Optimize your office building’s return

Would you like to improve the profitability of your office building? A professional valuation provides insights into both rental value and market value, helping you identify opportunities to increase long-term returns. Read our blog to discover which factors influence the valuation of office properties.

Would you like to have an office or office building valued? Look no further, trust CC Experts as your independent valuer.

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Why request a real estate valuation?

A professional valuation provides objective data to support strategic decision-making processes such as sales, acquisitions, leasing, financial planning, and financing. A detailed valuation also includes an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the office building. This allows value-enhancing opportunities to be identified, such as renovations, repositioning, or the addition of new amenities, that can improve long-term returns.

7 key factors that determine the value of your office building

Several elements influence the value of an office building. Below are the seven most important:

Location, location, location

Location has the strongest impact on real estate value. Offices near major roads, public transport, and amenities such as shops and restaurants command higher value. The presence of government institutions and large corporations in major cities is also crucial. For example, Brussels, as the capital of Europe, benefits from strong demand from European institutions and public bodies.

Size and flexibility

The size and layout of an office building are also critical. Larger properties with multiple floors and flexible floor plans are more attractive to corporate users. Recent shifts toward remote work, coworking, and flexible office spaces have transformed the market. Companies are increasingly seeking flexibility and demanding higher standards when it comes to space and occupancy.

Image and quality

The architectural style and build quality of an office building significantly affect its value. Properties with striking designs or high construction standards are more appealing to businesses looking for a representative workplace. For some, this is a matter of prestige, but offices are also increasingly seen as tools for attracting talent and encouraging collaboration. In addition, buildings that comply with safety and sustainability standards (e.g., BREEAM certification) typically require less maintenance.

Amenities

From an employee perspective, amenities play a major role in workplace attractiveness. Parking, shared mobility solutions, fitness facilities, and on-site food services are increasingly important. We also see growing investment in interior design and office fit-outs. At the same time, there is a trend toward reducing the number of parking spaces, with greater emphasis on alternative mobility solutions.

Rental value

Rental income has a major impact on the market value of an office building. A property that is fully leased and generates stable rental income will generally be valued higher. This is because consistent rental streams make the building a secure and attractive investment for buyers seeking reliable returns.

The quality of the tenant also carries significant weight. Public-sector tenants, for example, are less likely to relocate and typically commit to long-term contracts. This provides owners and investors with greater security, lowers the risk profile, and justifies a higher valuation for the property.

Supply & demand

The economic climate of the region in which the office is located also influences market value. In strong economies where demand for office space is high, property values rise as companies are willing to pay more for prime locations. Conversely, a weaker economy can result in lower rents and reduced market values. In Belgium, for instance, cities such as Ghent have seen rental prices pushed sharply upward due to severe supply shortages.

Prime yields & rents

Prime yields and prime rents are key benchmarks in the office market. Prime yields reflect the returns investors expect from office buildings, while prime rents represent the rental levels achieved by the best-located and most desirable offices. Together, they provide a snapshot of the market’s attractiveness for both investors and occupiers. For this reason, market reports and valuation studies regularly highlight prime yields and rents for each local office market.