Wake-up call for unused office space We all know the jargon term downsizing. This recent case illustrates the concept of rightsizing. We had an assignment recently that highlighted two very expensive things… We all know the jargon term downsizing. This recent case illustrates the concept of rightsizing. We had an assignment recently that highlighted two very expensive things… Continue reading “Wake-up call for unused office space”
Are our offices a waste of space? Researchers have delivered us a double whammy about how badly we are using office space in New Zealand. And it’s got me worried. Colliers researchers have found that premium office space in Auckland is costing around $10,000 per staff member. Although these staff may be working in open plan areas, the number of… Researchers have delivered us a double whammy about how badly we are using office space in New Zealand. And it’s got me worried. Colliers researchers have found that premium office space in Auckland is costing around $10,000 per staff member. Although these staff may be working in open plan areas, the number of breakout rooms, meeting rooms and other spaces has pushed the space being used per person way over the top. By my reckoning, a sensible cost per staff member Continue reading “Are our offices a waste of space?”
Aussies join Kiwi struggle in property market Over the past few years I’ve written a number of times about the Australian influence on the New Zealand property market. First it was, “The Aussies are coming”. Then it was, “The Aussies are here”. And the most recent was, “The Aussies are here and they are us”. And today, with the oversupply of commercial rental office space and residential high rise space, they are struggling for good returns the same as everyone else. Let me give you a snapshot… Over the past few years I’ve written a number of times about the Australian influence on the New Zealand property market. First it was, “The Aussies are coming”. Then it was, “The Aussies are here”. And most recently, “The Aussies are here and they are us”. And today, with the oversupply of commercial rental office space and residential high rise space, they are struggling for good returns the same as everyone else. Let me give you a snapshot… Continue reading “Aussies join Kiwi struggle in property market”
No fixed abode in the virtual world of the cloud Just a couple of years ago, the headline above would have made absolutely no sense to anyone. In fact even today, a great number of people would still think it is gobbledegook. But the world is moving fast and what is one day a word or term that only makes sense to geeks, can almost overnight become everyday language. We now “Google” things, and “Facebook” people rather than research things or write letters, and suddenly we are accustomed to it. So let me explain today’s heading… Just a couple of years ago, the headline above would have made absolutely no sense to anyone. In fact even today, a great number of people would still think it is gobbledegook. But the world is moving fast and what is one day a word or term that only makes sense to geeks, can almost overnight become everyday language. We now “Google” things, and “Facebook” people rather than research things or write letters, and suddenly we are accustomed to it. So let me explain today’s heading… Continue reading “No fixed abode in the virtual world of the cloud”
Double whammy in Auckland’s commercial rental market People often ask me what’s going on in the commercial rental property market. They’re all keen to hear the real oil, so I thought I would run through some current trends and some predictions. The current market is undergoing a double whammy experience of… People often ask me what’s going on in the commercial rental property market. They’re all keen to hear the real oil, so I thought I would run through some current trends and some predictions. I must as always qualify this by saying that there will always be exceptions to the rule and while these are broader trends, the situation will always vary on a property by property basis. The current market is undergoing a double whammy experience of… Continue reading “Double whammy in Auckland’s commercial rental market”
Green, green & greener… What impact are environmental goals having on commercial property? Today I will talk about the rise and rise of green buildings. In the past couple of months alone, I have been to the openings of three new green star rated buildings in Auckland. They… The phrase “green shoots” has really taken hold as optimism about an economic recovery increases. It’s a great turn of phrase that has captured the imagination and there are definitely signs of recovery in some quarters. But I believe we still a need a few seasons before Continue reading “Green, green & greener… What impact are environmental goals having on commercial property?”
Super City Shuffle A government select committee has this week started to listen to submissions on Auckland’s governance and how people view the plans and legislation for a Super City. It is going to be fascinating to see the impact it will have on the region once the changes are implemented. In the commercial property lease market, the… A government select committee has this week started to listen to submissions on Auckland’s governance and how people view the plans and legislation for a Super City. It is going to be fascinating to see the impact it will have on the region once the changes are implemented. In the commercial property lease market, the way the councils throughout the region are reorganised could have a range of impacts. Continue reading “Super City Shuffle”
Are the streets paved with gold? Since time began, cities around the world have offered the allure of seeking and making your fortune. Great world cities such as London, New York, Hong Kong and Sydney still hold that promise for many. Auckland has… Since time began, cities around the world have offered the allure of seeking and making your fortune. Great world cities such as London, New York, Hong Kong and Sydney still hold that promise for many. Continue reading “Are the streets paved with gold?”
Smart ways to shift focus I’ve been posting this blog for well over a year now, and I’d like to think we give readers a good heads-up on trends in the property lease market, as well as some insights into how the market works behind the scenes. So it was interesting for me this week to take some of this expertise into the mainstream news media as a commentator on TVNZ’s business programme: NZI Business June 5: Renters’ market for office space… I’ve been posting this blog for well over a year now, and I’d like to think we give readers a good heads-up on trends in the property lease market, as well as some insights into how the market works behind the scenes. So it was interesting for me this week to take some of this expertise into the mainstream news media as a commentator on TVNZ’s business programme: NZI Business June 5: Renters’ market for office space Continue reading “Smart ways to shift focus”
Rethinking work hours can create a new ‘space’ age! I love it when great ideas collide, offering far reaching solutions. One such idea I just came across was the concept of a… I love it when great ideas collide, offering far reaching solutions. One such idea I just came across was the concept of a 14 Hour Working City from James Calder reflecting on new solutions for efficiency in London. Continue reading “Rethinking work hours can create a new ‘space’ age!”
