The ‘Big Six’ regional office markets recorded a ‘robust performance’ in H1 2025, with combined take-up reaching 1.73m sq ft, according to the latest data from Savills.

Although leasing activity in Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester was 4% down on H1 2024, take-up in the first half of 2025 was 4% higher than the five-year average.

Take-up in Glasgow in H1 2025 was 32% higher than H1 2024 and 25% above the city’s H1 five-year average. The city recorded the highest number of deals on record for H1 with 73 transactions completing.

Edinburgh’s take-up was 21% higher than H1 2024 and 14% above its H1 five-year average, and Manchester also performed well, with take-up 14% higher than H1 2024 and 32% and 10% above the five- and 10-year averages respectively. Manchester also recorded the largest deal so far this year with Autotrader taking 130,000 sq ft at 3 Circle Square (pictured).

Investment volumes in H1 2025 were 4% below the same period in 2024, but more than £600m was placed under offer in Q2, indicating a potential shift in sentiment. If base rate cuts are made in the second half of the year as forecast by some analysts, Savills says this would further stimulate investment activity in H2 2025.

James Evans, head of national office agency, Savills, said: “The regional office market’s performance, particularly against the five-year average, highlights its resilience and adaptability. Cities like Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Manchester are leading the way with significant increases in take-up and deal numbers. This data underscores the ongoing demand for high quality office space across the UK regions. However, it should be noted there is continued delays around transactions and nervousness at the smaller end of the market which represent some risk to the regional markets in the short term.”

James Emans, joint head of UK Investment at Savills, added: “Investment sentiment in the regional office market is showing clear signs of recovery. The substantial volume of capital placed under offer in Q2 and the anticipated base rate cuts are set to further boost investment activity. This renewed optimism is a testament to the strong fundamentals and improving occupational performance across the regional markets.”