Central London office market update: Autumn 2026

Our views on the central London office market

The Central London office market remains resilient. Despite national and international events, inspection levels are very strong, and in some locations, such as Mayfair and Soho, the supply of good quality offices is limited.

Our Central London Agency team is very busy on both lettings and tenant acquisitions. This update sets out what we are seeing on rents, tenant expectations, emerging locations, and demand to buy. It draws on our own instructions across the capital.

A closer look at Mayfair and St James’s office costs

Rents for good quality offices in Mayfair and St James’s regularly start at significantly more than £100 per sq ft. At the super prime end, rents of £150 to £200 per sq ft are a regular occurrence. Some deals exceed £200 per sq ft.

The same quality of office is available at a discount in surrounding areas. Marylebone has seen noticeable rental growth, although it still sits below the Mayfair and St James’s level.

These figures reflect our own instructions rather than published index data. If you are weighing up a move, our approach to office property shows how we advise on space across the UK.

Why is tenant ready space becoming the expectation?

Tenant ready space is now prevalent across the market. These offices are pre-fitted and furnished for occupiers who want to move in without a fit-out programme. For many tenants this has become an expectation, because it saves time and capital expenditure. Tenant companies are also mindful of the need to make the office experience appealing.

For landlords, the benefits are clear. Tenant ready space widens the marketing appeal, improves the rent profile, and reduces incentives such as rent free periods. The majority of our letting instructions are pre-fitted and furnished.

Our recent work includes Wilton House in WC1, an 8,000 sq ft building that has been substantially redeveloped and remodelled. At 24-32 Stephenson Way, the second floor of 6,802 sq ft has been newly fully fitted. At One Dover Street, a selection of floors have been newly refurbished and fully fitted.

If you are considering this approach, our guide to space planning for office refurbishments explains how to maximise efficiency before you build. You can also read about our refurbishment and fit-out service.

Where is tenant demand spreading?

Clerkenwell, Farringdon, Kings Cross, and Euston continue to be in demand. The Elizabeth Line gives tenants confidence to consider new locations. You can travel from Paddington to Liverpool Street in just ten minutes.

Specialist uses add to the picture. At 31 Harley Street, we worked on the acquisition of an office building and planning consent was obtained for medical use. We have also let medical suites at Harmont House, 22 Harley Street. Wilton House sits less than a minute’s walk from the new UCL Neuroscience Centre. Our work with medical occupiers sits within our healthcare sector expertise.

What is coming to London office market over the next six to 12 months?

We are advising on new refurbishments and developments that will bring opportunities to the market over the next six to 12 months. Our approach to these schemes changes constantly, because tenant requirements are constantly evolving.

For landlords weighing a refurbishment, early advice on positioning matters. We have provided refurbishment advice on schemes including Russell Square House, 43 Portland Place and 1 Love Lane. Where a scheme needs it, we work alongside our building consultancy colleagues.

Is there demand to buy Central London buildings?

Demand from occupiers who want to buy a building for their own use continues to be strong. In several cases, we have exceeded price expectations. Our recent work includes freehold sales at 6 Paddington Street, 171 Wardour Street and 39 Berwick Street. It also includes acquisitions at 103 Mount Street and 8 Sackville Street.

We have access to all available propositions, including off-market options. These include freehold opportunities and the letting of gallery and retail premises, such as 21 Dering Street and 97 Mount Street.

You can find out more about our commercial property acquisitions and our property and land investment agency services. If you need a view on value, our Greater London valuations team can help.

Speak to us about your Central London office requirements

We are a real estate advisory firm with considerable experience acting for both landlords and tenants. Our changemaker mentality means we do not apply a formula to a building. We adjust our approach to each scheme as requirements evolve. We also monitor market activity constantly, so we can change strategy at short notice.

We provide a first class, proactive service to everyone we act for. If you are a landlord weighing your options or a tenant looking for space, complete the form below to speak to our Central London agency team.