Flexible Workspaces – Important Cogs in Hybrid Workplace Models (Colliers International)

Flexible workspaces in India grew at a CAGR of 38% from 2017 to 2019, with many local and global operators entering the space, led by increasedFlexible workspaces in India grew at a CAGR of 38% from 2017 to 2019, with many local and global operators entering the space, led by increaseddemand from corporate occupiers or enterprise clients. As of end-February 2021, the total flexible workspace stock stood at 30 million squarefeet (2.8 million square meters), across the top six Indian cities. Due to muted demand amid uncertain conditions, 2020 saw flexible workspaceoperators lease 2.9 million square feet (269,000 square meters) of space, down by 75.8% from 2019. This was about 8.5% of the total leasingrecorded across the top six cities. Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Mumbai accounted for the bulk of transactions as some operators expanded theirfootprints, mainly in decentralized locations. Further, deals totalling around 1.7 million square feet (158,000 square meters), which were precommittedor in the final stages, were cancelled across the top six cities.

As of March 2021, about 65% of the desks on offer are leased, across the top flexible workspace operators’ portfolios. Though the bulk of thisspace is occupied by established corporates as opposed to freelancers or start-ups, and we think there is still scope for enterprise clients to takeupmore flexible workspace as operators are offering attractive prices for large or multi-location deals. The leasing period is currently about oneto two years as firms look at flexible workspaces as a temporary solution to accommodate their workforce until they finalize their expansion andfootprints beyond 2023.