Positive Signs in Berkshire’s Property Markets
A shortage of Grade A office space is opening up new opportunities in Reading’s commercial property market, according to speakers at the latest Reading Social, held on 12 February at Apex Reading and chaired by UK Property Forums managing director Matthew Battle.
Rob Marson, agency director at Campbell Gordon, acknowledged the market appears subdued but argued that demand for top-quality space will become clearer as ONE Station Hill lets up. He pointed to strong office take-up in 2026 and welcomed occupiers relocating to the town from Oxford, Windsor and London.
Andy Jansons, managing director of Jansons Property, sees scope in converting Grade B offices to homes under Permitted Development rights and in redeveloping secondary stock for industrial use. His firm is currently turning the former Dell offices in Bracknell into an industrial and logistics scheme.
On the residential side, Haslams Estate Agents managing director Dan Channer described Reading’s Build to Rent market as healthy, but cautioned that approving every current planning application for new flats in the town would lead to oversupply. Haslams had a positive 2025 despite shifting conditions.
Mark Pearson, head of economic development at REDA, highlighted strong demand for space from life science, tech and defence occupiers.
Matthew Battle said the panel had shown that opportunities still arise despite economic and international uncertainty, and thanked Apex Reading landlord Legal & General for its support with the event.
Source: UK Property Forums, original article (16 February 2026)
