Professional landlords are increasingly investing in office space, according to new research from Shawbrook, with applications for office related projects rising sharply in the first half of the year.
Landlord applications for total office space projects have risen by 44% in the first half of 2025. Demand for office space from landlords in some regions has more than doubled, with the South West seeing a 233% increase in applications, closely followed by the West Midlands (225%).
Applications in London have risen significantly, growing by 100% in H1, matched by a 100% increase in Wales. Applications in Yorkshire and the Humber have risen by 83%, followed by the South East (50%). However, this growth hasn’t translated across all regions, with East Anglia dropping by 60%. Other regions which have seen a drop include the East Midlands (-20%) and Scotland (-14%).
Daryl Norkett, Director of Real Estate Proposition at Shawbrook, commented: “Diversification has been the theme of the past couple of years for professional landlords, who continue to demonstrate agility and adaptability in the face of ongoing market and economic challenges.
“With Covid firmly in the rear view mirror, businesses are adjusting to the new normal, which for many includes a return to office working - as evidenced by a 100% increase in applications for London office projects.
“As economic turbulence looks set to be on the cards for the foreseeable future, professional landlords should be looking to take advantage of increasing demand across different asset classes to maximise their yield and protect their business. Talking to a specialist commercial broker could be beneficial for landlords looking to expand their portfolios and navigate the market effectively.”
