U.S. Office Leasing Volume Strongest Half Since 2019!!

“U.S. office leasing volume achieved its strongest first half since 2019, driven by 66.1 million feet of leasing activity in the second quarter alone-roughly 13% over 2025. Demand is heavily concentrated in top-tier and AI-driven tech sectors, giving landlords increased pricing power as new construction remains low” Bisnow August 5, 2026, Some of the drivers and trends behind this is the high leasing velocity of AI companies and technology organizations fueled by AI, minimal new construction, flight to quality which is leaving older buildings with high vacancy rates, and hot areas like Manhattan and the Bay Area versus other areas which are lagging behind. On the other hand, reading the July 31, 2026, SF Business Times page 3 headlines, “Via to cut thousands of jobs amid AI ‘transformation’…but I don’t want to be a Debby Downer so let’s pop the champagne and celebrate!