Office Property Values in Major Cities Face a Potential $800 Billion Decrease by 2030

What’s going on:     

A recent study by consulting firm McKinsey predicts a significant shift towards remote working, which could result in an $800 billion decrease in the value of office buildings in major global cities by 2030, according to Reuters.  

The survey focused on nine “superstar” cities: Beijing, Houston, London, New York City, Paris, Munich, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Tokyo. These cities are known for their substantial contribution to the world’s urban GDP and GDP growth. The study suggests that by 2030, the demand for office space in these cities will be 13% lower than it was in pre-pandemic 2019.

Why it matters:    

Employees are spending less time in traditional offices compared to pre-pandemic times, leading to employee migration away from larger cities. This trend is influenced by complete work-from-home models and the availability of cheaper housing in suburban areas. As a result, tenants have reduced their office real estate, leading to several businesses opting for a permanent hybrid work model.

How it’ll impact the future:       

The decrease in office space demand has resulted in shorter lease negotiations, posing challenges for property owners in securing financing. This is compounded by increasing vacancy rates and significant declines in property values due to higher borrowing costs amid a high-interest environment.  

The study suggests that if financial institutions opt to devalue financed or owned properties more rapidly, the impact could be even more severe. These trends are expected to have a substantial impact on the future of the workforce, with hybrid work models allowing employees greater flexibility in choosing their living and working locations.