Specialist financial lender Shawbrook has published data that shows a growing number of landlords are investing in office space.
The number of planning applications for UK office developments increased by 44% in 2025. However, there are significant regional variations, with a 233% increase in South West England and a 225% increase in the West Midlands. London office applications have risen by 100%. In East Anglia, applications have dropped by 60% and in the East Midlands, there has been a 20% drop.
In Liverpool, there is a strong demand for offices, particularly Grade A premium space, which is in short supply. Developments such as the planned Pall Mall scheme should help fulfil this demand for premium office space.
The main reason for the increase in demand is that many businesses are no longer allowing staff to work from home, which means they require more desk space for employees. Real estate firm Savills reports that there has been a 6% increase in jobs based purely in offices.
Daryl Norkett, a Shawbrook director, commented,
“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.”
Many professional landlords who previously specialised in residential properties are diversifying by investing in office properties.
If your company is planning to move to new offices in Liverpool or beyond, talk to us at Merseyside Movers & Storers, the leading service for office removals in Merseyside.
