TOOLS
Login to access your documents and resources.
Alternatives
The remote work revolution has changed office space
Investors have many concerns about the market for office space. But the picture is not quite as dire as some might suspect. Office real estate around the globe has responded very differently from one country to another. And even in the hardest-hit office markets, some segments continue to show strong returns. However, investors are right to be careful, and trends are changing offices around the globe.
1. Remote working is becoming more widespread
No global region has returned to normal attendance since the pandemic, but the Asia Pacific (APAC) region leads the way, followed by Europe and the U.S.
Cultural bias toward face-to-face interactions and team building have bolstered attendance in APAC. Additionally, tight living quarters in major office centers across APAC and Europe have drawn workers back to the office. Finally, superior public transport means workers spend less time and cost commuting.
The U.S. lags partly because workers rely on car travel, with long commutes exacerbated by aging infrastructure. Larger living quarters make working at home more feasible, and workers are reluctant to give up the flexibility of remote working.
2. Leases active prior to the pandemic are expiring
The average office lease blended across markets and lease types (i.e., new leases versus renewals) is 7.75 years.1 Given the long-term nature of office leases, many active leases were signed prior to the pandemic. These firms have not had the opportunity to make space decisions with full knowledge of the new hybrid environment.
On the other hand, an estimated 50% of leases that were active prior to the pandemic have expired, closely in line with demand losses to date, suggesting the trend is on pace for the projected decline in space needs.
3. The U.S. confronts excess supply
Even with an expanding knowledge-based workforce, the U.S. will likely need less office space in 10 years than prior to the pandemic. Current owners face formidable near-term risks, including debt maturities, escalating capital expenses and a weak leasing environment. This distress should help force a repricing of assets to current market conditions and allow new owners with lower cost bases to improve assets and compete for future demand.
And a flight to quality trend has emerged. Older properties without significant renovations are losing a heavier share of occupancy. They generally lack sufficient rents to justify meaningful investment and are becoming stranded assets. Newer properties built to modern standards are increasingly taking market share.
4. Asia Pacific faces economic challenges
Asia Pacific occupancy has recovered across many regional markets, with office attendance rates approaching 80% for Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea versus 50% for the UK and U.S.2
But economic growth in the region is weakening in 2024, and the hit to business sentiment and profitability has dampened medium-term occupier demand for office space. More than ever, investors in search of recurring income returns should focus on well-located, quality buildings with strong ESG credentials.
5. Europe is driven by an environmental agenda
Energy efficiency and decarbonization have become particularly pertinent for corporate occupiers, accelerating the bifurcation between relevant and obsolete office stock. Post-pandemic office attendance and soaring energy bills due to the war in Ukraine have only served to reinforce this trend.
European cities vary considerably in terms of the age of the stock. Upgrading space at lease expiry is expected to play a major role in reversing obsolescence in coming years, and environmental upgrades will likely play an important role in sector revitalization.
U.S. workers are back in the office mostly part-time
In the U.S., whether by choice or mandate, many workers are heading back to the office, but expectations have changed. Attendance peaks mid-week at around 60% occupancy.3 Most fully remote firms are moving toward hybrid schedules. Requiring a physical presence in the office for even part of the week keeps workers living and working in the same metro area, which has far-reaching ramifications across property sectors and markets. Conversely, many previously fully in-office firms are also pivoting toward hybrid models, thus muting the impact overall.
The risks are real, but we see space for winners
The office market will be challenged for years to come. However, certain factors may mitigate the headwinds, including future job growth and a renewed commitment to building out space that fosters collaboration. Careful asset selection backed by strong market research and purposeful business plans should generate opportunities. Regardless of the region, investors will be wise to prioritize green credentials and spaces that foster collaboration.
In this issue
Capitalizing on private capital dynamics. Ushering in a new Goldilocks era of growth and opportunity.
Looking beyond the horizon in real estate. Select real estate presents investment possibilities.
Charlotte, the queen city. Charlotte shows resilience and a dynamic market for business.
Endnotes
Sources
1 Source: CompStak, Inc.
2 Source: CBRE Group, Inc.
3 Source: Kastle Back to Work Barometer, https://www.kastle.com/safety-wellness/ getting-america-back-to-work/
The views and opinions expressed are for informational and educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market or other conditions, legal and regulatory developments, additional risks and uncertainties and may not come to pass. This material may contain “forward-looking” information that is not purely historical in nature.
Such information may include, among other things, projections, forecasts, estimates of market returns, and proposed or expected portfolio composition. Any changes to assumptions that may have been made in preparing this material could have a material impact on the information presented herein by way of example. Performance data shown represents past performance and does not predict or guarantee future results. Investing involves risk; principal loss is possible.
All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such. For term definitions and index descriptions, please access the glossary on nuveen.com. Please note, it is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Important information on risk
All investments carry a certain degree of risk and there is no assurance that an investment will provide positive performance over any period of time. Equity investing involves risk. Investments are also subject to political, currency and regulatory risks. Diversification is a technique to help reduce risk. There is no guarantee that diversification will protect against a loss of income. Debt or fixed income securities are subject to market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, call risk, derivatives risk, dollar roll transaction risk, and income risk. As interest rates rise, bond prices fall. Foreign investments involve additional risks, including currency fluctuation, political and economic instability, lack of liquidity, and differing legal and accounting standards. These risks are magnified in emerging markets.
As an asset class, real assets are less developed, more illiquid, and less transparent compared to traditional asset classes. Investments will be subject to risks generally associated with the ownership of real estate-related assets and foreign investing, including changes in economic conditions, currency values, environmental risks, the cost of and ability to obtain insurance, and risks related to leasing of properties. Real estate investments are subject to various risks, including fluctuations in property values, higher expenses or lower income than expected, and potential environmental problems and liability. Please consider all risks carefully prior to investing in any particular strategy. A portfolio’s concentration in the real estate sector makes it subject to greater risk and volatility than other portfolios that are more diversified and its value may be substantially affected by economic events in the real estate industry. International investing involves risks, including risks related to foreign currency, limited liquidity particularly where the underlying asset comprises real estate, less government regulation in some jurisdictions, and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. As an asset class, agricultural investments are less developed, more illiquid, and less transparent compared to traditional asset classes. Agricultural investments will be subject to risks generally associated with the ownership of real estate-related assets, including changes in economic conditions, environmental risks, the cost of and ability to obtain insurance, and risks related to leasing of properties.
Investors should be aware that alternative investments including private equity and private debt are speculative, subject to substantial risks including the risks associated with limited liquidity, the use of leverage, short sales and concentrated investments and may involve complex tax structures and investment strategies. Alternative investments may be illiquid, there may be no liquid secondary market or ready purchasers for such securities, they may not be required to provide periodic pricing or valuation information to investors, there may be delays in distributing tax information to investors, they are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as other types of pooled investment vehicles, and they may be subject to high fees and expenses, which will reduce profits. Alternative investments are not appropriate for all investors and should not constitute an entire investment program. Investors may lose all or substantially all of the capital invested. The historical returns achieved by alternative asset vehicles is not a prediction of future performance or a guarantee of future results, and there can be no assurance that comparable returns will be achieved by any strategy.
Responsible investing incorporates Environmental Social Governance (ESG) factors that may affect exposure to issuers, sectors, industries, limiting the type and number of investment opportunities available, which could result in excluding investments that perform well. ESG integration incorporates financially relevant ESG factors into investment research in support of portfolio management for actively managed strategies. Financial relevancy of ESG factors varies by asset class and investment strategy. Applicability of ESG factors may differ across investment strategies. ESG factors are among many factors considered in evaluating an investment decision, and unless otherwise stated in the relevant offering memorandum or prospectus, do not alter the investment guidelines, strategy or objectives.
Nuveen, LLC provides investment services through its investment specialists.
This information does not constitute investment research as defined under MiFID.
