search

The Real Deal Logo

Trending

HGTV’s “Mr. Flip It” gets four years in jail for $10M fraudHGTV’s “Mr. Flip It” gets four years in jail for $10M fraudLawmakers reach sweeping housing deal with “good cause eviction,” new 421aLawmakers reach sweeping housing deal with “good cause eviction,” new 421aTrump accused of making false statements about $50M Chicago tower loanTrump accused of making false statements about $50M Chicago tower loanTracking $12B in out-of-state and foreign home purchases in Palm Beach CountyTracking $12B in out-of-state and foreign home purchases in Palm Beach County
Commercial
New York

Office landlords, beware: More of corporate America is looking to reduce space

An analysis of earnings calls found that 25 big companies are planning to shed offices

An analysis found that more than 25 large companies across different sectors are planning to downsize their office footprint (iStock)
An analysis found that more than 25 large companies across different sectors are planning to downsize their office footprint (iStock)

It’s not just tech firms. Corporate America is looking to trim office space as companies shift to remote work and look to reduce costs.

An analysis of quarterly earnings calls by Reuters found that more than 25 large companies across different sectors are planning to downsize their office footprint, posing a threat to office landlords’ bottom lines.

Ronald Philip O’Hanley, CEO of financial services company State Street, said on his company’s earnings call last week that observers “should expect and hold us to a much lower footprint really starting quite soon.”

Regions Financial Corp. said it was “confident overall office square footage will continue to decline.”

Sign Up for the undefined Newsletter

After the pandemic triggered state shutdowns in March, workers across the country transitioned to working from home, which many companies have reported to be a largely positive experience.

Though some in the real estate industry have questioned how longlasting the shift will be, in recent months, Twitter, Facebook and Mastercard have all announced permanent moves toward remote work.

A recent survey showed that 40 percent of bank executives planned to cut back on real estate holdings.

In June, Morgan Stanley forecasted that remote work will increase vacancy rates in office buildings going forward. Vacancy rates are expected to reach 10 to 12 percent in New York in the next two to five years — up from 8.7 percent now. [Reuters] — Sylvia Varnham O’Regan

Tags
CoronavirusOffice LeasingOffice Market