The proportion of flexible space within occupier portfolios will continue to increase in 2018; a growing adoption of technology will redefine buildings, workplaces and portfolios; and it will be a year of decision for many businesses regarding Brexit. These are among the ‘UK Property Predictions 2018’ report from JLL which covers a range of different topics, with a particular focus on UK corporate occupiers. The report claims that traditional static portfolio concepts are being redesigned to incorporate new formats of space, co-working and a more fluid and diverse range of space options that support creativity, innovation and collaboration. A greater number of large organisations will explore flex space and co-working in 2018 for multiple objectives ranging from servicing a mobile workforce, supporting business development, to delivering swing space or driving innovation. Digital technology continues to redefine real estate and 2018 will see further acceleration in this area. The adoption of smart building technologies will continue to grow as leading-edge organisations focus on a seamless integration of internet of things technologies throughout their buildings.
According to Tom Carroll, Head of EMEA and UK Corporate Research, “JLL’s Human experience research showed that UK employees are increasingly mobile both within and outside the office and the rise of the flexible office market is a natural response to a structural change in the way people are working.”