- 70% of large companies plan office expansion in 2026, up from 56% in 2024, per Visual Lease.
- Strategies include expanding current space, using coworking, and opening new locations.
- 64% may delay moves or upgrades due to ongoing economic uncertainty.
- Office attendance is steadily recovering, supporting long-term space demand.
Office Growth Ahead — Maybe
A growing number of companies are setting their sights on expansion in 2026. According to a new survey by Visual Lease, 70% of corporate real estate leaders expect to add space in 2026. This marks a notable increase from the 56% who planned expansions in 2024, reports Bisnow.
But even as return-to-office trends strengthen, uncertainty around the economy is making many companies hesitant to act. Nearly two-thirds of respondents expect to delay moves or upgrades next year due to financial and macroeconomic uncertainty.
How They Plan To Expand
Among the companies planning to grow their office footprint in 2026:
- 44% aim to expand their existing office space
- 44% plan to utilize coworking or flexible office solutions
- 38% are looking at adding entirely new locations
This points to a blended strategy as firms seek flexible and scalable solutions to accommodate evolving workplace needs.
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Return-To-Office Momentum Builds
Supporting the uptick in space demand is a continued return to in-person work. Data from Placer.ai shows that office attendance in November 2025 was just 32.9% below November 2019 levels — the closest it’s been to pre-pandemic norms since early 2020. Office visits also rose throughout Q3.
Despite short-term optimism, a Deloitte study shows industry leaders remain cautious about long-term commercial real estate performance. Economic instability and shifting policy landscapes are weighing on 2026 projections.
Why It Matters
While the desire for more office space is returning, execution could be limited by broader market factors. According to CoStar’s Phil Mobley, “While the current outlook is positive, there are downside risks.” Inflation, interest rate fluctuations, and trade uncertainties continue to threaten growth.
What’s Next
CRE expansion strategies will likely stay fluid into 2026, as companies weigh real estate needs against a complex economic backdrop. For landlords and developers, the challenge will be navigating this growing demand amid lingering volatility.
