South-east office interiors 'could improve outlook next year'

Office design news from Morgan Lovell

Published on 15-12-2009

The outlook for commercial property in the south-east of England could improve next year, it has been claimed.

A Thames Valley agent for Cushman & Wakefield said occupier sentiment could improve during the start of 2010 and as a result, demand for modern office design space is likely to increase.

The representative noted: "Actual demand recovery is likely to be slow, with any increase likely to be led by opportunities for good deals in those markets with over supply rather than by headcount growth."

However, by mid to late next year, the spokesperson stated there is likely to have been significant progress made.

Elsewhere, Matthew Hopkinson, business development director at the Local Data Company, recently noted the 12-month extension to empty commercial property rates could prove popular with small businesses, as it would allow them to make office moves more easily.

Tax exemptions could mean smaller firms are better placed to take advantage of these measures, as larger commercial property landlords may become less competitive as a result of the legislation.

Posted by Adrian Norman.