According to the inaugural UK Regions Office Market Report 2026, Aberdeen's office market continues to demonstrate resilience at the top end, despite ongoing uncertainty across the energy sector and a slower start to 2026.
The report is produced by Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), where Ryden provides the Scotland market intel. It highlights a growing divergence between resilient occupier demand and constrained development activity across the UK's regional office markets.
The latest findings illustrate that Aberdeen was one of only a handful of major UK regional office markets to buck the wider trend in 2025, recording stronger levels of take-up albeit there has still been subdued occupier activity in line with most city markets. The first half of 2026 has continued with a more cautious market, with ongoing uncertainty surrounding the energy sector contributing to slower decision-making and limiting expansion among occupiers. However, agents at Ryden suggest there are a couple of bigger deals in the pipeline due to complete within Q2 which would result in a huge boost in take up for H1.
Prime headline rents have nevertheless remained stable at £32.50 per sq ft, underlining the resilience of the city's highest-quality office stock despite softer market conditions.
The report highlights a continued preference among occupiers for smaller, fitted office suites that enable immediate occupation and minimise capital expenditure. Most recent activity has been concentrated in requirements below 5,000 sq ft, reflecting a focus on flexibility and operational efficiency.
While Aberdeen has a larger volume of available office space than Edinburgh for example, with supply equivalent to around four years of average take-up, the report notes that demand remains firmly focused on quality accommodation that aligns with evolving workplace expectations.
Arron Finnie, Regional Managing Partner at Ryden, said:
"Aberdeen's office market remains closely linked to confidence levels within the energy sector, and ongoing uncertainty has inevitably led some occupiers to adopt a more measured approach to decision-making during the first part of 2026.
"That said, the market continues to demonstrate resilience. Prime rents have held firm, and we are seeing demand for high-quality, ready-to-occupy workspace that allows businesses to remain agile while controlling costs.
"The fundamentals of the market remain difficult. Although Aberdeen benefited from increased take up compared to the previous year, current conditions remain subdued, however there are opportunities for landlords and occupiers alike as businesses continue to reassess their workplace strategies and focus on quality, flexibility and value."
The research forms part of Lambert Smith Hampton’s "Office Market Report 2026".
