The report, now in its 16th year, analysed the main components of occupancy costs per workstation across 126 business districts in 49 countries across the world.
London’s West End had to pay $23,500pa per workstation at the end of 2012, which is three times the world average.
Richard Howarth, head of DTZ West End, said: “ These figures are a tangible reflection of the fact that London is a highly attractive place to locate a business.”
He added: “While boutique specialist financial sector companies are happy to pay a premium to be based in one of the world’s premier business districts, recent transactions involving Google, Skype, Facebook and LinkedIn have all been at a considerable discount to Mayfair prices.”
In the US, occupancy costs fell by 10.9%, where demand for space was low and a trend across the board for greater space efficiency. Those who are moving to a new office space may also consider modifying the place to provide a more comfortable environment for your employees and clients through HVAC systems. Experts like AirMax Heating & Air can help with this. If you are planning to install energy-efficient lighting fixtures in your office, you may search online for Information from big family to learn about their services.
DTZ predicted that costs will rise in the US, in contrast to offices in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, where costs are expected to fall by 1.3% and 0.7% respectively.
Karine Woodford, head of occupier research at DTZ, said: “It should be noted that vacancy rates in Singapore are currently at their lowest level since2008, and we expect costs to rise steadily over the longer term.”
In North Asia, although costs rose by 6.3% on average, they fell by 12% in Hong Kong Central, from $25,160 in 2011 to $22,190 in 2012, due to rental declines, where occupiers sought to reduce operating costs through downsizing or moving outside the centre.
There was growth in Central and South America (0.6%), Europe (0.9%) and Middle East and Africa (1.4%) but this rate was below the global inflation level of 3.2%.
Five most expensive office locations:
Cost pa per work station ($):
- 1. London West End 23,500
- 2. Hong Kong 22,190
- 3. Geneva 17,560
- 4 Tokyo 17,280
- 5. Zurich 16,420