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Office supply is growing faster than demand, according to Rightmove’s third-quarter Commercial Insights Tracker. While UK office leasing inquiries were up 2% compared with Q3 2025, available office listings increased 17%.
On the surface, this suggests occupiers have more choice. However, more available office space doesn't necessarily mean more of the space businesses actually want.
This is the view of Belinda Swinnerton, area director at Rightmove Commercial. Swinnerton spoke at Bisnow’s UK Office Series on how to make space work, leasing, repositioning and tenant demand.
The market is increasingly polarised, with high-quality space performing well while secondary stock struggles to attract the same level of interest, she said.
“Businesses aren't just looking for somewhere to work,” Swinnerton said. “Their office reflects their business, its culture and the environment they want to create for employees. There's still a clear flight to quality, but what quality looks like will differ from business to business.”
Looking specifically at London, Rightmove’s Q3 Commercial Insights Tracker found that office leasing demand increased by 5% year-on-year, while supply rose by 12.5%.
Grade A offices continue to attract strong interest, with occupiers competing for a limited pool of high-quality space, while secondary stock faces greater challenges in attracting demand, Swinnerton said.
In 2025, Grade A space accounted for 54% of takeup, up from a pre-pandemic average of 46%. In August, Grade A space represented 93% of activity.
As availability of premium office space remains limited, competition for the best buildings is expected to remain strong.
“The balance of power isn’t simply about landlords versus occupiers anymore,” Swinnerton said. “It's increasingly about the quality of the space being offered. While occupiers may have more choice overall, landlords with high-quality offices that meet modern expectations are in a very different position to those with less desirable stock.”
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Providing a high-quality office today goes beyond the building itself, she said. Businesses are increasingly considering factors such as energy efficiency, air quality, thermal comfort and smart building technology, alongside amenities that support their employees' needs.
Location remains a key consideration, particularly transport connectivity and access to surrounding amenities. Where shops, cafés, restaurants and leisure facilities are readily available, businesses may place importance on other amenities and features instead.
“Ultimately, what defines a high-quality office will differ between businesses, and it’s not necessarily about having the longest list of amenities,” Swinnerton said. “The priority is finding a space that supports their people, reflects their culture and meets the way they want to work, such as prioritising areas that encourage collaboration and create a sense of community.”
Ahead of making improvements to the Rightmove Commercial website, the team conducted several research projects to better understand what businesses value when searching for their next commercial property.
The research found that 7 in 10 commercial property consumers go online before contacting an agent. Property listings support 64% during the initial research stage and 51% when shortlisting properties.
Further Rightmove research found that 45% of respondents wanted to search specifically by amenities when looking for an office to lease. Parking, 24-hour access, WiFi and air conditioning were among the most requested filters.
“These findings reinforce how important it is for businesses to understand what a property offers before making a decision,” Swinnerton said. “Different occupiers will have different priorities, and it's about identifying the amenities and features that genuinely add value to their working environment.”
As the property search increasingly begins online, listings play a vital role in helping businesses identify the right space, she said. For landlords and agents, clearly showcasing a property's spaces, amenities and unique features is key to demonstrating its value and attracting the right occupiers.
This article was produced in collaboration between Rightmove and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.
Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.
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