The GTA market saw a slowdown in absorption, recorded at -39K SF as compared to 697K SF the previous quarter.
- The pandemic of COVID-19 carried significant weight in this slowdown, as tenants with expected move-in dates this quarter saw their occupancy dates pushed farther out. Leasing activity in the month of March came to a near halt as well.
- The vacancy rate held steady at 4.0% and the average asking net rental rate increased 6.1% YoY to $20.22.
- Absorption in the Downtown market was recorded at 12K SF, with incoming tenants in the Financial Core offset by those leaving the Downtown West.
- Demand is expected to lessen, with rental rates likely to either adjust downward or level off. In the upcoming months, many new supply projects that were nearing construction will see their completion dates pushed out due to the halt on non-essential projects.