What do today’s tenants really want from office space?
There’s no doubt that expectations around commercial property have shifted from the time when a fresh floorplan and basic connections were enough to sell a space to a long-term lessee.
These days, companies are looking for something far more complete in its design; a workspace experience that’s immediately inspiring, reflects their values and supports the flexibility they need for their teams from day one.
The most rentable offices aren’t just defined by where people work, they’re also defined by how a space works for those people, from layout and lighting through to move-in readiness.
For landlords looking to reduce void periods, stay ahead in a competitive market and - crucially - attract and retain the best type of long-term tenants, now’s the time to pivot towards the growing demand for CAT A+ fit outs.
Design Tonic X Boar Lane - A fully functional, move-in-ready CAT A+ workspace
What’s the difference between CAT A and CAT A+ fit outs?
Typically, a CAT A space offers the “blank shell” basics to a potential lessee - internal walls and floors are finished, suspended ceilings are in place, lighting and HVAC are installed.
The idea is that tenants complete the fit out themselves, moving into a clean and empty space and having the flexibility to plan, design and install their own layout and personalisations.
CAT A+ goes one step further again, delivering a fully functional, move-in-ready workspace that still allows for branding and layout flexibility from the client - think:
- Functional kitchens
- Partitioned spaces - meeting rooms, breakouts, private offices
- High-spec flooring and lighting
- Power and data installed
- Some furnishings, ensuring the office is good-to-go from day one
The idea behind CAT A+ is that it eliminates the friction of moving in: no long fit out period, no outlay before a team can settle…
Just a thoughtful, flexible, design-led space that’s ready for work straight away, with plenty of potential for tenants to tweak and personalise as they wish.
CAT A+ in action at Design Tonic X Sovereign House
Why Landlords are shifting to CAT A+
Where tenants were once largely driven by location and square footage, priorities have shifted - and forward-thinking landlords are shifting too.
In this post-pandemic time shaped by hybrid working, occupiers are making more strategic choices.
Offices are expected to earn the commute; to be places that teams want to spend time in, not just somewhere they have to be.
And while traditional CAT A can seem like a project waiting to happen, CAT A+ delivers immediacy with spaces that are functional, finished and ready to go - an offering that’s increasingly securing long-term leases in a competitive market.
What else are tenants looking for?
- Plug-and-play functionality that means they can move in quickly without the need for a more complex refurbishment. The foundation is already there, they just make it their own.
- A great employee experience which, through elements like communal lounges and breakouts, also reflects their corporate culture and values.
- Sustainability as standard, through energy-efficient systems and environmentally conscious design.
Put simply, in a market where the bar is ever-higher and expectations ever-sharper, CAT A+ is a smart middle ground between a blank canvas and a bespoke build.
Want to talk CAT A+ with our experts? Click here…
Premium design to attract Premium Tenants at Design Tonic X Boar Lane
The ROI of CAT A+ for Landlords
And in pure commercial terms, the logic is clear; CAT A+ fit outs help landlords lease faster, with better returns and fewer voids.
Diving deeper, benefits for landlords include:
Faster Lettings
Because move-in-ready spaces are easier to market and lease, reducing decision-making time for tenants and friction in negotiations as well as removing delays based on fit out schedules.
Reduced Void Periods
Because the more you can minimise downtime between leases? The more you can boost rental yields and asset performance over time.
Higher Rents
Because CAT A+ spaces can command a premium, especially in high-demand areas where quality counts.
Attracting Premium Tenants
Because, by offering an out-of-this-world space, landlords can position their office as a strategic asset for quality tenants looking for turnkey solutions that reflect their own standards - the kind of occupiers who are serious, stable and more likely to stay.
Increased Asset Value
Because a high-spec fit out lifts the perceived value of the whole building, putting it in a stronger position in a competitive market.
Higher Demand
And - last but not least! - because the investment sits with the landlord rather than the tenant, it naturally leads to higher demand.
Out-of-this-world style at Design Tonic X Boar Lane
How to secure Long-Term Tenants with Out-of-this-World Design
We’ve talked about how move-in ready spaces work because they reduce hassle for tenants, but great design isn’t just about convenience or first impressions.
It’s also about creating stylish, thoughtful environments that people want to stay in.
We’ve seen it time and again - beautifully designed, high quality spaces play a key role in tenant retention too.
When an office is comfortable, versatile and already suited to a team’s needs, the likelihood of renewal increases significantly.
And better still, adaptable layouts - a key element of any Design Tonic space - make sure an environment can evolve along with the changing needs of both the occupying business and the world around.
After all, the less a tenant has to change?
The more likely they are to stay.
CAT A+ Goals at Design Tonic X Sovereign House
Smart Design for Lasting Returns
A CAT A+ strategy is a choice that helps to future-proof a landlord’s long-term success.
By designing with longevity and adaptability in mind, CAT A+ fit outs can support the changing needs of tenants and the market through flexible elements like modular layouts, multi-purpose zones and considered infrastructure.
And a great CAT A+ space will have sustainability built in at the core - everything from lighting and HVAC to choosing low-impact materials and reducing construction waste.
This is because we know that, with today’s climate-conscious mindsets, energy efficiency, improved EPC ratings and compliance with ESG frameworks are key decision drivers for tenants, as well as helping to protect the long-term value of an asset.
A Design Tonic fit out factors all of this in from day one, as our team looks not just to meet today’s standards, but to anticipate what tomorrow’s tenants will be looking for too.
Whether it’s improving performance ratings, incorporating sustainable materials or building in the flexibility to evolve, it’s our view that a futureproofed space is one that works harder now - and delivers stronger, more sustainable returns over time.
Tenant catnip - Design Tonic X Boar Lane
What we do (and why it works)
At Design Tonic, we work closely with landlords and developers to design and deliver CAT A+ fit outs that act like tenant catnip - as well as being future-ready and built for ROI.
Beginning with one simple question; “how ready is this workspace to support work, culture and creativity from day one?”, our CAT A+ spaces are a perfect blend of:
- Plug-and-play functionality - fitted kitchens, meeting rooms, breakout zones and soft seating areas that remove the need for complex refurbishment.
- Hospitality-inspired style - lighting, finishes and layouts that ooze comfort and design detail.
- ESG priorities ticked off - with sustainability built in at the core.
- Enhanced employee experiences - with shared amenities like communal lounges, breakouts and bars to wellness zones that boost experience while reflecting corporate culture and values.
- And of course, flexibility - that Design Tonic mantra - built into all our layouts to facilitate hybrid work, collaboration, innovation and focus.
The result?
Spaces that lease faster, retain tenants longer and work beautifully from day one.
If you’re ready to attract tenants who’ll stay for the long haul? Let’s start by creating a space they won’t want to leave.
Our talented team are on hand to help - get in touch today.
To explore how Design Tonic applies its workplace expertise across different sectors and locations, you can view our specialist pages covering marketing office design and fit out, legal and finance office design and fit out, sustainable office fit out and IT and tech office design and fit out, as well as our tailored solutions for recruitment office design and fit out and legal office design and fit out. We also deliver high-quality office fit outs across the UK, including Nottingham office fit outs, Manchester office fit outs, Leeds office fit outs, Newcastle office fit outs and Sheffield office fit outs, helping organisations create workplaces that are functional, future-ready and aligned with their brand and culture.
