Newmark Knight Frank Devencore Reports on Downtown Vancouver Office Market

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Aug 11, 2014) - In its Real Estate Market Study published today, Newmark Knight Frank Devencore reported that the office tower boom in downtown Vancouver shows few signs of slowing. Over 2 million square feet of office space is currently under construction in the downtown district, and 4 million square feet is being built in the Greater Vancouver area. In addition, another 3 million square feet is being planned or proposed in the downtown market. At the same time, leasing activity in Vancouver's downtown core slowed through much of 2013 as vacancy rates crept upwards and rental rates moderated. At the beginning of 2014, just over 1 million square feet of office space was available, up from 633,000 square feet a year earlier. In the first quarter of 2014, rates continued to rise and currently stand at 5.5%.

"We expect that vacancy rates will continue to climb as the new office space begins to be delivered to the marketplace," said Jon Bishop, Vice-President & Managing Principal of Devencore Company Ltd. "We also expect that rental rates, especially in older properties, will be under pressure. Because specific older Class "A" and Class "B" spaces will be vacated as tenants move into the new towers, the best deals in the months ahead will generally be landlord or building specific."

A number of other trends are also having a major impact on Vancouver's downtown real estate scene.

"We're also seeing more large blocks of space returning to the market than we have in many years, and a rise in sublease space availability, Mr. Bishop said. "As a result, some landlords--particularly those who have older Class "A" and Class "B" buildings--are beginning to market their properties much more aggressively. A variety of inducements, from periods of free rent to more flexible lease terms, may be available in certain buildings that have key vacancies to fill. Finally, as has been the case in a number of other major cities across North America, more young professionals are choosing to live in or near the city's downtown core. Consequently, companies that wish to attract and retain this skilled workforce are recognizing the advantages of locating downtown as well. This trend may help to boost the demand for downtown office space over the medium term."

In Canada's major cities, the combined Class "A" and Class "B" vacancy rate edged up from 4.5% to 5.9% in 2013. However, construction activity remains strong across the country and new towers are being built in virtually every city. The appetite for this premium space also remains strong. In most instances, space in the new towers, most of which are LEED-certified, is being fairly rapidly leased.

About Newmark Knight Frank Devencore

As part of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, one of the world's leading commercial real estate advisory firms, Newmark Knight Frank Devencore is Canada's largest corporate real estate advisor and brokerage, exclusively representing corporate, industrial and retail space users. With offices across the country, Newmark Knight Frank Devencore offers its global clientele comprehensive services that are individually designed to ensure executive real estate decisions are supported by effective strategies and professional execution. To learn more about our capabilities, please visit www.devencorenkf.com.

About Newmark Grubb Knight Frank

Newmark Grubb Knight Frank is one of the world's leading commercial real estate advisory firms. Together with London-based partner Knight Frank and independently-owned offices, NGKF's 12,000 professionals operate from more than 330 offices in established and emerging property markets on six continents.

With roots dating back to 1929, NGKF's strong foundation makes it one of the most trusted names in commercial real estate. NGKF's full-service platform comprises BGC's real estate services segment, offering commercial real estate tenants, landlords, investors and developers a wide range of services including leasing; capital markets services, including investment sales, debt placement, appraisal, and valuation services; commercial mortgage brokerage services; as well as corporate advisory services, consulting, project and development management, and property and corporate facilities management services. For further information, visit www.ngkf.com.

NGKF is a part of BGC Partners, Inc. (BGCP), a leading global brokerage company primarily servicing the wholesale financial and real estate markets. For further information, visit www.ngkf.com.