This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
TENANT demand for office space improved marginally in December and is likely to remain positive over the next six months despite the share market volaility.
The latest Dexus Office Demand Barometer registered 1.6% in December 2015, up 0.4% on the previous quarter.
Actual net absorption of office space remains strong with just over 24,000 sqm taken up in the December 2015 quarter, almost double the ten-year average.
Dexus general manager of research Peter Studley said results indicate that tenant demand in the Sydney CBD is likely to remain positive over the next six months.
Studley said the major reason for the rise was strength in the labour market.
“Job advertisements increased 4% over the past quarter indicating that firms’ hiring intentions have improved. Around 176,900 jobs were created in NSW in the past year as the state economy benefited from low interest rates and solid infrastructure investment. In a positive sign for office markets, there was strong growth of 17,400 jobs in the financial services sector,” he added.
Other office demand indicators were mixed, with a mild decline in business confidence and an easing of US industrial activity weighing on the barometer.
Looking ahead, Studley said share market volatility is likely to be the main swing factor for office demand in Sydney.
“This Barometer reading was taken before the sharp falls in the Australian share market in recent weeks. If sustained, this volatility has the potential to influence business confidence,” he noted.
Australian Property Journal
