2026 China Office Occupier Survey

As AI and sustainability transform the corporate world, the modern office is evolving rapidly. Beyond just maximising efficiency, companies must now completely redefine what makes a high-quality workplace. Against this backdrop, CBRE today publishes its 2026 China Office Occupier Survey – the 7th edition of its long-running occupier survey series - providing insights from more than 350 mainland China-based corporate real estate executives on their latest leasing intentions and strategies.

Key findings include:

•      Approximately two-thirds of enterprises plan to expand or maintain their office space over the next three years. High-tech sectors including Internet & technology and advanced manufacturing along with modern services such as legal and securities & funds are all in net-expansion territory.

•      Renewals, lease restructures, and relocations remain the top three leasing strategies. Tenant retention in core CBDs is strengthening as new CBDs gain stronger appeal, while new CBDs' ability to retain occupiers and absorb spillover demand is improving. Tenant demand for Grade A and above buildings is set to rise from the current 80% to 83.4% over the next three years.

•      With the next five years marking the first critical phase for achieving mainland China’s “3060” dual carbon goals, occupiers are demonstrating stronger demand for green and healthy buildings.

•      Most occupiers hold a neutral view toward AI's short-term impact on their office space requirements. More than a quarter of tenants expect buildings to hold smart building certification, while nearly one-fifth regard in-building computing power as a site-selection priority.