Liz Ann Sonders highlights U.S. office vacancy surge to 20%

The national office vacancy rate in the United States has reached a concerning 20.4% as of the first quarter of 2025, according to data highlighted by Liz Ann Sonders.
This figure represents a significant rise compared to pre-pandemic levels and even those seen a decade ago. Information from Moody’s Analytics confirms the current trend, suggesting challenges in the commercial real estate sector's recovery.
Sonders, a prominent economic strategist, underscores the potential implications for landlords, businesses, and urban planners as they navigate these high vacancy rates.
The sustained increase in vacant office spaces could lead to strategic shifts in how commercial real estate is managed and may prompt corporations to reconsider their office space requirements. Further analysis and insights from financial data sources like Data Arbor suggest a need for adaptability in the face of these changes.
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The heightened pressures now facing commercial real estate parallel the broader market dynamics tracked by Liz Ann Sonders, including the persistent S&P 500 outperformance over the Russell 2000 for 6 consecutive months — a trend she recently examined in detail. Additionally, her updated analysis of index performance and the evolving Mag7 index table offers further context for stakeholders evaluating shifts in investor sentiment and asset allocation amid elevated office vacancy rates.
In the previous news, tweet author Liz Ann Sonders discussed market trends and investment strategies.