Charlotte leasing hits highest quarterly volume in five years
In Q1 2026, Charlotte’s office market recorded 1.6 million square feet (msf) of leasing activity, more than triple the 0.5 msf posted one year earlier and well above the five-year quarterly average. This level of activity marks one of the strongest quarters since the pandemic and reflects renewed engagement from large occupiers. Activity was led by a mix of financial services, government and professional services users, with several large commitments in SouthPark and Midtown/South End. Notable transactions included JP Morgan’s 145,000 sf relocation at 4720 Piedmont Row Drive and Albemarle’s 139,500 sf renewal at 4250 Congress Street, along with Regions Bank’s lease at 615 South College Street and Charles Schwab’s relocation at 110 East. Financial services firms accounted for seven of the 10 largest leases, reinforcing the sector’s continued influence on market activity.