1. In the first half of 2021, office take-up fell by 65% compared to the first half of 2020. However, demand in 2021Q2 recovered compared to 2021Q1 (+27%).
2. Companies in care, ICT, wholesale and retail, government and commercial services were the most dominant during the pandemic. These sectors accounted for 69% of office take-up during the pandemic, compared to 30% before it.
3. During the hard lockdown between October 2020 and April 2021, demand for conventional office space fell by 40% on average, compared to just 15% in the flexible office market.
4. The demand-supply ratios in the Utrecht office market increased during Covid-19. The vacancy rate increased from 5.2% in 20Q1 to 6.1% in 21Q2. The office areas of Papendorp and Kanaleneiland saw the greatest increases in vacancy rates.
5. During the pandemic, the investment market performed relatively less well and almost grounded to a halt in 2021. Investors are increasingly in search of the core product, placing even further pressure on initial yields.
6. Aspects such as accessibility, the number of amenities and sustainability will become increasingly important factors in the accommodation issues faced by businesses in the future. Offices located in CBD, Leidsche Rijn and Papendorp are the most future-proof office areas in Utrecht, according both to the City of Utrecht and the Savills Market Indicator.

Read the full report here.