What does a negative expected net absorption indicate?

A negative expected net absorption indicates a decrease in demand for office space. When net absorption is negative, it reflects that the amount of space being vacated or becoming available exceeds the amount of space being leased or occupied. This typically suggests that tenants are downsizing, moving out, or there is an overall decline in the need for office space in the area. Consequently, the increased availability of space can lead to higher vacancy rates and potentially prompt landlords to reduce rental prices to attract new tenants.

In contrast to the other options: stable market conditions would generally not result in negative absorption, an increase in office occupancy rates contradicts the idea of negative absorption, and positive growth in employment usually correlates with higher demand for office space, rather than a decrease. Thus, the interpretation of a negative expected net absorption aligning with a decrease in demand for office space is accurate.