Viewpoints

Unlocking Alternatives: The Office Market in a Post-COVID World

Are offices a thing of the past? PIMCO and Allianz Real Estate discuss where we think the office sector may be heading and current opportunities in the market.

More from this section

Read Transcript

Text on screen: PIMCO

Text on screen: PIMCO provides services only to qualified institutions and investors. This is not an offer to any person in any jurisdiction where unlawful or unauthorized

Text on screen: How will working from home change the office market?

Megan Walters: A recent survey by JLL showed that in the survey that they had conducted

Text on screen: Dr. Megan Walters, Global Head of Research, Allianz Real Estate

about 56% of companies were waiting until the second half of 2021, the second half of this year to make the decision whether to return to the office.

Images on screen: Corporate office buildings

But one of the areas, where there is a very strong consensus is the idea of a hybrid model where many people would like to choose to work from home on a flexible basis. And three out of four firms surveyed said that they felt they would probably expect about 20% of their workforce to work from home on average two days a week.

Text on screen: Firms anticipate increasing individual floor space by 20% per person

Images on screen: Corporate office interiors

And over half the firms expected to increase the amount of floor space per person when people did return to the office by as much as about 20% for health and hygiene factors and primarily to accommodate perhaps different styles of working that might be much more collaborative.

On balance, the working from home factor kind of seems to come out evenly, but in any situation, in any economic downturn, there will be some companies, some organizations that have not survived the pandemic terribly well, and they will need to give back space.

And so we might see vacancy space coming to the market from an economic perspective almost regardless of what happens from working for home.

Text on screen: What are some of the key trends we see affecting the core office market going forward?

Francois Trausch, Global CEO & CIO, Allianz Real Estate

Francois Trausch: A clear path to a carbon footprint reduction is definitely something which we are observing in terms of what investors and tenants are looking for in that different acquisition.

Images on screen: Corporate office buildings

Text on screen: TITLE – What core real estate investors and tenants are looking for in offices, BULLETS - Reduced carbon footprint, Well-located in city centers, Greater amenities, Mixed-use space

And that's something which we are paying increasing attention to meaning have a clear path to reduce carbon footprint in all the office assets we are acquiring. A second theme, which we're looking at is well located central offices.

The other aspect of course, we're looking for is high tenant experience. Tenants want more amenities, they want more technology in their buildings. Then finally, I should add that mixed use concept also becoming more and more popular in acquisitions. It can even go back to very old historical buildings.

Even old buildings are able to be transformed and be very attractive, especially if you can position them as mixed use buildings, mixing up different usages in one asset.

Text on screen: Have we seen distress emerge across the office market?

Text on screen: John Murray, Global Head, Private Commercial Real Estate, PIMCO

John Murray: What you're seeing today in our portfolio and really nationwide is limited tenant defaults today. If you even look at CMBS as a barometer, less than 2% of the CMBS universe has office loans that are in delinquency. So again, tenants aren't defaulting, but

Text on screen: Less than 2% of U.S. commercial mortgage-backed securities have office loans in delinquency

Images on screen: Corporate office buildings

I would be concerned about secondary office and secondary locations, which you think about your typical tenant. There could be a 15,000 foot small law firm partner owned that hasn't de-densified yet. That's where you're going to see those pressure, but that will accumulate over time and build again in 2022 and beyond.

But in terms of our investment activity, we've been somewhat contrarian, we've actually acquired two vacant office complexes in Silicon Valley over the past nine months.

Text on screen: Opportunities in R&D-focused office spaces

Images on screen: Silicon Valley office buildings

In Silicon Valley, these are heavy R&D research and development types of markets, and you really can't test hardware at home. So we see less pressure on those markets and we felt the broad paint brush against the office market was a little bit overblown.

Text on screen: Capital is returning to select areas of the office market

Images on screen: San Francisco and New York skyline

Lastly, I'll note that, we are seeing capital come back to the office market, particularly in those New York and San Francisco in those limited transactions. As a real-time example, we recently pursued a lease-up office deal in Manhattan where bidding competition accelerated quite dramatically over the last 60 days, ultimately resulting in the winning bid, going about 10% plus above broker guidance. So similar to the housing market today, you're seeing capital come back and you're seeing some, actually some accelerated bidding activity.

Text on screen: For more insights and information, visit pimco.com

Text on screen: PIMCO 50 1971-2021

JLL Account Pulse Survey, February 2021

Disclosure


IMPORTANT NOTICE

Please note that the following contains the opinions of the manager as of the date noted and may not have been updated to reflect real time market developments. All opinions are subject to change without notice.

All investments contain risk and may lose value. Investments in residential/commercial mortgage loans and commercial real estate debt are subject to risks that include prepayment, delinquency, foreclosure, risks of loss, servicing risks and adverse regulatory developments, which risks may be heightened in the case of non-performing loans. The funds will also have exposure to such risks through its investments in mortgage and asset-backed securities, which are highly complex instruments that may be sensitive to changes in interest rates and subject to early repayment risk. Private Credit funds will also be subject to real estate-related risks, which include new regulatory or legislative developments, the attractiveness and location of properties, the financial condition of tenants, potential liability under environmental and other laws, as well as natural disasters and other factors beyond the fund’s control. Equity investments may decline in value due to both real and perceived general market, economic and industry conditions, while debt investments are subject to credit, interest rate and other risks. Investing in banks and related entities is a highly complex field subject to extensive regulation, and investments in such entities or other operating companies may give rise to control person liability and other risks. In addition, there can be no assurance that PIMCO’s strategies with respect to any investment will be capable of implementation or, if implemented, will be successful. Investing in the bond market is subject to certain risks including market, interest-rate, issuer, credit, and inflation risk. Investing in foreign denominated and/or domiciled securities may involve heightened risk due to currency fluctuations, and economic and political risks, which may be enhanced in emerging markets.

Forecasts, estimates and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary research and should not be interpreted as investment advice, as an offer or solicitation, nor as the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. Forecasts and estimates have certain inherent limitations, and unlike an actual performance record, do not reflect actual trading, liquidity constraints, fees, and/or other costs. In addition, references to future results should not be construed as an estimate or promise of results that a client portfolio may achieve.

Statements concerning financial market trends or portfolio strategies are based on current market conditions, which will fluctuate. There is no guarantee that these investment strategies will work under all market conditions or are appropriate for all investors and each investor should evaluate their ability to invest for the long-term, especially during periods of drawdown in the market. Outlook and strategies are subject to change without notice.

This material contains the opinions of the manager and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed.

PIMCO as a general matter provides services to qualified institutions, financial intermediaries and institutional investors. Individual investors should contact their own financial professional to determine the most appropriate investment options for their financial situation. This is not an offer to any person in any jurisdiction where unlawful or unauthorized. | Pacific Investment Management Company LLC, 650 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 is regulated by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. | PIMCO Europe Ltd (Company No. 2604517) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (12 Endeavour Square, London E20 1JN) in the UK. The services provided by PIMCO Europe Ltd are not available to retail investors, who should not rely on this communication but contact their financial adviser. | PIMCO Europe GmbH (Company No. 192083, Seidlstr. 24-24a, 80335 Munich, Germany), PIMCO Europe GmbH Italian Branch (Company No. 10005170963), PIMCO Europe GmbH Irish Branch  (Company No. 909462), PIMCO Europe GmbH UK Branch (Company No. BR022803) and PIMCO Europe GmbH Spanish Branch (N.I.F. W2765338E) are authorised and regulated by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) (Marie- Curie-Str. 24-28, 60439 Frankfurt am Main) in Germany in accordance with Section 32 of the German Banking Act (KWG). The Italian Branch, Irish Branch, UK Branch and Spanish Branch are additionally supervised by: (1) Italian Branch: the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (CONSOB) in accordance with Article 27 of the Italian Consolidated Financial Act; (2) Irish Branch: the Central Bank of Ireland in accordance with Regulation 43 of the European Union (Markets in Financial Instruments) Regulations 2017, as amended; (3) UK Branch: the Financial Conduct Authority; and (4) Spanish Branch: the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) in accordance with obligations stipulated in articles 168 and  203  to 224, as well as obligations contained in Tile V, Section I of the Law on the Securities Market (LSM) and in articles 111, 114 and 117 of Royal Decree 217/2008, respectively. The services provided by PIMCO Europe GmbH are available only to professional clients as defined in Section 67 para. 2 German Securities Trading Act (WpHG). They are not available to individual investors, who should not rely on this communication. | PIMCO (Schweiz) GmbH (registered in Switzerland, Company No. CH-020.4.038.582-2). The services provided by PIMCO (Schweiz) GmbH are not available to retail investors, who should not rely on this communication but contact their financial adviser. | PIMCO Asia Pte Ltd (Registration No. 199804652K) is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a holder of a capital markets services licence and an exempt financial adviser. The asset management services and investment products are not available to persons where provision of such services and products is unauthorised. | PIMCO Asia Limited is licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission for Types 1, 4 and 9 regulated activities under the Securities and Futures Ordinance. PIMCO Asia Limited is registered as a cross-border discretionary investment manager with the Financial Supervisory Commission of Korea (Registration No. 08-02-307). The asset management services and investment products are not available to persons where provision of such services and products is unauthorised. | PIMCO Investment Management (Shanghai) Limited Unit 3638-39, Phase II Shanghai IFC, 8 Century Avenue, Pilot Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200120, China (Unified social credit code: 91310115MA1K41MU72) is registered with Asset Management Association of China as Private Fund Manager (Registration No. P1071502, Type: Other) | PIMCO Australia Pty Ltd ABN 54 084 280 508, AFSL 246862. This publication has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of investors. Before making an investment decision, investors should obtain professional advice and consider whether the information contained herein is appropriate having regard to their objectives, financial situation and needs. | PIMCO Japan Ltd, Financial Instruments Business Registration Number is Director of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Financial Instruments Firm) No. 382. PIMCO Japan Ltd is a member of Japan Investment Advisers Association and The Investment Trusts Association, Japan. All investments contain risk. There is no guarantee that the principal amount of the investment will be preserved, or that a certain return will be realized; the investment could suffer a loss. All profits and losses incur to the investor. The amounts, maximum amounts and calculation methodologies of each type of fee and expense and their total amounts will vary depending on the investment strategy, the status of investment performance, period of management and outstanding balance of assets and thus such fees and expenses cannot be set forth herein. | PIMCO Taiwan Limited is managed and operated independently. The reference number of business license of the company approved by the competent authority is (109) Jin Guan Tou Gu Xin Zi No. 027. 40F., No.68, Sec. 5, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Xinyi Dist., Taipei City 110, Taiwan (R.O.C.). Tel: +886 2 8729-5500. | PIMCO Canada Corp. (199 Bay Street, Suite 2050, Commerce Court Station, P.O. Box 363, Toronto, ON, M5L 1G2) services and products may only be available in certain provinces or territories of Canada and only through dealers authorized for that purpose. | PIMCO Latin America Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima 3477, Torre A, 5° andar São Paulo, Brazil 04538-133. | No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. PIMCO is a trademark of Allianz Asset Management of America L.P. in the United States and throughout the world. ©2021, PIMCO.

CMR2021-0719-1723836

Filters: Reset All

Filters

Close Filters Dropdown
  • Tags

    Reset

    Close
  • Category

    Reset

    Bond by Bond
    Careers
    Economic and Market Commentary
    Investment Strategies
    PIMCO Foundation
    PIMCO Education
    View from the Investment Committee
    View From the Trade Floor
    Viewpoints
    Education
    Close
  • Order By

    Reset

    Alphabetical
    Most Recent
    Close
() filters applied

Multimedia Finder

Filter By:
  • Bond by Bond
  • Careers
  • Economic and Market Commentary
  • Investment Strategies
  • PIMCO Foundation
  • PIMCO Education
  • View from the Investment Committee
  • View From the Trade Floor
  • Viewpoints
  • Understanding Investing
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • K
  • M
  • N
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • W
  • Z
Clear
Berdibek Ahmedov
Product Strategist, Equities and Multi-Asset
Del Anderson
Credit Analyst
Joshua Anderson
Portfolio Manager, Income and Asset-Backed Securities
Robert Arnott
Founder and Chairman, Research Affiliates
Andrew Balls
CIO Global Fixed Income
Rachel Betton
Justin Blesy
Asset Allocation Strategist
Meredith Block
ESG Research Analyst
Allison Boxer
Economist
David L. Braun
Portfolio Manager
Jelle Brons
Portfolio Manager, Global and U.S. Investment Grade Credit
Nathaniel Brown
Director of the PIMCO Foundation
Erin Browne
Portfolio Manager, Multi-Asset Strategies
Esteban Burbano
Fixed Income Strategist
Grover Burthey
Portfolio Manager, ESG
Libby Cantrill
U.S. Public Policy
John R. Cavalieri
Kenneth Chambers
Fixed Income Strategist
Stephen Chang
Portfolio Manager, Asia
Devin Chen
Portfolio Manager, Commercial Real Estate
Richard Clarida
Global Economic Advisor
Mathieu Clavel
Portfolio Manager, Alternative Credit
Tony Crescenzi
Portfolio Manager, Market Strategist
Josh Davis
Global Head of Risk Management
Pramol Dhawan
Portfolio Manager
Matt Dorsten
Portfolio Manager, Quantitative Strategy
Devin Ekberg
Senior Consultant, Advisor Education
David Fisher
Co-Head of Strategic Accounts, U.S. Global Wealth Management
David Forgash
Portfolio Manager
Preeyam Gandhi
Strategist
Max Gelb
Product Strategist
Nick Granger
Portfolio Manager, Quantitative Analytics
Adam Gubner
Portfolio Manager, Distressed Debt
Bill Gurtin
Gregory Hall
Head of U.S. Global Wealth Management
David Hammer
Portfolio Manager
Mary Hoppe
Account Manager
Ray Huang
Portfolio Manager, Real Estate
Daniel H. Hyman
Portfolio Manager
Daniel J. Ivascyn
Group Chief Investment Officer
Henry Kao
Account Manager, Stable Value
Mark R. Kiesel
CIO Global Credit
Erica Kinsella
Product Strategist, ESG Strategies
Sean Klein
Head of Client Business Strategy – Client Solutions and Analytics
Kristofer Kraus
Portfolio Manager
Brian Kyle
Global Wealth Management
Raji O. Manasseh
Equity Strategist
Jason Mandinach
Head of Alternative Credit and Private Strategies
Samuel Mary
ESG Research Analyst
Kyle McCarthy
Alternative Credit Strategist
Vidur Mehra
Mohit Mittal
Portfolio Manager, Multi-Sector
Alfred T. Murata
Portfolio Manager, Mortgage Credit
John Murray
Portfolio Manager, Global Private Real Estate
John Nersesian
Head of Advisor Education
Roger Nieves
Rick Pagnani
Head of Insurance-Linked Securities
Sonali Pier
Portfolio Manager, Multi-Sector Credit
Christina Pihos
Defined Contribution Marketing
Steven Pogorelec
Global Wealth Management
Gavin Power
Chief of Sustainable Development and International Affairs
Chitrang K. Purani
William Quinones
Product Strategist
Lupin Rahman
Portfolio Manager
Graham A. Rennison
Quantitative Portfolio Manager
Libby Rodney
Steve A. Rodosky
Portfolio Manager
Emmanuel Roman
Chief Executive Officer
Steve Sapra
Senior Advisor
Jerome M. Schneider
Portfolio Manager
Marc P. Seidner
CIO Non-traditional Strategies
Emmanuel S. Sharef
Portfolio Manager, Asset Allocation and Multi Real Asset
Greg E. Sharenow
Portfolio Manager, Commodities and Real Assets
Candice Stack
Head of Client Management, Americas
Kimberley Stafford
Global Head of Product Strategy; Responsible for Sustainability Oversight
Cathy Stahl
Global Head of Marketing
Jason R. Steiner
Portfolio Manager, Private Lending and Opportunistic Strategies
Christian Stracke
President, Global Head of Credit Research
Geraldine Sundstrom
Portfolio Manager, Asset Allocation, EMEA
Richard Thaler
Distinguished Service Professor of Economics and Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business
Mark Thomas
Account Manager, Global Wealth Management
Jessica K. Tom
Senior Credit Analyst
François Trausch
CEO and CIO of PIMCO Prime Real Estate
D. Alan Trice
Jerry Tsai
Client Solutions and Analytics
Matt Tuten
Portfolio Manager
Megan Walters
PIMCO Prime Real Estate
Qi Wang
CIO Portfolio Implementation
Jamie Weinstein
Portfolio Manager, Corporate Special Situations
Paul-James White
Portfolio Manager
Tiffany Wilding
Economist
Andrew T. Wittkop
Portfolio Manager, Treasuries, Agencies, Rates
Jerry Woytash
Portfolio Manager, Short-Term Desk
Kirill Zavodov
Portfolio Manager
Mike Cudzil
Portfolio Manager
Chris Brightman
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Research Affiliates
PIMCO
Seray Incoglu
Portfolio Manager, Commercial Real Estate
Ben Bernanke
Chair, Global Advisory Board
  • Alphabetical
  • Most Recent
Section : Date : Experts :
Reset All
Decoding Quant Strategies
Capitalizing on Change in the Real Estate Market (Video)
Viewpoints

Capitalizing on Change in the Real Estate Market(video)

Capitalizing on Change in the Real Estate Market

Discover potential opportunities in the real estate market from a panel discussion at our recent Alternatives Investor Conference.

Navigating Uncertainty with Alternative Investments

Unlocking the Power of Alternative Investments

Adapting to the Evolving Credit Landscape

Decoding Quant Strategies

Adapting to the Evolving Credit Landscape (Video)
Viewpoints

Adapting to the Evolving Credit Landscape(video)

Adapting to the Evolving Credit Landscape

Learn how to navigate the shifting dynamics in banking and private credit from a panel discussion at our recent Alternatives Investor Conference.

Navigating Uncertainty with Alternative Investments

Unlocking the Power of Alternative Investments

Capitalizing on Change in the Real Estate Market

Decoding Quant Strategies

Unlocking the Power of Alternative Investments
Navigating Uncertainty with Alternative Investments
The Cost of Cash: Talking to Clients about their Cash Allocations
Viewpoints

The Cost of Cash: Talking to Clients about their Cash Allocations(video)

The Cost of Cash: Talking to Clients about their Cash Allocations

Investors often keep cash in their portfolios for liquidity needs and defensive reasons, and cash balances are currently at record high levels. Help investors overcome concerns about putting cash to work and how best to position cash allocations in this environment to maximize potential. Watch now to learn why the time is right to consider moving cash off the sidelines into fixed income.

To learn more, contact your PIMCO Account Manager.

Load more results Load {{cCtrl.fetchResults}} more results