immobiliare

Investing in Milan’s Premier Real Estate? Salt Bae’s Latest Venture Highlights City’s Growth

By Columbus International,19 February 2025

For expert guidance on Milan’s luxury real estate market, contact Columbus International Real Estate, with offices in Milan, Florence, New York, and Miami. Our team of multilingual specialists offers unparalleled insights into Milan’s investment landscape.

Salt Bae Signs Deal for Luxury Milan Location, Confirming Italy’s Appeal to Global Investors

The expansion of celebrity restaurateur Nusret Gökçe—better known as Salt Bae—into Milan’s luxury hospitality scene represents more than just another dining establishment. It signals Milan’s continued strength as a prime location for premium commercial real estate investment.

After much speculation, the Turkish butcher-turned-global phenomenon has officially signed an agreement to open his newest restaurant in Casa Brera, a recently launched luxury hotel in Milan’s historic Piazzetta Bossi. This development marks a significant vote of confidence in Milan’s high-end commercial property market.

The luxury hospitality sector in Milan has shown remarkable resilience in recent years, with premium brands continuing to seek flagship locations in the city center. Salt Bae’s expansion follows this trend, with the restaurateur strategically establishing his Italian presence after previous openings in Rome and Naples.

The property deal was signed with real estate developer Giuseppe Statuto, owner of the Casa Brera property, rather than with the Marriott Group who manages the hotel operations. This arrangement highlights the complex ownership structures often seen in Milan’s premium hospitality sector.

Casa Brera, which opened in 2024 as the debut property for Marriott’s “Casa Brera” brand within its Luxury Collection, occupies a meticulously restored twentieth-century palazzo designed by Pietro Lingeri, with interiors by acclaimed designer Patricia Urquiola. The property already houses multiple dining concepts overseen by renowned chefs Andrea Berton and Haruo Ichikawa.

Industry observers note that Salt Bae’s restaurant will likely occupy the rooftop space currently home to Etereo, taking advantage of Casa Brera’s panoramic views and statement swimming pool. This strategic positioning aligns with the showmanship that has made Nusret’s restaurants global destinations.

Market Implications

The continued investment in Milan’s luxury commercial properties reflects the city’s enduring appeal as a fashion and design capital. High-profile restaurant openings like Salt Bae’s establishment tend to enhance surrounding property values and attract additional investment to neighborhoods.

The timing of this expansion is particularly notable as it demonstrates confidence in Milan’s post-pandemic recovery and long-term growth prospects in the luxury sector.

Source: Milano Today
Image: Instagram Nusr_et

Miami’s Luxury Developers Pioneer New Era of Affordable Housing

By Columbus International,11 February 2025

South Florida’s explosive growth has intensified its housing affordability crisis, with Miami Homes For All reporting a shortage exceeding 90,000 homes for households earning below $60,000 annually. But an innovative state program is transforming how developers approach affordable housing in Miami, yielding communities that rival their market-rate counterparts in quality and amenities.

The Florida Live Local Act has emerged as a catalyst for change, offering tax incentives to developers who designate at least 71 units in their projects for households earning up to 120% of the area median income. This initiative marks a decisive break from Miami’s previous affordable housing model, which often compromised on design and amenities to minimize costs.

Today’s affordable developments showcase amenities previously reserved for luxury properties: pickleball courts, rooftop lounges, modern fitness centers, and children’s play areas. Inside the units, residents find high-end finishes including stainless steel appliances, expansive windows, and premium cabinetry.

“Miami-Dade faces the nation’s most severe affordability crisis,” says Michael Swerdlow of SG Holdings. His firm’s flagship project, Sawyer’s Walk, exemplifies this new approach. Located in historic Overtown, Miami’s oldest African-American neighborhood, this 1.5-million-square-foot mixed-use development stands as the country’s largest affordable housing project in the past decade. The community, designed for low-income seniors, integrates retail amenities like Target and Aldi while offering convenient access to multiple public transit options.

Laguna Gardens in Miami Gardens represents another milestone as one of the first developments completed under the Live Local Act. Developer Asi Cymbal partnered with renowned architectural firm Jo Palma and Partners to create 341 units that blend modern design with community-focused amenities, including lakeside trails and outdoor gathering spaces.

Looking ahead, Whitman Family Development’s planned Bal Harbour Shops project will dedicate 40% of its 600 upscale residences to workforce housing, targeting essential workers like teachers, first responders, and hospitality staff. Meanwhile, SG Holdings is developing an ambitious project in Little Haiti’s Little River District, planning 7,500 residential units across various affordability levels, complemented by retail space, green areas, and a new transit station.

“At this stage in my career,” reflects Swerdlow, “delivering quality housing to those who need it most creates the greatest impact in our community.” This sentiment captures the transformation underway in Miami’s affordable housing sector, where luxury developers are redefining standards while addressing critical community needs.

Source: Forbes

Miami’s Skyline Reaches New Heights With $850M Luxury Tower Project

By Columbus International,7 February 2025

In a bold move that signals continued confidence in Miami’s luxury real estate market, Mint Developers has unveiled plans for an ambitious $850 million supertall development in downtown Miami, partnering with hospitality giant Sonesta International Hotels. The project, dubbed the James Hotel & Residences, is poised to become one of the city’s most distinctive mixed-use developments when it reaches completion in early 2028.

The 82-story tower, stretching approximately 1,000 feet into the Miami skyline, will feature 336 fully furnished luxury residences and marks the first residential venture for Sonesta’s James brand. The development team, a powerhouse collaboration between AD1 Global, Big Development, and To The Stars, is positioning the project to capitalize on Miami’s growing reputation as a luxury lifestyle destination.

“We’re witnessing a transformation in Miami’s luxury residential market,” says Daniel Berman, who leads Hollywood-based AD1 Global, though he remained strategic about revealing the exact location of the development. The property acquisition is expected to close within 30-40 days, underscoring the rapid pace of development in the area.

The project’s ambitious amenity package reflects the evolving demands of ultra-luxury buyers, featuring a four-story private club, extensive wellness facilities including snow and rain rooms, and multiple dining venues. Douglas Elliman, tapped to handle sales launching in Q2 2024, will offer units ranging from studios to four-bedroom residences.

In a notable twist on the traditional residential model, approximately 60% of the units will participate in a hotel leaseback program, potentially offering investors a revenue stream in Miami’s robust tourist market. This hybrid approach mirrors a growing trend in luxury real estate, where branded residences command premium valuations.

The James Hotel & Residences joins an elite group of supertall projects reshaping Miami’s skyline, including the under-construction Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Residences and Ken Griffin’s planned 1,039-foot Citadel headquarters. However, the market has shown signs of selectivity, as evidenced by Swire’s recent decision to terminate plans for the One Brickell City Centre office supertall.

For Sonesta, which currently manages about 10 properties in South Florida, the project represents a significant expansion of their luxury portfolio and a strategic bet on Miami’s continued appeal to high-net-worth buyers and visitors. The development adds to a growing roster of branded residential projects in South Florida, where luxury brands from various sectors are vying for a piece of the region’s lucrative real estate market.

Source: TRD

Milan’s Real Estate Market in 2025

By Columbus International,16 January 2025

Market Signals Point to a Cooling Trend in Italy’s Financial Capital

The once-unstoppable Milan real estate market is showing clear signs of deceleration, with data suggesting that both property prices and rental rates are plateauing—and potentially poised for a downturn. This shift marks a significant turning point for one of Europe’s most dynamic property markets.

Transaction volumes tell a compelling story. In the first three quarters of 2024, property sales contracts plunged 8.8% compared to 2023, significantly underperforming the national average decline of 1.1%. This sharp contraction occurred despite increased mortgage-based purchases, indicating a retreat of investment capital from the market.

The pricing landscape reveals equally interesting patterns. According to data from immobiliare.it, Milan’s average property prices increased by a modest 1.4% in 2024, reaching €5,420 per square meter—a figure that would secure premium real estate in most other Italian cities. However, this headline number masks significant neighborhood variations:

The clear winner is Forlanini, posting a remarkable 15.4% appreciation, largely attributed to the new M4 metro line development. Certosa and Baggio-Bisceglie-Olmi follow with gains of 9.5% and 8.3% respectively, though these increases largely reflect new development projects like Cascina Merlata and SeiMilano.

In contrast, the historically popular Navigli district saw a slight decline (-0.1%), while Indipendenza and Bande Nere remained flat—potentially signaling a shift in market dynamics.

The rental market presents an even more striking picture, with annual growth slowing to just 0.7%, and showing signs of decline in the latter half of 2024. Notably, 11 out of Milan’s 32 districts registered decreasing rental rates, with the Repubblica-Centrale area experiencing the steepest decline at -3%.

Looking Ahead: Market Forces and Policy Impact

The outlook for 2025 presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. The anticipated decrease in mortgage rates could provide some market support, particularly benefiting variable-rate loans. By late 2024, the same €1,000 monthly payment could finance 43.7 square meters compared to 40 square meters in 2023—a 9% increase in purchasing power.

However, the market faces a critical juncture with the pending “Salva Milano” legislation and construction sector dynamics. The current supply shortage of new developments is undeniable, and the administrative gridlock in the Urban Planning Sector is hampering projects that comply with existing regulations. The potential revival of new development projects, particularly outside the city’s prime central zones, could exert downward pressure on existing property prices—a significant factor as the market grapples with both price stagnation and looming EU energy performance directives.

As Milan confronts these challenges, the fundamental question of affordability remains paramount. The growing disconnect between income levels and housing costs continues to reshape the city’s social fabric, potentially threatening its position as Italy’s economic powerhouse. The coming months will reveal whether these market signals represent a temporary adjustment or a more fundamental shift in Milan’s real estate landscape.

Source: Corriere della Sera Milan

Tuscany’s Latest Luxury Development Brings Coastal Living to New Heights

By Columbus International,13 January 202513 January 2025

Inside the Exclusive New Marina Residence That’s Redefining Mediterranean Luxury Real Estate

For those seeking the quintessential Italian coastal lifestyle, a new luxury development in Puntone di Scarlino is offering an unparalleled opportunity to own a piece of the Tuscan Riviera. The Marina Residence – contact: info@columbusintl.com for private viewings – represents a sophisticated blend of modern luxury and timeless Mediterranean charm.

What we’re seeing here is more than just a residential complex – it’s a gateway to the authentic Tuscan lifestyle.

Situated in the strategic harbor town of Marina di Scarlino, this boutique development comprises just 35 meticulously designed residences spread across two elegant buildings. Each unit, ranging from intimate 50-square-meter apartments to expansive 90-square-meter penthouses, has been thoughtfully crafted to maximize both space and views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The property’s location is nothing short of extraordinary. Positioned just 16 nautical miles from the Island of Elba and within a day’s sail of Corsica, it offers residents unparalleled access to the Mediterranean’s most coveted destinations. The surrounding region, known as the Maremma, represents what many consider to be Tuscany’s final frontier – an unspoiled landscape where ancient Etruscan heritage meets modern luxury.

A New Standard in Coastal Living

The development’s architectural vision seamlessly integrates with its coastal setting. Four-story buildings, crowned with generous penthouses featuring wraparound terraces, cascade toward the sea, while flat roofs and overhanging balconies embrace the Mediterranean climate. The design philosophy emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with each residence featuring extensive terracing that serves as a natural extension of the living space.

Investment in Lifestyle

What sets Marina Residence apart is its combination of luxury amenities and strategic location. The development sits at the gateway to Marina di Scarlino, a sophisticated maritime hub offering high-end boutiques, fine dining, and world-class sailing facilities. For culture enthusiasts, the property’s location provides easy access to Tuscany’s artistic treasures – Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano are all within comfortable reach.

The Natural Advantage

The microclimate of the Gulf of Follonica, protected by surrounding hills and natural parks, ensures ideal conditions year-round. The nearby Cala Violina, with its pristine beaches and crystalline waters, offers residents a private paradise. This unique setting creates what developers call “a zero-kilometer lifestyle” – where world-class sailing, gastronomic excellence, and cultural richness are all within immediate reach.

Property Specifics

The residences are available in several configurations:

Ground floor units: Efficient 50-square-meter layouts perfect for pied-à-terre living
Mid-level residences: 70-80 square meters featuring flexible open-plan designs
Penthouse units: 90 square meters of luxury living space with expansive private terraces

Each residence features premium construction materials, including reinforced concrete structures and thermal insulation blocks, ensuring both durability and comfort. The interiors blend contemporary design with traditional Italian craftsmanship, offering owners a canvas to create their ideal Mediterranean retreat.

For those seeking to embrace la dolce vita in one of Italy’s most exclusive coastal enclaves, Marina Residence represents a rare opportunity. Private viewings can be arranged through Columbus International at info@columbusintl.com.

Milan: Real Estate Market Shows Strong Recovery in 2024

By Columbus International,10 January 2025

Columbus International: With Decades of Experience in Both Markets, Our Team Offers Unmatched Expertise in Milan Real Estate Investment Opportunities. Contact Our Specialized Brokers Today to Access Premium Properties in Italy’s Most Dynamic Market.

Contact Us Today: info@columbusintl.com

Milan’s real estate market demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024, emerging as the undisputed protagonist in the Italian investment landscape. The city’s office sector attracted 45% of national investments, confirming Milan’s position as Italy’s primary hub for corporate investments.

The city recorded an absorption of office space of approximately 400,000 square meters, with a distinct preference for grade A/A+ properties, which represented over 75% of transactions. Despite a slight decrease compared to 2023, the market showed significant dynamism, especially in the last quarter, which marked a historic record for the number of completed transactions.

Particularly noteworthy was the increase in prime rents in the Milan market, reaching €775/sq m/year, with prospects for further growth in the coming quarters. This trend reflects Milan’s growing attractiveness to international investors and the constant demand for quality spaces.

In the residential sector, Milan continues to distinguish itself in the Italian landscape, with strong demand concentrated on small units, which represent over 65% of total transactions. The share of new constructions, at 10.6%, remains significantly higher than the national average.

New York Real Estate 2024: A Tale of Resilience, Luxury, and the Ever-Present Search for Laundry

By Columbus International,31 December 202431 December 2024

In a year marked by seismic shifts in real estate practices and soaring housing costs nationwide, New York City’s property market demonstrated remarkable dynamics, according to new data from StreetEasy. The platform’s comprehensive analysis reveals surprising trends in amenity preferences and neighborhood valuations, painting a picture of a market that continues to evolve while maintaining its notorious premium pricing.

The Unexpected Must-Have Amenity

In a city known for luxury amenities, the most coveted feature of 2024 wasn’t a rooftop pool or a state-of-the-art fitness center—it was in-unit laundry. This practical amenity topped search rankings for both buyers and renters for the second consecutive year, underscoring a growing preference for convenience in daily living.

The pandemic’s lasting impact manifested in other trending amenities, with pet-friendly properties seeing a remarkable 200% surge in search volume compared to 2023. Private outdoor space, despite its premium price tag—often adding thousands to property values—remained a top priority for buyers, reflecting a continued emphasis on personal space in the post-pandemic era.

Manhattan’s Enduring Appeal

While market analysts have long predicted a shift toward outer boroughs, Manhattan maintained its dominant position in 2024. Midtown East emerged as the top search destination for renters, while the Upper East Side claimed the crown for prospective buyers. Traditional favorites like Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and the West Village continued to command significant interest, though Brooklyn’s Williamsburg, Park Slope, and Brooklyn Heights showed strong competition.

Premium Pricing Persists

TriBeCa reinforced its position as New York’s most expensive rental market, with median asking rents reaching an eye-watering $8,295 per month. SoHo followed with $6,100 monthly rents, marking a 14% increase from 2023. For buyers, these neighborhoods maintained their premium status, with SoHo commanding a median asking price of $4.2 million and TriBeCa close behind at $3.995 million.

The Brooklyn Factor

Brooklyn’s luxury market showed remarkable strength, with Carroll Gardens leading the borough at a median asking price of $2.65 million. The borough’s historic neighborhoods—Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill, and DUMBO—all maintained multi-million dollar median asking prices, demonstrating Brooklyn’s continued evolution as a luxury destination.

Commercial Real Estate: A Market of Contradictions

The office market defied pessimistic predictions about work-from-home impacts. Premium locations like Park and Sixth avenues, World Trade Center, and Hudson Yards maintained strong occupancy rates, while landmark properties showed divergent fortunes. The successfully renovated 28 Liberty Street (formerly Chase Manhattan Plaza) stands as a testament to strategic investment, while the delayed reopening of the Waldorf-Astoria highlights the challenges facing even iconic properties.

Looking Ahead

As New York’s real estate market enters 2025, several key trends bear watching. The continued premium on quality-of-life amenities, the resilience of Manhattan’s luxury market, and the growing strength of Brooklyn’s high-end neighborhoods suggest a market that, while evolving, maintains its fundamental appeal to both domestic and international investors.

The persistence of high interest rates and changing work patterns will likely continue to influence market dynamics, but New York’s real estate market has once again demonstrated its ability to adapt while maintaining its position as one of the world’s most valuable property markets.

Sources: NYT | New York Post

Manhattan’s Next Mega-Development: A $1.35B Mixed-Use Tower Complex Aims To Reshape Hudson Yards

By Columbus International,26 December 2024

In a bold move that signals New York City‘s continued appetite for ambitious real estate ventures, a powerhouse consortium of developers has secured rights to build a $1.35 billion twin-tower complex in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards district. The project, dubbed HDSN, represents one of the most significant developments in the area since the original Hudson Yards transformation began over a decade ago.

Governor Kathy Hochul’s selection of the Hudson Boulevard Collective—an alliance of real estate heavyweights BRP Companies, BXP, The Moinian Group, and Urbane Development—marks a watershed moment in the city’s push to address its housing crisis while maintaining its reputation for architectural innovation.

The development will rise on a prime full-block site across from the Javits Center, known as Site K, with plans that push the boundaries of New York’s traditional zoning constraints. In what developers are calling a historic breakthrough, HDSN will become the first project in over 60 years to exceed a residential floor area ratio of 12.0, thanks to recent housing reforms championed by Governor Hochul.

The project’s centerpiece, a soaring 72-story residential tower, will bring 1,349 units to market, with nearly one-third—404 units—designated as permanently affordable housing. Its companion, a 28-story hotel tower, will add 455 rooms to the city’s hospitality inventory, catering to the steady stream of convention-goers and tourists in the area.

But HDSN’s ambitions extend beyond just housing and hospitality. The development’s five-story podium is set to become a cultural and community nucleus, anchored by the Climate Museum—a fitting tenant as developers and cities grapple with sustainable urban development. The space will also house an Emma’s Torch culinary training facility, providing workforce development opportunities, and a Life Time fitness center, addressing the growing demand for wellness amenities in luxury developments.

“HDSN represents more than just another real estate project,” says BRP Companies’ co-founder and managing partner Geoff Flournoy. “We’re creating a blueprint for how private development can help solve public challenges, from housing affordability to climate education to workforce development.”

The development’s timing couldn’t be more strategic. As New York City continues to grapple with a severe housing shortage and rising rents, HDSN’s substantial affordable housing component could provide a template for future large-scale developments. Moreover, its location in Hudson Yards—already home to some of the city’s most ambitious real estate projects—suggests continued confidence in the neighborhood’s long-term prospects.

For investors and real estate watchers, HDSN bears watching not just for its scale, but for how it navigates the complex intersection of private development, public policy, and community needs. As New York City’s real estate market continues to evolve post-pandemic, projects like HDSN may well define the next chapter of urban development in America’s largest city.

Source: New York Yimby

Lucca: The Hidden Gem Of Tuscany’s Wine And Culinary Scene

By Columbus International,19 December 2024

How This Ancient City Became Italy’s Latest Gastronomic Powerhouse

With ten Michelin-starred restaurants concentrated in a remarkably compact area, Lucca has quietly transformed itself into one of Italy’s most compelling destinations for discriminating food and wine enthusiasts. Eight of these acclaimed establishments are clustered along just 12 kilometers of the Versilia coast, while two others – Butterfly and Giglio – anchor the culinary scene within and around the historic city itself.

“The dynamism of Lucca‘s wineries has exerted an important influence on the region’s gastronomic scene,” notes Decanter, highlighting how this ancient Etruscan settlement has leveraged its rich history into modern culinary excellence.

A Legacy of Luxury

Lucca’s ascent in the luxury food and wine space isn’t accidental. The city’s wealthy heritage dates back to its medieval prominence in the silk trade, when local families used their fortunes to establish the villa-farm model that still defines the region’s agricultural character today. This entrepreneurial spirit has evolved into a modern commitment to innovation, particularly evident in the wine sector.

The Valgiano Effect

The region’s wine renaissance can be traced to Tenuta di Valgiano’s early 2000s initiative to embrace organic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking. This bold move catalyzed the formation of LuccaBiodinamica in 2016, an alliance that now includes 16 member wineries committed to biodynamic practices. The estate’s signature blend, Tenuta di Valgiano Colline Lucchesi Rosso, exemplifies the region’s successful marriage of traditional Sangiovese with international varieties like Merlot and Syrah.

Investment-Worthy Establishments

For investors and luxury travelers seeking the next big thing in food and wine, here are the top establishments reshaping Lucca’s culinary landscape:

Giglio – A one-Michelin-star establishment helmed by three rising stars of Italian cuisine: Benedetto Rullo, Lorenzo Stefanini, and Stefano Terigi. With a 700-label wine list and innovative takes on Tuscan classics, it represents the new face of Lucca’s high-end dining scene.
Enoteca Vanni – Housed in a 13th-century palace, this wine merchant’s 50,000-bottle inventory represents significant investment potential, particularly in natural and aged wines. The adjacent Dispensa bistro offers an accessible entry point to the collection.
Fattoria Sardi – This biodynamic winery’s recent restaurant launch, led by local celebrity chef Damiano Donati, exemplifies the region’s farm-to-table innovation. The seasonal tasting menu concept and unique dining locations (including the maturation cellar) create an exclusive experience.
Al Tambellini dal 1870 – With over 150 years of history, this establishment offers authentic Lucchese cuisine and premium local wines in a setting that exemplifies the region’s heritage hospitality.
Mecenate – Located in a renovated historic laundry, this establishment’s commitment to local artisanal producers and rare wines (300+ labels) represents the intersection of tradition and luxury that defines modern Lucca.

The Business of Tradition

Lucca’s culinary scene successfully balances innovation with heritage. Traditional dishes like garmugia (spring vegetable soup) and tordelli al ragù (meat-filled pasta) remain menu staples, while new establishments like Santa Goccia showcase the region’s growing influence in the natural wine movement.

Market Outlook

With its combination of historical significance, culinary innovation, and wine excellence, Lucca represents a significant opportunity for investors in the luxury food and wine sector. The concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, coupled with the growing prominence of its biodynamic wine movement, suggests this Tuscan city is positioned for continued growth in the high-end hospitality market.

For those looking to explore this emerging luxury destination, summer offers optimal conditions, coinciding with the renowned Lucca Summer Festival and Puccini Festival. However, the city’s year-round appeal ensures consistent opportunities for those seeking to experience or invest in this rising star of Italian gastronomy.

Manhattan’s Office Market Surges, Creating Space Crunch For Major Tenants

By Columbus International,18 December 2024

The Manhattan office market is experiencing an unprecedented renaissance, with demand outstripping supply in prime locations, according to recent reporting by the New York Post. This remarkable turnaround from the pandemic-era slump is reshaping the commercial real estate landscape in one of the world’s premier business districts.

“If you are a tenant of 100,000 square feet or greater, you should have done your deal already. By the time we get to 2027, you’re going to have a problem,” warns CBRE veteran Mary Ann Tighe, as quoted by the Post. Her assessment is backed by striking statistics: 79% of the mere 2.4 million square feet of new space scheduled for completion by 2026 is already pre-leased.

The space shortage is particularly acute in premium locations. Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund Temasek, currently occupying 27,000 square feet at the iconic Seagram Building, found its expansion plans stymied by lack of available space, the Post reports. Similar scenarios are playing out across Midtown, with firms like Baker Hostetler struggling to expand beyond their current 90,000-square-foot footprint.

SL Green CEO Marc Holliday, whose company is Manhattan’s largest commercial landlord, offered a bullish forecast during a recent investor call. “Vacancies will continue to fall as low as [12%] in midtown and [below 7%] in the prime Park Avenue corridor — maybe the tightest conditions I’ve ever seen for prime space in my career,” he stated, according to the Post.

The market’s strength is evidenced by hard data. JLL reports that by November 30, 2023, leasing activity had already surpassed the previous year’s total, reaching 25.3 million square feet. VTS, a market tracking service, indicates demand has surged to 12.5 million square feet, marking a 50% increase over the previous quarter.

This resurgence coincides with the declining popularity of remote work. Mark Weiss, a Cushman & Wakefield broker, told the Post that “most companies came to the realization they must have their workforce together in their offices” at the start of 2024, with elite financial firms leading the return, followed by commercial banks, law firms, and technology companies.

The scarcity of new development compounds the space crunch. As Holliday noted, there are currently zero new ground-up office projects underway in core Midtown. This supply constraint, combined with growing demand, suggests Manhattan’s office market may be entering a new era of premium pricing and heightened competition for prime spaces.