Investment firm Ashby Capital has recently fully let its 200 Aldersgate scheme in Farringdon, with some rents exceeding the £80 per sq. ft. mark. Many deals made as of late have seen record levels of rent in the area, with a range of tenants taking space in the building over the last months; Ford Motor Company took space on an upper floor for £66 per sq. ft., and Jampur Group attained the 16th floor for a hefty £81.50 per sq. ft. The recent deals, all in line with Ashby Capital’s business plan, seek to improve rents in the property.

With Central London vacancy rates over the last 12-18 months declining, some areas such as the West End and City are experiencing record low rental levels of sub 4%. These figures that are expected to further decrease once the 1 million sq. ft. of space that is currently under offer in London leaves the market. Vacancy rates have also decreased to record levels in Midtown, which now has a 2.5% vacancy rate. The situation, however, has been a catalyst in rents rising in other areas, and 200 Aldersgate is a prime example of this – showing there is still strength in the market.

Eugene O’Sullivan, Managing Director at Central London tenant acquisition specialist Morgan Pryce, says: “Even if some vacancy rates declined last year, Morgan Pryce still believes that 2016 will continue to see an increase in rental figures across the capital. With the continued strong occupier demand, a limited amount of supply predicted on the market in 2016, and expected continued growth in office-based employment, rental levels are expected to continue to grow higher and higher in 2016.”

This news was brought to you by Morgan Pryce, a specialist tenant acquisition agent with offices in Oxford Circus and the City. Morgan Pryce specialises in search, negotiation and project management and works exclusively for tenants.