Modern offices will help ensure the comfort of public sector clients
Polish government institutions are showing interest in moving into modern offices. Analysts have noted increased demand for Class A lettings in this sector. Officials are interested in buildings equipped with innovative solutions in the field of ESG and energy efficiency.
Marcin Kowal from Newmark Polska notes that more and more public institutions are abandoning outdated buildings. These buildings need renovation and have long since fallen below modern standards. At the same time, organisations are trying to position themselves as contemporary and innovative institutions which require more comfort for visitors.
It is worth noting that the public sector has long preferred to rent high-quality offices rather than older premises. However, the pandemic and geopolitical crises put this process on hold. With the recovery of the Polish economy, market activity has increased significantly. The strongest growth has been in Warsaw, where most government offices are concentrated. At the same time, the dynamics of changing demand can also be seen in other major cities in the country, such as Poznan. A striking example is the move of the Health Care Foundation to a new office in Malta Office Park.
Specifics of modern offices selection
In 2024, the public sector made a significant contribution to the development of the local commercial property market:
– in Warsaw, institutions leased a total of 55,000 sqm of office space;
– leases in other cities totalled 20,000 sqm;
– one of the largest transactions was the lease of 13,000 sqm by the General Directorate of Roads and Motorways;
– the Education System Development Fund took 5,200 sqm.
Experts note that the high demand for modern and comfortable offices indicates the development of the public sector. It shows that public institutions are adapting to changing market conditions and citizens’ needs. Society expects the government to work efficiently. At the same time, customer orientation is an important part of this process. Citizens want to receive services in comfortable offices equipped with all the necessary facilities.
When selecting premises, institutions have a number of requirements, including:
– easy access to the location;
– availability of transport infrastructure, proximity to public transport stops;
– priority attached to central districts, but other districts are also considered.
Organisations are looking for modern and functional facilities. External design is not always the deciding factor.
Finding suitable premises can be difficult due to a number of constraints specific to public sector organisations. One of the main issues is the currency in which rent is paid. Most properties on the office market are priced in euros, while public institutions use the Polish zloty. It is necessary to find a property owner who can accept payment in the local currency. This reduces the number of options.