What is Grade A Office?
Grade A – The most modern offices,
typically brand-new space or very recently
refurbished offices that offer the highest
amenities and facilities, strong sustainability
credentials, advanced infrastructure,
and a central location.
Why is the BCO reported in September 2025?
The UK office grading system is no longer fit for purpose. BCO has proposed review of how office quality is defined and measured. The report proposes a 100 point scoring matric with the evaluation of buildings being measured for PHYSICAL QUALITY, SUSTAINABILITY, TECHNOLOGY AND AMENITY.
Proposal for Prime, Grade A, B & C. Too many Grade A offices.
How does Colliers rate Grades A, B, C?
Colliers defines Grade A as buildings
with high-quality specification, including
air-conditioning and raised floors, that have
been redeveloped within the last five years.
Age is a key differentiator: Grade B relates
to buildings that are over five years old, with
good-quality specification, including air
conditioning;
and Grade C relates to buildings
that are at least 15 years old, and generally of
lower grade, with centrally heated floorspace,
and in need of refurbishment/updating.
What are the limitations of an EPC?
An EPC provides a useful benchmark of a building’s energy efficiency, but it has several limitations. First, it’s based on standardised assumptions rather than actual energy use, so it may not reflect real consumption. Second, it focuses on building fabric and fixed services, ignoring occupant behaviour or operational factors. Third, it doesn’t cover wider sustainability aspects like water efficiency or indoor comfort. Finally, EPC ratings can be misinterpreted by tenants or investors, and improving a rating doesn’t always guarantee cost savings. In practice, EPCs are best used alongside energy audits and operational data to get a more accurate picture.”
What things impact a buildings specification?
Floor to Ceiling height
Natural Light
Building Size and Age
Floor Plate shape (regular square/rectangle best)
Floor space efficient (NIA/GIA ratio)
How a building operates and feels is becoming more critical than rigid adherence to specific dimensional criteria.
What are some other factors which can influence office rents? Apart from the typical location/connectivity, amenities, spec (A vs B)
Vacancy and Competition among occupiers
Apart from physical features of an office building, what influences rents?
Deal specifics and market conditions
What are two things now which are the culprits of struggling offices?
Location and Odd/irregular footprint of the building.
What is CAT A?
Basic Finish, raised floor, suspended ceilings, lighting, electrics, plumbing
What is CAT B?
BESPOKE fit out to an occupier. Includes upgrades beyond basic services, including IT infrastructure, furniture, meetings rooms, partitioning, fitted kitchens.
What is CAT A +?
CAT A+/Plug and Play: Sometimes offered by the landlord as a way of enticing tenants to the space. Ready for immediate occupation but not bespoke to an occupier
