The Property Ticker

Research evidence excerpt

The Property Ticker

markets, constrained supply, record rental

growth and long-term income streams that are not reflected in current pricing. Backed by

government-linked tenants and a WAULT of over seven years, Martley plans active asset

management and leasing initiatives to drive income growth, while arguing that concerns

over hybrid working and AI have created a mispricing similar to earlier opportunities in

industrial and retail warehouse real estate. (Source: CoStar)

• Soho’s office market roars back as Microsoft sparks new leasing boom: Soho has

re-emerged as one of London’s strongest office markets, with first-half take-up up 65%

YoY following major lettings to occupiers including Microsoft (97,000 sq ft for its UK

AI hub), Verition and Warner Bros. Demand from both traditional TMT tenants and

increasingly financial services firms has pushed vacancy down to just 5.9%, around half

the London average, while a severe shortage of large, high-quality floorplates is driving

prime rents to £115-120 psf. With virtually no major office developments under

construction, landlords are benefitting from rising rents and tightening availability, while

investors continue to target Soho for its strong rental growth prospects and supply-

constrained fundamentals. (Source: CoStar)

• Manchester reports resilient second quarter office take-up: Manchester’s office

market remained resilient in Q2 2026, completing 48 deals and 184,477 sq ft of take-up,

with occupier demand continuing to favour high-quality fitted and turnkey space despite

volumes declining year-on-year. Key city-centre lettings included MDPI’s 21,432 sq ft

lease at 4 Hardman Square and Block Workspace’s 25,854 sq ft deal at Sunlight House,

while regional markets significantly outperformed, led by Salford Quays and Old