JLL's Q2 2026 US office report (July 27, 2026) shows leasing volume set a new post-pandemic high and is up 27% over the trailing 12 months versus the prior 5-year average, with over 30 million sq ft of occupancy gains over the trailing year. Availability has now declined for eight straight quarters, and effective rents for new construction are rising more than 20%.
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US office leasing hits a post-pandemic high as availability tightens
Why this matters for founders
Founders shopping for office space should lock terms sooner, as top-quality space is getting scarcer and pricier; consider second-tier buildings for leverage.
Source: JLL
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