TENANT EXPECTATIONS. 

The rise of hybrid working, and evolving workspace demands mean that landlords must go beyond simply providing a physical location. They need to create environments that attract and retain tenants in a competitive market.

UNDERSTANDING THE WANTS, NEEDS AND DESIRES.

For landlords, success is no longer just about occupancy rates. It is about fostering relationships with tenants and understanding their long-term needs. A well-designed office is not enough; tenants must feel a connection to their space and landlord. If they don’t, they may move elsewhere, leaving behind vacant offices and lost revenue.

Key questions landlords should ask include:

• What businesses does the space attract? 
• Do tenants require smaller offices flexible leases, larger collaborative spaces or bespoke conditions? 
• Can landlords provide value beyond square footage, and if so, how?

By proactively engaging with prospective tenants, landlords can tailor their offerings to create an environment that supports productivity, collaboration, and long-term tenancy.

MOVING BEYOND THE TRENDS.

Following the latest office trends for 2025 without understanding the fundamental shifts in workplace behaviour can lead to underutilised spaces and high turnover. Simply offering trendy interiors or shared co-working spaces does not guarantee success. Instead, landlords need to create a sense of community and stability for their tenants.

• Customising and planning office spaces to tenant needs rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach
• Encouraging tenant engagement through shared amenities, networking events, and collaborative spaces
• Providing hybrid-friendly solutions, such as adaptable meeting rooms and technology-integrated offices

ADDRESSING MARKET GAPS.

One significant shift in the office market is the demand for smaller, more affordable workspaces. Traditional long-term leases on large office floors are no longer the standard, and many businesses (start-ups and Small and Medium sized businesses) seek flexible, cost-effective options.

Landlords can adapt by:

• Offering smaller office units to cater to businesses that do not need extensive space
• Providing flexible leasing models, such as shorter-term contracts or serviced office solutions
• Considering Accessible Workplaces to meet DDA compliancy
• Adding shared facilities like meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and wellness areas to enhance the tenant experience
• Consider Furniture Options and whether super deduction can be used when purchasing furniture or equipment

While smaller offices may not seem as immediately profitable as large, long-term leases, they can lead to higher occupancy rates, more engaged tenants, and longer retention periods. Additionally, understanding the costs associated with fit-outs is crucial. Learn more about office fit-out costs here.

REDIFINING THE PURPOSE OF OFFICE SPACES.

The office is no longer just a place to work - it is a hub for collaboration, innovation, and culture. Landlords must move beyond merely providing space and instead create work environments with a clear purpose. Key factors to consider include:

1. CREATING IDENTITY-DRIVE WORKSPACES.

Each office space should be designed with a specific purpose in mind. Is it a hub for startups looking to collaborate? A professional setting for corporate firms? A hybrid-friendly space catering to remote teams? Aligning design, amenities, and lease options with the needs of tenants will differentiate a property in a crowded market.

2. PRIORITISING WORKPLACE WELL-BEING.

Tenants now expect workplaces that support employee well-being. This includes features such as:

• Around 1 in 6 people experience mental health problems in the workplace
• Over 12% of all sickness absence days in the UK can be attributed to mental health conditions
• Better mental health support in the workspace can save UK businesses up to £8 billion per year
• Adapting to Hybrid Work Models

3. ADAPTING TO HYBRID WORK MODELS.

Hybrid work is here to stay, and office spaces must accommodate both in-person collaboration and remote work. Features such as hot-desking areas, adaptable meeting spaces, and integrated digital infrastructure make offices more attractive to modern businesses.