WeWork’s Financial Challenges Could Impact the Commercial Real Estate Market

What’s going on:     

WeWork is grappling with financial troubles, having expressed “substantial doubt” regarding its financial stability in the long run. Skepticism emerged following the company’s second-quarter results, where the company reported a decline in global subscriptions due to increased competition and macroeconomic challenges, according to CoStar. It’s reported that WeWork’s cash reserves have fallen substantially, from $625 million to $205 million, over the past year. This has raised concerns regarding the company’s ability to continue operating in the future — with potential repercussions such as bankruptcy and liquidation.  

Despite attempts to pivot, WeWork’s business model still relies heavily on long-term leases sold to clients on shorter-term contracts. Some experts believe that if WeWork were to collapse, it would add to the high office vacancy rates in key commercial real estate markets, particularly in North America which would likely impact landlords and the banking sector. 

CoStar reports that, despite these challenges, WeWork is still exploring several strategies to tackle its current financial issues, including restructuring costs, limiting capital expenditures, and raising additional capital. 

Why it matters:  

WeWork’s dire financial situation affects numerous stakeholders. Landlords and tenants globally are bound to feel the impact, especially if the worst-case scenario — bankruptcy and liquidation— plays out.  

If they do collapse several markets could suffer an increase in office vacancies, which could push more landlords towards defaulting on their loans. This, in turn, might ripple into the banking sector, impacting broader financial consequences for the economy. WeWork’s small business tenants would also face challenges, starting with the potential loss of their deposits and the subsequent search for new working spaces. 

How it’ll impact the future:    

The potential decline or restructuring of WeWork will likely reshape the flexible workspace industry. Some landlords might decide to manage and lease spaces on their own or choose to collaborate with other operators.  

The wider flexible office market remains robust, reflecting a growing demand for flexible workspaces in 2023. WeWork’s challenges highlight the need for sustainable business models in the coworking sector. The future could see more diverse business strategies, potentially with more operators owning their spaces or leveraging different kinds of spaces.