Continued Uncertainty Dampens Office Market Sentiment
The
continued persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed the previously
optimistic trajectory of the office market as a return to the workplace for
many employees continues to be delayed. With investors becoming more cautious
due to the increased uncertainty about near-term economic prospects, the optimism for the office market
in the previous Survey shifts to a downturn in Southern California, with a more
neutral view in Northern California. Office development sentiment has remained
slightly optimistic in the Bay Area, though there are not yet plans in place to
increase the rate of development. Though the return to the office has been
delayed, there are signs that this pessimism is temporary—companies will
ultimately put into place plans to return their workforce to the office, and
there will eventually be a need for new office development that will provide
for this new office landscape.