New research from a UK bank reveals a surge in landlord investment in office properties, with applications for office-related projects climbing significantly in the six months of 2025.

Overall, landlord applications for office developments rose by 44% nationwide. 

Regional growth has been particularly striking—applications in the South West soared by 233%, while the West Midlands saw a 225% jump, highlighting a sharp shift in investor focus toward commercial space.

Applications in London have risen significantly, growing by 100% in H1, matched by a 100% increase in Wales. Applications in Yorkshire and the Humber have risen by 83%, followed by the South East (50%). 

However, this growth hasn’t translated across all regions, with East Anglia dropping by 60%. Other regions which have seen a drop include the East Midlands (-20%) and Scotland (-14%). 

London and Wales have both seen a doubling of landlord applications for office space in the first half of the year, while Yorkshire and the Humber recorded an 83% rise, and the South East followed with a 50% increase.

However, this upward trend hasn’t been universal. East Anglia experienced a sharp decline of 60%, with the East Midlands and Scotland also seeing drops of 20% and 14% respectively, highlighting a patchy regional landscape in commercial property investment.

A spokesperson comments: “Diversification has been the theme of the past couple of years for professional landlords, who continue to demonstrate agility and adaptability in the face of ongoing market and economic challenges.

“With Covid firmly in the rear view mirror, businesses are adjusting to the new normal, which for many includes a return to office working – as evidenced by a 100% increase in applications for London office projects.

“As economic turbulence looks set to be on the cards for the foreseeable future, professional landlords should be looking to take advantage of increasing demand across different asset classes to maximise their yield and protect their business. Talking to a specialist commercial broker could be beneficial for landlords looking to expand their portfolios and navigate the market effectively.”