Strategier som börsnoterade fastighetsbolag använder vid hantering av kontorsvakanser

Sammanfattning

This study examines the strategies employed by listed property companies to reduce office vacancies and identifies which of these are particularly relevant. The background to the study is an office segment described as being in a vulnerable situation with vacant office premises, which is also reflected as a persistent issue based on both previous studies and the property companies quarterly and annual reports. Previous studies indicate higher vacancy rates as leading to lower rental income and having a negative impact on property values. The reason for the perceived problems in the office segment can be partly explained by changes in working practices following the Covid-19 pandemic, such as remote working and reduced demand for office space. For property companies this has created challenges and a need to better understand which strategies are actually effective in addressing structural vacancy, making it a significant issue today.The study is based on a qualitative research approach that includes eight semi-structured interviews with respondents who hold senior and active roles within listed property companies, which is considered important for the relevance of the study. The material from the interviews has been analysed using thematic analysis, which has facilitated the work of identifying the most relevant strategies and comparing the respondents answers with previous research, which outlines various proposed strategies.The study`s findings show, among other things, a clear shift in working practices with property companies moving away from passive management strategies towards a more proactive approach, and it has become increasingly important to offer an attractive office product. A clear trend identified in the study is that an increasing number of tenants are demanding flexible lease agreements, which is also part of the reason why property companies are more frequently moving away from traditional contracts towards more customised solutions that better meet customers needs. A key finding also shows that the geographical location and quality of the properties are described as increasingly important, suggesting that offices in less desirable locations are likely to face difficulties in the future. One strategy for filling vacant offices is said to be converting the existing space into residential units. This is described as a viable strategy that would be suitable in many locations, but at the same time it is often difficult to implement due to zoning or building regulations, for example.