Commercial Real Estate Frontline

Vacancy rates for office space in 128 north are increasing.  According to CoStar research, vacancy rates dipped in 2006-2007 into the 13% range.  They’re now forecasting vacancy rates up to 16% as more space comes on the market with pending job layoffs.  The vacancy rate has not increased more drastically because tenants have not started giving up space to their landlords as they hold out to see when the recession will end and to see whether they’ll need space to rehire staff.

Watch for office lease rates to decline as we approach the second half of this year and enter 2010.  We anticipate lease rates to decline as vacancy rates increase as the market searches for equilibrium amidst a new landscape of supply and demand.