Global office leasing activity continued to increase in the final quarter of 2024 with volumes 10% higher over the quarter. This pushed full-year 2024 leasing up by 9% to the highest annual total since 2019. The U.S. saw the strongest growth with volumes 18% above 2023, as progress on office attendance policies and headcount growth provide occupiers with greater clarity on workplace planning and lead to moderated downsizing trends. Volumes in Asia Pacific rose by 5% in 2024, while activity in Europe was largely unchanged over the year despite a growing pipeline of requirements as deal processes continue to be prolonged.

The global vacancy rate increased by 10bps to 16.8% in Q4, with vacancy higher in Europe and North America but declining in Asia Pacific. New supply is set to fall during 2025 in Europe and North America, where new groundbreakings have fallen to their lowest level on record in the United States. This is expected to contribute to vacancy peaking and starting to decline in both regions over the next 12 months; with less new space coming to the market and availability concentrated in less desirable buildings and locations, competition for the best space will continue to intensify.