Flexible space Dominates Office Leasing

With about one-third of occupiers likely to step up  flexible office space as part of their office space leasing strategy, clearly flexible office space will be dominating office leasing landscape.

According to 2024 India Office Occupiers Survey findings of the CBRE, the number of companies with over 10 percent of their office portfolio being flexible workspace , is expected to jump from 42 percent in Q1 2024 to 58 percent by 2026.  About 30 percent  of occupiers will expand their use of flexible office space as their primary portfolio strategy over the next one year.  While companies across sectors indicated increased usage of flexible workspaces, domestic occupiers indicated a higher preference compared to American corporates.

Over the past five years, flexible space operators have emerged as a prominent force within the Indian office leasing ecosystem, consistently securing a share exceeding 15 percent  of quarterly leasing. In accordance with the higher appetite of occupiers for flexible spaces,  flexible space stock is expected  to touch 80 million sqft. by the end of 2024. Over the next two years, occupiers are also likely to expand into a higher number of office locations to accommodate a growing workforce and potentially establish a presence in new markets to serve their expanding clientele better.Occupiers would explore decentralising their offices through a mix of traditional and flexible spaces, as per the needs of the business.

Furthermore, about 17 percent  of occupiers aim to optimize their office portfolios and achieve greater efficiencies by consolidating their offices into fewer locations. This strategy allows occupiers to streamline operations and reduce costs associated with maintaining multiple offices. With the ongoing emphasis on future-proofing office portfolios, occupiers are expected to continue favouring ‘flight-to-quality’ relocations over the next two years.

Demonstrating faith in the Indian office market’s potential, occupiers remain steadfast in pursuing long-term portfolio expansion. In alignment with their broader business trajectory, employee behaviour, and hybrid working  policies, almost 70 percent of the occupiers indicated their intention to increase the size of their overall office portfolio in the next two years.  About 73 percent  of domestic corporations and 78 percent  of global firms anticipate a portfolio expansion of 10 percent or more over the next two years.

The survey also reveals sector-specific preferences for portfolio expansion in the next two years. Approximately 88 percent  of BFSI firms surveyed anticipate a portfolio expansion exceeding 10 percent  of their current portfolio. Similarly, 67 percent of GCC firms plan to increase their office portfolio by over 10 percent, while 53 percent of technology firms express a similar intention.

Offices in India are increasingly favouring an “office-first”approach, with occupiers tightening their hybrid working policies over the past two years. While the hybrid model is still prevalent, there is a growing emphasis on bringing employees to the office. According to the survey, 90 percent of respondents prefer being in the office for at least three days a week, with the majority preferring working full-time from office.

Further, the report states that modern and sustainable office developments that address businesses’ needs, including recreational facilities and access to public transportation, are projected to capture a larger market share in the coming years.

Occupiers expect landlords to undertake a few building / campus level measures to aid their tenants to facilitate a better office environment. Some of the key areas of focus indicated by respondents are ESG measures (like EV charging infrastructure), health, safety & wellness certifications along with green certification, improving HVAC solutions for energy efficiency, fitness & wellness facilities and employee experience. The strategic incorporation of employee wellbeing and redesign of employee experiences has emerged as a crucial element in return-to-office planning by occupiers, as per the survey.

The survey indicated a noticeable preference of occupiers to expand in smaller cities over the next few years. Global and Indian firms are increasingly exploring Tier-2 & 3 cities as the next growth opportunity, aided by the presence of a skilled talent pool, competitive costs, and developing infrastructure and connectivity. Technology and BFSI firms are rapidly expanding in Tier-II cities, attracted by their potential. Domestic firms prefer these cities for expansion in the next one to three years. With a growing talent pool, competitive real estate costs, and improving infrastructure, Tier-II cities are poised to attract more businesses, fostering local economic growth and balanced development. Office space in these cities is shifting to modern office parks, and flexible workspace operators are expanding to cater to enterprises and start-ups.

“The robust surge in occupier activity within the Indian office sector, highlighted by 2023’s absorption figures, which are the second highest ever recorded, underscores a remarkable trend. This upsurge reflects a heightened occupier confidence, driven by an expanding commercial office footprint and a growing demand for high-quality spaces.”according to Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO, India, South East Asia, Middle East & Africa , CBRE.