This contributed article was written by Ashley Swan, Executive Director, Commercial & Industrial, Savills Singapore.
For years, office leasing decisions were largely driven by three considerations: location, cost and space requirements. Corporate occupiers wanted the best possible building at the right price, in a location that suited their business.
While those fundamentals remain important, they no longer tell the whole story.
Increasingly, we see that occupiers are evaluating office spaces through a broader business lens. The conversation has shifted from simply securing the right amount of space at the right rent to asking whether a workplace can help attract talent, strengthen company culture, and support collaboration.
This represents a significant shift. The office is increasingly viewed not just as an operating cost, but as a strategic asset that supports business performance, talent attraction, and long-term growth.
Market commentary like this is only useful if you can translate it into what it means for your own purchase: your entry price, holding period and exit options....