Explore, connect, thrive in
the expat community

Expat Life: Local Discoveries, Global Connections

Apartment Rental Commercial premises: rental availability and what might happen to prices for the rest of the year - La Nacion Propiedades

BuySellBA

Administrator
Commercial premises: rental availability and what might happen to prices for the rest of the year - La Nacion Propiedades


1751556493306.png



Source:





July 03, 2025



The commercial sector has new opportunities driven by the adaptation of premises to changes in consumer habits and more flexible formats.



By Ariel Goldfarb





rs=w:1280

Belgrano's commercial corridors maintain their attractiveness thanks to the high pedestrian flow and a varied offer of services.THE NATION



The commercial space market in the City of Buenos Aires underwent significant growth during 2024, marked by a transformation process reflected in an increase in vacancy, which rose from 3.6% to 5.1%, according to Newmark's "Analysis and Perspectives" report. This change is due to factors such as the rise of e-commerce and the need for retailers to adapt to new consumer dynamics that are redefining the direction of the sector.



Although some areas, primarily those dependent on tourism and office workers, experienced certain challenges, neighborhood corridors and high-traffic hubs, such as Palermo Soho and Avenida Alvear , maintained their appeal thanks to an offering more aligned with new consumer habits.







rs=w:1280

High-traffic hubs such as Palermo and Avenida Alvear maintain their appeal due to their offerings adapted to new consumer habits. Alejandro Guyot





Santiago Winokur , a broker at Newmark Argentina, summarized the situation of the retail market in Buenos Aires: “The sector is undergoing a transformation phase, in which differentiation and omnichannel have become essential factors for competitiveness. Looking ahead to the remainder of the year, the main challenge will be to recover consumption and ensure stable rental values .”



Possible scenarios

The report proposes three possible trajectories for the commercial space market in Buenos Aires , depending on the macroeconomic context. Each scenario presents variations in vacancy, turnover rates, and rental values, elements that will be decisive in understanding the evolution of the sector.



Optimistic scenario

In a context of sustained economic recovery, with slowing inflation and improved purchasing power, vacancy could fall to 3.8%, with a turnover rate of 3% and average rents ranging between US$24 and US$26/m² . This scenario would imply greater consumer growth and a consolidation of demand in strategic areas.







rs=w:1280

Open-air centers became popular after the pandemic. New Quilmes Plaza



Base scenario

If the economy remains stable, without major setbacks but not a strong recovery, vacancy is expected to stabilize around 5% , with a turnover rate of 4% and rental values between US$22 and US$23/m² . This would be a maintenance scenario, in which competitiveness will depend on specific strategies implemented by operators.



Challenging scenario

If economic volatility and inflationary uncertainty persist, vacancy could exceed 6% , with turnover exceeding 5.5% and a drop in rental values to a range of US$20 to US$21/m² . In this context, landlords may be forced to renegotiate contracts with tenants and implement incentives to maintain occupancy.







rs=w:1280

According to a Newmark report, vacancy rates increased from 3.6% to 5.1% during 2024.Soledad Aznarez - The Nation



Beyond numerical projections, market developments will be closely tied to consumer confidence and brands' ability to adapt to new conditions . If an improvement in purchasing power is consolidated and stability is strengthened, the sector could enter a period of expansion.



Strategies in transformation

Demand continues to be led by the fashion and textile sectors (45%), but the food industry is gaining ground as a driving force in commercial corridors. "Consumers continue to seek out gastronomic experiences, despite the decline in consumption, which is driving the opening of cafes and fast-food establishments," Karina Longo, head of market analysis at CBRE Argentina & Uruguay, told LA NACION .







rs=w:1280

Gastronomy remains a driver of demand in commercial corridors, even in a context of moderate consumption.Government of the City of Buenos Aires



Driven by the rise of e-commerce and the changing economic environment, brands are opting to reduce the size of their stores and adapt them to new layouts that improve the customer experience , with dedicated spaces for online shopping pickups. This shift in strategy is also being adopted by fast-food chains, which are prioritizing takeaway options .





Jesica Amendola, Office and Retail Manager at Adrián Mercado, emphasized that well-located high-traffic locations, such as those in Palermo, Belgrano, and certain major corridors , maintain strong demand. "Although in more traditional or less dynamic areas, the effects of reduced consumption and economic uncertainty persist," she added.





New opportunities

Diversification of retail formats, digital integration, and differentiation between premium and low-cost brands are emerging as the main development strategies for the near future. An expansion in the supply of mixed-use projects is also expected, as well as the arrival of new international brands that will demand superior spaces, both in shopping centers and on traditional city streets.



In this context, Ramiro Álvarez, Industrial & Commercial Manager at Narvaez Inmobiliaria, stated: " Neighborhoods like La Lucila, Vicente López, and Olivos continue to be commercial centers , especially for retailers offering high-end products." He also explained that, despite the rise of e-commerce, demand for retail spaces in these areas remains strong , driven by the quality of their infrastructure and access to services that continue to attract brands with unique offerings.



For his part, Marcos Augusto Ballario Rota, an analyst at LJ Ramos, warned that the outlook is moderately positive, although highly influenced by the sector. "While a recovery is already being observed in the main corridors, sectors such as the food and clothing sectors continue to face challenges, which limits the possibility of significantly increasing contract values ," he added.



Thus, the retail market in Buenos Aires has opportunities. To sustain the sector's profitability, it will be crucial to innovate in retail formats, adapt to new consumer demands, and rethink occupancy strategies.




www.buysellba.com
 
Back
Top