Boston Suburban Office Figures Q1 2026

The suburban office market posted modestly positive demand in the first quarter of 2026, despite momentum softening. Net absorption totaled a positive 265,691 sq. ft., marking a constructive outcome despite a slight deceleration in leasing activity to 1,147,864 sq. ft. from 1,216,217 sq. ft. last quarter. The slowdown was further reflected in tenant demand, which pulled back to 1.87 million sq. ft. While the quarter’s positive absorption provides near-term relief, the contraction in leasing velocity and demand suggests that recovery remains sensitive to broader economic and utilization trends. Pricing and availability metrics reflected a gradually tightening environment.