International trends in the office market

The international office market showed clear signs of recovery in 2025. After years of uncertainty caused by hybrid working and economic fluctuations, confidence among businesses and investors worldwide is growing. What are the key trends — and what can we learn from them at The James Company?

1. Recovery in Office Leasing

In 2024, global office leasing transactions grew by 9%, reaching the highest level since 2019. Demand in the US rose by 18% in particular. Companies now have a clearer picture of their workplace needs and are once again consciously opting for physical workspaces — provided these are well designed for hybrid working.

2. Sector Differences

Demand for office space varies significantly by industry. Technology, professional services and hospitality continue to invest in high-quality workplaces. Logistics and retail, on the other hand, are more cautious, focusing on optimising existing spaces.

3. Investments and Capital Flows

Globally, over $703 billion was invested in commercial real estate in 2024, a 14% increase compared to 2023. Offices are also attracting substantial capital again: more than $600 billion in funds is ready for new deals. This signals renewed confidence in the future of workplaces.

4. Quality Over Quantity

Businesses are increasingly choosing prime locations with premium amenities. User experience, hospitality and flexibility are decisive factors. This aligns with The James Company’s approach, where we leverage hospitality and building services to make workplaces both attractive and functional.

What does this mean for the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, we also see user experience and flexibility becoming increasingly important in the office market. International trends confirm that investing in hospitality, community services and smart building management is not a luxury — but a strategic choice.

Want to know more?

At The James Company, we keep a close eye on these developments and translate them into concrete solutions for our clients.
Curious about our approach to office spaces?
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