Aberdeen’s Commercial Real Estate Market
A Guide to the Energy Capital on Comparetheoffices.com
Why Aberdeen? The UK’s Capital of Energy and Innovation
For decades, Aberdeen has been globally recognised as the “Energy Capital of Europe,” the driving force behind the UK’s oil and gas sector. Today, the Granite City is undergoing a remarkable transformation, leveraging its world-class engineering talent and industrial expertise to become a leader in the global energy transition. It is at the forefront of developing offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies, supported by strategic initiatives like the pioneering Energy Transition Zone (ETZ).
This economic evolution is creating a dynamic and resilient business environment. The city boasts two world-class universities, a highly skilled workforce, and superb global connectivity through its international airport and new deep-water South Harbour. For companies in the energy, technology, and engineering sectors, Aberdeen offers an unparalleled ecosystem of innovation, talent, and opportunity, combined with a stunning natural setting where the Highlands meet the North Sea.
The Aberdeen Office Market: A Snapshot
Aberdeen’s office market is currently in a phase of recalibration, reflecting the city’s broader economic transition. A pronounced “flight to quality” is underway, with occupiers moving from older, secondary stock to modern, energy-efficient Grade A buildings. In 2024, office take-up stood at approximately 350,000 sq ft. While the energy sector remains a key driver of demand, there is growing activity from professional services, technology firms, and companies supporting the renewables industry.
Prime headline rents for best-in-class office space are stable at around £32.50 per sq ft. Landlords are increasingly focused on delivering workspaces with high ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) credentials, including excellent BREEAM ratings and wellness facilities, to meet the sophisticated demands of modern occupiers.
Choosing Your Workspace: Flexible Agility vs. Traditional Stability
The decision between a flexible serviced workspace and a traditional office lease is pivotal. Serviced offices provide a turnkey, all-inclusive solution ideal for businesses requiring agility and minimal upfront investment. A conventional lease offers long-term stability and full control over the workspace, making it suitable for established companies with predictable needs.
| Factor | Serviced Office | Traditional Leased Office |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment Level | Short-term, flexible contracts, often on a month-to-month basis, allowing for easy expansion or contraction. | A long-term, legally binding lease, typically for a term of 5, 10, or more years. |
| Cost Structure | A single monthly payment covers rent, business rates, utilities, cleaning, internet, and often furniture. | Tenants pay a base rent and are separately responsible for service charges, rates, utilities, and all fit-out costs. |
| Setup Time | Virtually immediate. A business can be operational in a fully equipped office within 24-48 hours. | A lengthy process that can take many months, involving legal negotiations, design work, and physical fit-out. |
| Workspace Environment | A managed, professional environment with shared amenities, reception services, and networking opportunities. | A private, self-contained space that can be designed and branded to perfectly reflect the company’s unique culture. |
Featured Serviced Office Providers in Aberdeen
Aberdeen’s flexible office market provides a range of high-quality options, from city-centre hubs to prime business park locations.
Marischal Square
Positioned next to the City Council & just a stones throw away from some of Aberdeen’s best cultural attractions, there are shops and restaurants in Aberdeen’s lively thoroughfare
- Prime city-centre locations
- Access to a global business network
- Fully furnished and IT-equipped spaces
- Professional admin and reception support
Union Street
The building is prominently situated on Union street, a short walk from Union Square shopping centre and excellent transport links from Aberdeen rail station
- Prestigious setting
- High-quality fit-out and amenities
- Ample on-site parking
- Excellent access to main arterial routes
Neo House
Located in Aberdeen City, discover a workplace bringing work, rest & play. This is an environment that challenges tradition. Where rigid ways of office life are replaced with flexible, hybrid, tech-led solutions that are blended with high levels of hospitality
- Prestigious Address
- Modern interiors in a character building
- All-inclusive, flexible rental terms
- On-site meeting rooms and parking
Spotlight on Key Business Locations
City Centre & Marischal Square
Aberdeen’s city centre, particularly around Union Street, is the traditional commercial heart of the city. It is home to the landmark Marischal Square development, which provides 173,500 sq ft of Grade A office space and has attracted major tenants from the professional services and energy sectors. This area offers excellent access to retail, leisure, and public transport amenities.
Westhill & Prime Four Business Parks
To the west of the city, Westhill is a globally significant hub for subsea engineering. Business parks in this area are purpose-built for the energy industry, hosting the headquarters and major operational bases for a multitude of international energy companies and service providers. Prime Four is the city’s premier out-of-town business park, offering an exceptional landscaped environment and high-specification buildings that have attracted a blue-chip tenant list.
Dyce & Aberdeen International Airport
Located to the north, Dyce is another critical hub for the energy sector, benefiting from its immediate proximity to Aberdeen International Airport. This area provides excellent global connectivity and is home to numerous industrial and office parks catering to businesses that require rapid access to logistics and international travel.
Future Aberdeen: The Energy Transition
Aberdeen is driving forward with a clear and ambitious vision for its future, underpinned by major strategic investments designed to secure its status as a global leader in sustainable energy.
The Energy Transition Zone (ETZ)
The ETZ is a flagship £260 million initiative to develop a dedicated hub for companies involved in the energy transition. Located adjacent to the new South Harbour, the zone is designed to accelerate the development of offshore wind, hydrogen production, and carbon capture technologies. It will provide state-of-the-art facilities, infrastructure, and collaborative spaces, creating a powerful ecosystem for innovation and cementing Aberdeen’s role in a net-zero future.
Aberdeen South Harbour
The £400 million expansion of Aberdeen’s port has created a new deep-water harbour, significantly enhancing the city’s capacity to support large-scale offshore energy projects, including renewables installation and decommissioning. This critical piece of infrastructure is a major catalyst for the ETZ and the broader energy transition, opening up new supply chain opportunities and reinforcing Aberdeen’s maritime capabilities.
Conclusion: A City Powering the Future
Aberdeen is a city in dynamic transition. While its legacy as a global oil and gas capital provides a foundation of unparalleled industrial expertise, its future is being forged in the renewables and technology sectors. The city’s office market reflects this shift, with a clear demand for high-quality, sustainable workspaces that can attract and retain top talent. With its strategic focus on the energy transition, a world-class skills base, and a clear vision for the future, Aberdeen presents a compelling and unique opportunity for businesses ready to power the next generation of industry.
Key Takeaways for Businesses:
- A Global Energy Hub: Aberdeen is leveraging its oil and gas legacy to become a world leader in sustainable energy and technology.
- Flight to Quality and Sustainability: The office market is driven by demand for modern, ESG-compliant Grade A buildings.
- A Hub of Expertise: The city offers a deep and highly skilled talent pool, particularly in engineering, geoscience, and technology.
- Strategic Investment: Major projects like the Energy Transition Zone and the South Harbour expansion are creating a world-class infrastructure for future growth.