UK OCCUPIER SATISFACTION INDEX 2009	PROPERTY INDUSTRY ALLIANCE AND CORENET GLOBAL UK
Home : Qualitative findings : Summary by question

How do you rate your level of satisfaction with the availability of commercial property of the right size and location for your business?

Occupiers perceive that the supply of property has increased as a result of the current economic climate. However, those with specific requirements or a limited budget can find it hard to find the space they need in the location they want

Some occupiers believe that the recession has led to a greater supply of space	‘The market has become more flexible, there is more choice at a lower cost with greater availability.’ ‘Generally I haven't found any problems in getting hold of property of the right size in the right location and normally I've had a choice.’ ‘We tend to be looking for industrial storage units and have found recently that there is a lot of accommodation on the market, particularly up north.’
Availability varies geographically	‘We are in Flintshire in Wales and there is virtually nothing in this area and there is no real intent by property developers and the local council to do anything about it.’ ‘We are spoilt for choice in areas like Canary Wharf where people are losing their jobs and space is coming out of everyone's ears but in socially deprived areas it's not easy.’
Small businesses are challenged to find suitable property at the right price	‘We are an eight person company and find office accommodation the size we need is too expensive.’ ‘Rental is disproportionately high for small to medium sized companies.’
Some report the lack of new developments	‘Last year there was a lot of major construction, but because of the credit crunch, developments have been suspended.’ ‘There isn't a lot about because developers have stopped in their tracks.’
Occupiers with specific requirements are challenged to find appropriate space	‘We always need a particular kind of property which combines office, workshop and yard and this is extremely difficult to find.’ ‘Most of the UK property market doesn't understand manufacturing. No-one has invested in it for a long time.’ ‘If you want non-standard premises then you're stymied. Properties tend to be built with the investor in mind and they want maximum site coverage.’ ‘In Leeds the assumption is that everyone wants big properties. We had to take one which was 30% larger than what we wanted. There was nothing smaller on the market only very tatty, back street stuff. ‘
Sustainable properties are hard to find	‘We are looking for space rated BREEAM excellent but that is not available in some places, like Blackpool and Swansea. However we have found it in Manchester and Birmingham.’ ‘There is lots of property around at the moment, but most of it doesn't meet our clients' criteria for green, flexible, agile property.’