INTERVIEW WITH THE OFFICE MARKET EXPERTS

Our Office Services Group at Colliers | Columbus specializes in the leasing and sale of office space across Central Ohio. Owners, investors and tenants trust our office brokerage team for their in-depth market knowledge and reliable advice to develop tailored solutions for their real estate needs. With a dedicated focus on the office market, they possess extensive expertise in tenant behavior and current industry trends.

Demand [in 2025] will still be below pre-pandemic levels, but we expect to see increased activity as companies bring employees back to the office. We see this happening at an increasing rate, with 2026 having the potential for all-time highs in absorption and demand.

-Marty Ellinger, Brokerage Associate

How do suburban office markets compare to urban markets in terms of growth and desirability?

Tenants continue to prefer buildings that have been recently renovated with added amenities. Suburban markets will likely continue to have an edge due to free parking and proximity to employee residences. However, we expect downtown properties to catch up regarding amenities and other incentive packages. Professional service companies and those in the FIRE industries typically have a more substantial interest in downtown locations. We anticipate increased activity within these firms in the downtown area.

- Marty Ellinger, Brokerage Associate

What key features and amenities are tenants prioritizing in office spaces today?

Tenants are increasingly prioritizing access to shared conference and training rooms, along with high-quality in-building amenities such as cafés operated by reputable vendors. There has been a positive response to buildings offering complimentary coffee bars in common areas, featuring premium brewing equipment and coffee. In office suites, there is a focus on high-end finishes and furniture, particularly in spaces designed for larger meetings, as well as smaller areas for one-on-one discussions. Open café and kitchen areas are becoming popular as hubs for gathering and collaboration. Additionally, greater investments are being made in technology for conference rooms, including teleconferencing equipment, electronic whiteboards, and modern furniture.

- Chris Potts, Senior Vice President

What significant office design and layout trends do you anticipate for 2025?

We can expect to see an increasing number of amenity spaces designed for employees to relax and hold informal meetings. Otherwise, the trends will largely remain the same. Most tenants are opting for interior offices with sidelights and open floor plans. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on increasing the number of conference rooms to accommodate more meeting space.

- Brett Cisler, Senior Executive Vice President

Do you foresee smaller or satellite office spaces becoming a dominant trend for businesses by 2025?

I don’t think so. I believe offices will continue to grow in average size in 2025, and companies will look to have as many people as possible together to influence a positive culture and environment.

- Brett Cisler, Senior Executive Vice President

Are you seeing more tenants reducing or expanding their space needs? If so, how does this impact landlords?

We are seeing more tenants reduce their space needs but spend more tenant improvement (TI) money to improve the quality of the space with better design to attract employees to work from the office rather than from home.

- Andrew Jameson, Vice Chair

Landlords are asking for longer lease terms to provide TI dollars needed, or are asking the tenant to contribute TI dollars if the lease term is too short. Landlords are facing tough decisions when it comes to spending TI money, especially when a tenant is renewing and wishes to downsize. In such cases, landlords must decide whether to subdivide part of the office suite or offer to maintain the current space size at a slightly lower rent, hoping the tenant will soon need to expand again. Overall, landlords must be prepared to invest more in TI, though they may not achieve the desired rent growth compared to the previous lease.

- Chris Potts, Senior Vice President

How important are sustainability and green building certifications to tenants and investors today?

We see more sustainability and green initiative requests in requests for proposals (RFPs) from Fortune 500 companies. While not a main driver, it can be a way to differentiate a building. Moving forward, we will likely see more companies placing an emphasis on buildings being energy efficient to help mitigate costs.

- Grant Horton, Brokerage Associate

How will technological advancements, such as smart buildings and IoT, shape office spaces in 2025?

We will continue to see tech influence the industry. Virtual and augmented reality advancements for tours and tenant layouts will be differentiators among buildings to help tenants visualize themselves in the spaces. AI sustainability tools will help optimize building performance and meet any ESG goals. Tenants will likely require smart office features like automated lighting, HVAC and security systems incorporated into their lease agreements.

- Grant Horton, Brokerage Associate

What role will wellness-focused designs and amenities play in office spaces in 2025?

Class A buildings in amenity-rich walkable locations see the lowest vacancy and highest rents. Tenants who can’t get into those buildings, whether due to lack of availability or affordability, are looking for the next best option. That’s why amenities are more important now than ever. Many building owners are investing in expanding amenity sets to attract tenants. Companies want traditional amenities like fitness centers and conference rooms, and they’re looking for social areas such as tenant lounges or cafés where they can collaborate and connect with one another. The tenant’s experience is essential as well. Going the extra mile to offer perks like coffee shop pop-ups or occasional free fitness classes helps create a sense of community and engagement.

- Taylor Fanté, Vice President

For more information on current office trends, check out our 2025 Columbus Office Tenant Report!

2025 Foresight Report