is let to JP Morgan until 2025. (more…)