In a recent analysis of 2017 search data, TenantBase confirmed an already noticeable trend in office space expectations for startups and small businesses – smaller, newer organizations are in need of flexible space that can readily adapt to varying needs. While these expectations don't necessarily come as a surprise, they reinforce the growing demand for agile work environments that steadily diverge from the traditional notion of office space.

In the accompanying infographic, TenantBase summarizes the search data analysis to reveal insights into office space needs for startups and small businesses that directly coincide with the general direction of the digital economy – smaller organizations strive to be nimble and quick on their feet to match a dynamic marketplace, and therefore want office space that matches those traits.

Analyzing data exclusively from tenants either looking for or inquiring about office space, our analysis revealed some definitive overarching themes. First and foremost, 52.39% of tenants were looking for suburban locations, followed by 29.53% and 18.08% for urban and emerging locations, respectively. Startups and small businesses are often working with a smaller budget so looking outside a pricier urban market makes sense.

Likewise, at 44%, the bulk of tenants were in search of move-in ready office space, reinforcing the perception of startups and small businesses occupying a fast-paced and extremely fluid competitive environment driven by spontaneous and unexpected growth and an influx of new ventures.

Further bolstering this perception, 43% of prospective tenants also searched for creative office space that was nimble enough to change in lockstep with rapidly-evolving organizations. Although 37% still included traditional office space within their search parameters, the trending needs obviously indicate a widespread demand for pliable space.

Similarly 40% of all searches expressed interest in a warehouse component to their prospective space, another definite trend seen within the startup community. Collectively, the search data speaks of the need for unique spaces that fit well with unique ventures.

Expectations of Future Office Space Needs

Again summarized in our new infographic, TenantBase also found an overall need for smaller space, with 43% of tenants searching for space below 1,000 sq ft, 34% up to 2,500 sq ft, and only 23% between 2,500 and 5,000 sq ft. Likewise, at 49%, the bulk of prospective tenants preferred lease terms of one year or less. Collectively, the data aligns well with the ever-changing landscape of the startup and small business environment, where the only certainty seems to be uncertainty.

While any particular segment of our 2017 search data analysis – as summarized in our office space search recap infographic – might reveal particular insights, the sum total of the study reinforces the trend of startups and small businesses needing unique space that is flexible both in terms of the physical environment as well as the lease itself. At TenantBase, we only see these trends extending indefinitely into the future.