M1 agents hit by market uncertainty

Kirkby & Diamond has topped the table for the first time this year, resisting competition from regional and national rivals to be crowned king of the M1 corridor. It acted on more deals than any other agent, proving to be the dominant player in the local market. Despite recording a similar number of transactions to last year, a notable lack of large deals dragged overall take-up down around 25% in the 12 months to the end of May, suggesting larger occupiers are delaying making decisions until greater certainty returns to the economy. JLL bucked this trend with a 55,000 sq ft sublet to Homebase to break into the top five for the first time. Key stats 568,210 sq ft – total space disposed of, just under 27% from 775,142 sq ft last year 2,583 sq ft – average deal size. Down 28% from 3,588 sq ft last year 220 – number of deals. Up from 216 last year 91% – the top 10 agents accounted for 77% of overall take-up in 2016, up to 91% this year Going up Despite market headwinds, Aitchison Raffety increased its total by around 30%, enough to take it from eighth place into fourth. Going down Bidwells slipped from top spot to fifth this year, despite transacting on nearly 70% less space than last year.