Matchmaking on the Office Market : A Possible Driver for Sustainability?

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate if the concept of digital matchmaking between tenants on the office market enables flexibility in the real estate industry, if the concept generates environmental and financial gain, lower vacancy rate and how real estate owners approach the concept of this innovation and flexible contracts based on the current situation on the commercial real estate market.  The method of the study consists of two parts where the first part includes a survey and the second part a semi-structured interview. Through the semi-structured interviews and a survey the study answers how tenants' needs have changed, how property owners and tenants view flexible contracts and whether it can generate a financial and environmental gain, and how a digital matching service could potentially affect their business model. The result of the study shows that the tenants' needs have changed significantly in recent years, mainly due to the pandemic, and that tenants are currently searching for more flexible contracts. The study also implies that digital services are becoming more needed in order to support tenants in the process of changing premises or use of space as they lack knowledge regarding rental agreements. This has led to many companies being stuck in long lease contracts that causes financial struggles. From the property owners' perspective there is also a positive outlook on a digital matching service to enable an environmental and financial gain, but there are some uncertainties regarding if it is profitable or not as the concept is new and there are few example cases. Furthermore, it is clear that a digital matching service could be a great help mainly in larger cities and not only in the CBD but also in nearby cities