Reserving office space is back with a bang. The recovery was highlighted by global commercial real estate advisor Avison Young. Its latest research revealed of the 5.9m sq ft of office developments due to be delivered in Central London during 2026, 43% of space has been pre-let.
It’s a recovery that has been building. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared an end to the Covid public health emergency of international concern in May 2023. Let’s overlay Avison Young’s wider analysis.
A desire for bigger and better offices
It said over the last three years, office space deals of more than 50,000 sq ft, which achieved in excess of £80 per sq ft, accounted for over half of all deals within this size band. This was up 23% more than the previous three-year period (2020-2022).
The return to work is real
Avison Young’s analysis was released just weeks apart from Remit Consulting’s new ReTurn report. It found average office attendance in the UK breached 40% every week since early January - the highest level since the Covid outbreak in March 2020. Among those fuelling the stats are Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, who have issued strict return-to-work orders.
Confidence among business leaders is rising. Avison Young found demand levels reached 10.4m sq ft in 2025 – a figure 6% ahead of the 10-year average of 9.8m sq ft. And the deals were big: 14 were for spaces in excess of 100,000 sq ft (up from 9 in 2024) and another 40 exceeded 50,000 sq ft (up from 32 in 2024).
Securing office space were Visa (190,000 sq ft at 1 Canada Square), Gibson Dunn (148,000 sq ft at 1 Exchange Square) and Ares Management (124,000 sq ft space at One Hanover Street).
MPL: specialists in turnkey commercial office fit-outs
MPL Interiors has been at the forefront of office space for more than 30 years. Of late we have been working with landlords in the City of London to fit out turnkey ready offices for the corporate office market.
Of note is our collaboration with TMD Building Consultancy and abrdn – the latter a global investment company listed on the London Stock Exchange and headquartered in Edinburgh.
Case study 1
Our first project was this two-floor, Cat A+ office fitout in London on Middlesex Street, located between Aldgate and Liverpool Street. At almost 7,000 sqft, this project resulted in a ‘turn up and plug in’ office for minimum void periods and maximum rental appeal.
Case study 2
The project’s success saw MPL return to the building to convert a third floor, spanning 3,200 sqft. Another Cat A+ job ensued, with a full M&E phased ahead of the fit out. The result was this turnkey office for up to 28 employees, ready to let.
Capitalise on demand now
With demand for office space beyond recovery and moving into a new territory, now is a great time for landlords to refurbish space, whether that’s to refresh an existing office or create a brand new workplace.
Build your knowledge bank
The very best offices, as proven, are being pre-let and filled ahead of completion. MPL’s extensive experience in this sector will add value and guide any plans you have. You may find the following useful background reading:
- A Complete Guide Cat A, Cat B and Cat A+ Office Fit Outs: the differences explained
- Design & Build Vs. Traditional Procurement: which is right for your project?
- Office Fit Out Costs: what to expect and budget for
- An Overview of Office Interior Designs
- Commercial Office Refurbishment Portfolio
Book a discovery call
MPL would welcome your call to discuss your exact needs. The team can discuss
- Smart office technology
- Hybrid office designs
- Workplace wellbeing
- Inclusive office design
- ESG objectives
- Sustainable office fitouts
Get in touch today.
