After years of uncertainty, office real estate is drawing investor attention once again. The tides are turning in a sector that was hit hard by the pandemic, remote work, and rising interest rates. According to the Wall Street Journal, investors who had largely avoided the U.S. office market are now returning, reviving hope for the sector and setting the stage for renewed growth.

At Bell Works, this resurgence aligns with our vision of reimagining what the workplace can be. With vibrant campuses in Holmdel, NJ, Chicagoland, and the soon-to-launch Fort Monmouth, Bell Works represents the future of office space: modern, community-focused, and investor-friendly. 

As the market shifts, these Metroburbs are well-positioned to meet the new demands of both tenants and investors.

A Shift in Sentiment: Investors Are Betting on Office Again

After five years of low investor confidence, 2024 saw a 20% increase in office building sales volume, reaching $63.6 billion, according to MSCI. While this figure is still far from the $142.9 billion annual average between 2015 and 2019, it marks the first uptick since 2021 and signals renewed momentum.

Investors aren’t blindly returning. They’re being strategic, targeting:

• Well-located, premium buildings
• Discounted assets with upside potential
• Office properties suitable for conversion into residential units
• Debt-laden towers with room for creative financing and renovation

Institutions like Norges Bank Investment Management have already made significant plays, including a $1.9 billion acquisition of office stakes in Boston, San Francisco, and D.C. That was their first U.S. office investment since 2018.

“People are making their bets,” said Gary Phillips, managing director of real estate investment banking firm Eastdil Secured. And those bets increasingly point toward high-quality, flexible office environments–exactly what Bell Works delivers.

The Bell Works Advantage in a Reawakening Market

At Bell Works, we’ve long believed that the future of work is about more than just square footage. It’s about experience, community, and flexibility. As investors reenter the office sector, they’re focusing on properties that reflect these values.

Bell Works Holmdel: A Proven Concept

A shining example of adaptive reuse and placemaking, Bell Works Holmdel transformed the historic Bell Labs facility into a modern, thriving Metroburb. Tenants enjoy more than just modern office space; they benefit from on-site dining, fitness centers, child care, retail, and cultural events. It’s no surprise that this location remains one of New Jersey’s most vibrant work hubs.

For investors, Holmdel is proof that thoughtful reinvention pays off. It draws steady leasing interest and supports strong tenant retention, key metrics in a market that’s favoring quality over quantity.

Bell Works Chicagoland: Smart Growth in the Suburbs

Located in Hoffman Estates, Bell Works Chicagoland taps into the growing demand for suburban workspaces that don’t compromise on amenities. Chicago’s office market is showing signs of recovery, with 15.6% annual growth in office demand. That resurgence is being led by companies that need space designed for hybrid teams, wellness, and productivity–not gray cubicle farms.

Bell Works Chicagoland offers just that, making it a compelling asset for tenants and an attractive opportunity for savvy investors looking to get in ahead of the next wave.

Fort Monmouth: A Strategic Expansion

Coming soon, Bell Works Fort Monmouth will bring the Metroburb model to an entirely new audience along the Jersey Shore. As leasing activity accelerates nationwide, we anticipate strong interest in this next-generation workspace.

This expansion is more than a new location. It’s a sign of market confidence and an invitation for investors to participate in the reinvention of workspaces at a time when capital is seeking long-term value.

What’s Driving the Return of Office Investment?

1. The Back-to-Office Push

Remote work is still part of the equation, but many companies, especially in finance, tech, and law, are mandating more in-office time. According to Cousins Properties CEO Colin Connolly, “We hear from customers they’re going to continue bringing more workers back to the office. In many cases, they don’t have enough space to accommodate the transition.”

2. Shortage of Desirable Space

There has been virtually no new office development in recent years, which means supply of top-tier office space is tight. As demand increases, well-located, amenity-rich buildings are seeing higher rents and fewer concessions–favorable conditions for landlords and investors.

3. Discounted Acquisitions

Many office buildings are selling at 35% to 60% discounts compared to pre-pandemic valuations, according to Green Street. This creates opportunities for investors to reposition assets, lower break-even costs, and lease space competitively.

4. Creative Capital Strategies

From distressed asset funds to private equity debt vehicles, firms like Hines and Rialto Capital are stepping in to fill the lending gap. Their goal: fund well-leased buildings or help new buyers capitalize on discounted pricing.

For example, RXR recently acquired a 49% stake in a Midtown Manhattan tower–despite its 25% vacancy and $1 billion in looming debt–and committed to a $300 million renovation. Why? Because the long-term value is there for the right property.

Why Bell Works Is the Right Bet

Bell Works checks every box for the discerning investor in today’s market:

• High-Quality Infrastructure: Architecturally significant campuses with modern amenities.
• Strong Tenant Demand: Growing occupancy fueled by hybrid workforces and flexible leasing options.
• Multi-Use Ecosystem: Retail, hospitality, events, and wellness offerings built in.
• Location, Location, Location: Prime suburban markets with easy access to major metros.
• Future-Proof Design: Spaces built to adapt, not just impress.

In a market where investors are being more selective than ever, Bell Works offers a rare combination of stability, innovation, and long-term upside.

The Office Market Is Changing—Are You Ready to Grow With It?

While some investors are still hesitant, others are positioning themselves ahead of the curve. The question isn’t whether office real estate will rebound—it’s where the smart money will go as it does.

Bell Works isn’t just surviving the shift in office demand; we’re shaping what comes next. For tenants, it’s a better way to work. For investors, it’s a better way to grow.

Explore leasing opportunities today:

• Bell Works Holmdel
• Bell Works Chicagoland
• Bell Works Fort Monmouth (Coming Soon!)