Demand for large office space across Central London strengthened sharply in 2025, with transactions involving offices above 100,000 sq ft rising by 50% year-on-year, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest London Moves report.

The report found that 12 deals above 100,000 sq ft completed during the year, up from eight in 2024, with 11 involving occupiers expanding their office footprint. Overall net office expansion reached 3.82 million sq ft, the highest level since 2019 and the sixth consecutive year of growth across Central London.

Banking & Finance remained one of the most active sectors, accounting for 84 relocations totalling 2.55 million sq ft, while the City accounted for 59% of all leasing activity.

East London also emerged as a strong performer, with take-up exceeding 1.1 million sq ft as Canary Wharf continued attracting occupiers seeking high-quality space and improved transport connectivity.

The report also highlighted growing demand from artificial intelligence firms, with AI businesses accounting for 15% of Technology sector take-up in 2025. Cushman & Wakefield forecasts the sector could generate between 3 million and 6.4 million sq ft of additional office demand across Central London over the next three years.

Alistair Brown, Head of Offices UK at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Occupiers with growth agendas are making decisive, long-term commitments to high quality buildings in core locations.”

The figures suggest demand for premium office space remains resilient despite wider economic uncertainty, with AI-led growth expected to place further pressure on already constrained Grade A supply across Central London.