Work from home culture may damage workspace market: Ind-Ra
Real Estate

Work from home culture may damage workspace market: Ind-Ra

Unfavourable demand created by the work-from-home culture along with the reduction in recent leasing activities as a result of a weaker economy can easily hit 40% off annual demand for the next few years, as per India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra).

The agency told the media that this negative demand can lead to over 500 basis points increasing the vacancy levels over FY21 to FY23. While the impact on upcoming workplace providers is likely to be particularly sharp as these may struggle to let out their upcoming properties.

Almost 83% of employees surveyed recently by Accenture favoured a hybrid work model with the flexibility to work remotely 25% to 75% of the time.

Ind-Ra stated such a transition to working remotely can severely hamper office real estate demand as it may allow companies to use a hot-desking policy.

If 2.5% of total staff are asked to report to work on alternate days and use the hot-desking policy, it may result in a net 1.25% reduction in office space required in a country.

Ind-Ra said that on a base of 635 million sq ft of office space occupied in the top eight cities of India at FYE20, it will result in a negative demand of 7.9 million sq ft which is 21% of the average annual demand seen during FY19 to FY20.

Moreover, several international companies have announced hybrid work models where the employees will need to report to the office only on a few days of the week.

Ind-Ra said that occupancy at a large real estate investment trust (REIT) focusing on office portfolio has dipped to 86.8% in 4Q FY21 from 92.2% in 1Q FY21.

Further, the agency added that occupancy at another listed REIT has decreased to 81.8% in 4Q FY21 from 87.1% in 2Q FY21.

Image Source


Also read: 7,400 office leases of 90 million sq ft up for renewal in top 6 cities in 2021

Also read: Embassy REIT to invest Rs 2,800 cr in developing office spaces

Unfavourable demand created by the work-from-home culture along with the reduction in recent leasing activities as a result of a weaker economy can easily hit 40% off annual demand for the next few years, as per India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra). The agency told the media that this negative demand can lead to over 500 basis points increasing the vacancy levels over FY21 to FY23. While the impact on upcoming workplace providers is likely to be particularly sharp as these may struggle to let out their upcoming properties. Almost 83% of employees surveyed recently by Accenture favoured a hybrid work model with the flexibility to work remotely 25% to 75% of the time. Ind-Ra stated such a transition to working remotely can severely hamper office real estate demand as it may allow companies to use a hot-desking policy. If 2.5% of total staff are asked to report to work on alternate days and use the hot-desking policy, it may result in a net 1.25% reduction in office space required in a country. Ind-Ra said that on a base of 635 million sq ft of office space occupied in the top eight cities of India at FYE20, it will result in a negative demand of 7.9 million sq ft which is 21% of the average annual demand seen during FY19 to FY20. Moreover, several international companies have announced hybrid work models where the employees will need to report to the office only on a few days of the week. Ind-Ra said that occupancy at a large real estate investment trust (REIT) focusing on office portfolio has dipped to 86.8% in 4Q FY21 from 92.2% in 1Q FY21. Further, the agency added that occupancy at another listed REIT has decreased to 81.8% in 4Q FY21 from 87.1% in 2Q FY21. Image Source Also read: 7,400 office leases of 90 million sq ft up for renewal in top 6 cities in 2021 Also read: Embassy REIT to invest Rs 2,800 cr in developing office spaces

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Shivraj Chouhan Launches PMGSY IV and Announces Package for Madhya Pradesh

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) IV at Bhairunda in Sehore district during the 25 year celebrations and announced a development package for Madhya Pradesh. The programme was organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and attended by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, ministers of state, state ministers, legislators and senior officials from the centre and the state. The minister said the central government under the Prime Minister is committed to strengthening rural livelihoods through improved connectivity, housing and women's in..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

DMR Engineering Reports FY 25-26 Financial Results

DMR Engineering reported its half year results for the financial year ended 31 March 2026 and published full year figures on a standalone basis. Standalone revenue from operations decreased by 2.01 per cent year-over-year to Rs 102.58 million (mn), while profit after tax declined by 43.94 per cent to nine point five six mn, leaving a profit after tax margin of nine point zero five per cent. Earnings per share stood at Rs zero point nine two, a fall of 44.71 per cent year-over-year. The company attributed part of the decline to one-off provisioning for bad debts and additional financing charges..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Atlanta Electricals Posts Strong FY26 Growth And Debt Free Finish

Atlanta Electricals reported audited consolidated results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026. The company recorded significant year-on-year revenue growth driven by capacity ramp-up at new facilities and higher utilisation at legacy plants. The announcement summarised operating improvements and strategic milestones achieved during the year. For Q4 the company reported revenue of Rs 7.48 bn and for FY26 revenue of Rs 18.52 bn, representing robust growth versus the prior year. EBITDA in Q4 was Rs. 1.49 bn and Rs. 3.44 bn for the full year, with margins expanding to 20 per cent in the q..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

-->