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Phoenix Office Market Report

4th Quarter 2023

Posted In — Market Research | Market Report

MARKET DRIVERS

LEASING ACTIVITY slowed considerably in the fourth quarter, down approx. 20% YOY, dropping to a 15-year record low. Smaller sized office product has shown a stronger resilience in terms of demand. While the broader market has experienced a consistent increase in vacancies over the last three years, buildings smaller than 50K SF have seen a reduction in their average vacancy rates since the pandemic began.

ALTHOUGH RENT GROWTH has slowed since early 2022 due to rising vacancies and weaker tenant demand, Phoenix rents across the valley have held strong as one of the best-performing markets in the country, recording almost 3% increase over the past 12 months.

ECONOMIC INSTABILITY, combined with rising interest rates has resulted in a significant decrease in investment activities over the past few quarters, hitting a 10-year record low at year-end posting at 5M SF in 2023, compared to 10.6M SF in 2022.

ECONOMIC OVERVIEW

PHOENIX METRO’S unemployment rate in November increased 40 basis points YOY to 3.5% but decreased 40 basis points month-over-month from 3.9% in October, according to the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity. This is compared to the state’s unadjusted rate of 4.0%.

THE NUMBER OF COMPANIES MOVING to metro Phoenix is noteworthy, but the diversity of industries has helped sustain the region’s long-term stability. The businesses that Phoenix is attracting have evolved, and the market has emerged as a hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, and technology.

NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK

THE CONTINUOUS RISE OF VACANCIES and availabilities throughout the next year is expected. As leases expire, many businesses will likely downsize their footprints given lower office utilization rates with the hybrid work model. Furthermore, the economic uncertainty presents further headwinds, potentially leading tenants to rethink committing to large and long-term leases.

THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK for the Phoenix market is positive in the long run, despite expectations of slower growth compared to previous periods. The region’s job market, population, and income are all forecasted to grow at rates exceeding the national average, though at a moderated pace.

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