MARKET DRIVERS
THE LOS ANGELES OFFICE MARKET exudes the impression of unpredictability and instability. While vacancy rates have remained constant, the availability of sublease space has proliferated. Although tenants are hesitant to sign leases, businesses have made it known that they want the newest-generation space. Certain metro areas have performed relatively better than others, with Century City being one such area that has witnessed higher relative tenant interest.
THE DECREASE in leasing activity results from the challenging leasing market, higher debt costs, and accompanying economic instability. As a result, they are hesitant to make large investments in the industry. Given the ongoing uncertainty on how office tenants will use space over the long term, a number of recent sales show substantial savings from earlier sale prices.
ECONOMIC REVIEW
ECONOMIC FACTORS on the Los Angeles office market varied depending on the submarket. The West Los Angeles submarket has shown some resilience, with vacancy rates remaining relatively low with stable asking rents. However, other submarkets were more adversely affected by economic considerations, with rising vacancy rates and declining asking rents.
ADDITIONALLY, there were some positive indicators that the Los Angeles County economy is still strong and that there is still a significant demand for office space from specific industries, consisting of the technology and healthcare sectors, whose continued growth is anticipated to increase demand for office space in the coming years.
NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK
DUE TO ITS INNOVATIVE solid culture and entrepreneurial spirit, Los Angeles has a higher rate of self-employment and startup activity despite having an established economy and a significant share of the major national industries.
THE NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK for the Los Angeles office market is still undetermined. Nevertheless, the industry may benefit from several positive developments, such as the growth of the technology and healthcare sectors, the acceptance of flexible environments, and the increasing significance of sustainability, which could support the business.
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