Leeds office market take up totalled just 83,581 sq ft in the first three months of 2026, as the year got off to a very sluggish start.

In the city centre, office take up reached 34,336 sq ft with 18 deals completed during the quarter, an 86% decrease on the same period last year. Average deal size was 1,908 sq ft and activity was shaped by a limited number of larger transactions, alongside a clear increase in demand for smaller space on flexible terms.

The largest city centre transaction was to Ridge & Partners LLP (advised by SW) who secured 6,953 sq ft at 1 South Brook Street, Aire Park.

The Out of Town market fared slightly better and recorded take up of 49,245 sq ft across 18 deals which was a 48% decrease compared with Q1 2025. The average deal size was 2,736 sq ft and like the city centre, activity reflected a shift towards smaller unit sizes. The largest out of town transaction of the quarter involving Labskin who acquired 11,320 sq ft at Thorp Arch.

Office requirements are becoming increasingly slow moving with a handful of deals that were expected in Q1 having been delayed. This should however boost activity levels later in the year.

View all the stats & read more here.