Office Market: Selective Demand Is Making Sustainable Prime Offices Dominant

August 14, 2026

Demand for office space is becoming increasingly selective. This is one of the key findings from Bouwinvest’s Dutch Commercial Outlook 2026–2028. Tenants are explicitly focusing on sustainable, high-quality buildings in central locations—properties that help attract talent and meet ESG and reporting obligations.

The outlook shows that the divide between strong and weaker office assets is widening, with the top end of the market clearly outperforming.

Key insights from the Dutch Commercial Outlook 2026–2028

Polarisation between locations and building quality
Prime yields are stabilising after earlier corrections
Office supply is declining due to conversions to other uses
AI is changing the type of space required, rather than total demand in square metres

What does this mean for investors?
The outlook highlights opportunities in offices just below the prime segment that can be upgraded to A-class assets through sustainability improvements, modernisation, and enhanced services. ESG certification, user experience, and central locations are becoming decisive differentiators, especially as tenants face CSRD reporting requirements.