Knowledge Hub

2026 is shaping up as a year of steady momentum for Asia Pacific’s office markets. Across the region’s key markets, including Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan, demand and supply are largely moving in tandem, with occupiers re-engaging and competition beginning to sharpen, particularly in prime assets. As vacancy tightens in select locations, the focus is increasingly shifting to quality.

Key insights:

• 11% growth in office leasing demand across 11 APAC markets in 2025, with 90% led by India, Mainland China and Japan.
• 19% increase in office supply, with eight of 11 key markets reporting growth and 82% of it driven by India, Mainland China and Singapore.
• 21% increase in office investment activity year-on-year across nine APAC markets, led by South Korea and Japan.
• Steady demand momentum is expected in the first half of 2026, leading to potential vacancy tightening in prime assets and rental uplift in select markets.

CBRE’s 2026 Asia Pacific Investor Intentions Survey uncovered a further improvement in buying intentions across most markets in Asia Pacific this year, with over 57% of respondents indicating their preference to buy more real estate in 2026.

Net buying intentions in Korea, Australia and Singapore strengthened while those in Japan remained stable. While their intentions remained negative, investors in both mainland China and Hong Kong SAR exhibited improved net buying intentions in 2026 compared to last year.

Sector preference shifted in this year’s survey. Offices rose to become the most preferred sector for the first time in six years, with industrial & logistics and the living sector rounding out the top three. Data centres continue to climb up the list of investor preferences, placing fourth this year.

Asia Pacific’s commercial real estate market is entering a critical phase in 2026, showing strong resilience after challenges in 2025. With interest rates steady and capital markets improving, optimism is rising among investors and occupiers.

Based on our APAC Outlook 2026 and other reports, Six for 2026 spotlights the major trends influencing the region. These include changes in office supply and increased investment in AI-powered data centres, highlighting where growth and strategic opportunities are emerging.

The new office equation: Singapore’s workplace shifts for a hybrid, sustainable, multi-generational future

In Singapore and across Asia Pacific, organisations are rethinking workplace strategies and creating environments that drive performance and impact.

Our Workplace Survey of more than 800 corporate occupiers in the region, offers a unique view of how workplaces are taking shape.

Key Insights

• 48% of organisations have invested or plan to invest to drive workplace quality and employee experiences.
• 47% of organisations have hybrid models; most maintain attendance mandates and assigned seating.
• 15% are already considering, and 40% are starting to explore, the needs of five generations in the workplace by 2030.
• Sustainability is a bold ambition, with 52% collaborating with their landlord.
• 20% use AI tools to enhance employee experience; 6% use desk booking data; 3% have occupancy sensors.
  

Read the full report to explore how you can shape an adaptive, high-performing and next-generation workplace.