Flexible workspace demand is anticipated to expand outside of major markets, with research by Instant Offices finding 70% of spaces being available in secondary cities.
Last year, the sector showed a big shift in clients with a 21% increase in corporate members.
Occupiers are also changing the way they use office space due to commercial real estate rates’ costs of living being some of the highest on record. This is leaving an open door to secondary cities.
The fastest growing markets in the US last year were Las Vegas, Orlando and Austin, which are all considered secondary markets.
Now, many corporations are looking for more agile workspaces as the shift towards flexibility continues. Household names such as Microsoft, Amex, Adidas and Facebook have been responsible for some of the largest flex deals of 2018.
As the trend continues upwards, landlords have started launching their own spaces and collaborations with providers.
Although demand is clearly growing, this year there is expected to be a short-term oversupply of flexible office space.
“This is where real innovation is happening in the model,” said John Duckworth, UK and EMEA MD at The Instant Group. “Businesses are quickly realising that flex provides a versatile and agile workspace in central locations and this growth in demand has encouraged many more traditional operators to expand rapidly.”
