Knight Frank has made three new appointments to its Sydney CBD office leasing team, taking the total number of operatives to seven, and 13 across NSW Office markets. Ben Cohen, Alexa Mahony and Mike Urwin have all come on board in a Director role.

Knight Frank Partner and National Head of Leasing Andrea Roberts said there had been an increase in tenant enquiry across all capital city office markets in Australia.

The new agents have all come on board as Directors:

• Ben Cohen Director of CBD Office Leasing NSW, previously a Director within WeWork’s AUNZ real estate team. 
• Alexa Mahony Director of CBD Office Leasing NSW 
• Mike Urwin Director of CBD Office Leasing NSW 
• Ryan Grace has also been promoted from Associate Director to Director of Office Leasing NSW

The expansion of the team comes as tenant enquiry for office space in Sydney returns to pre-pandemic levels

Ryan Grace has also been promoted from Associate Director to Director of CBD Office Leasing, NSW at Knight Frank.

Knight Frank Partner and Head of Office Leasing NSW Al Dunlop said Knight Frank’s office team in Sydney’s CBD was expanding to accommodate growing activity in office leasing.

“Enquiry for office space in the city is starting to return to pre-pandemic levels,” he said.

“The sub-1,000 square metre market remains the most active, with preference for fitted out space, which is driven by cost savings, but also occupiers leaving decisions to the last minute.

“While sublease space continues to increase we are now seeing some groups that were going to take space to the market starting to withdraw as corporates increasingly return to working in the office.

“We anticipate incentives will peak in 2021, resulting in effective rents starting to grow.

“Fringe and metropolitan tenants are also now starting to consider CBD options due to improving affordability.”

Mr Dunlop said the new appointments would be invaluable to the leasing team and the service provided to clients who were navigating the office landscape moving forward.

“Our expanded team will be dynamic, and while it will be energetic and youthful, our members have strong transaction experience on Sydney’s most prestigious assets.

“Ben, Alexa and Mike have all come from other major agencies and collectively have 25 years of Sydney CBD leasing experience, with all having worked on prime core CBD assets.

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“Ryan has been with Knight Frank for over seven years and his hard work and dedication have cemented him as an invaluable member of our Sydney CBD Office Leasing team, hence his promotion.

“These appointments take our Sydney CBD office leasing team to seven operatives, and our New South Wales leasing team to 13 operatives, with coverage across all Sydney metropolitan major office markets.”

Knight Frank Partner and National Head of Leasing Andrea Roberts said there had been an increase in tenant enquiry across all capital city office markets in Australia.

“Whilst in Sydney and Melbourne we are seeing an increase in direct and sublease stock, it is reassuring to see long-term commitments being made by occupiers taking advantage of upgrading to prime quality assets that can deliver first- class amenities to their employees.

“We will continue to expand our New South Wales team over the next 12 to 18 months to ensure we provide our valued clients with the best service and advice to navigate these dynamic markets.”

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