Building costs still on the climb

The latest service charge analyses for offices and retail premises by Jones Lang LaSalle has revealed that the average cost of air conditioned buildings rose by 4.9% in 2000. The cost of running non-air conditioned buildings rose by 4.5%.

In the Office Oscar report, the costs for air conditioned buildings range from £44.88/m2 in the north to £68.14/m2 in the City of London – the most expensive location. Similarly, the average costs for non air-conditioned buildings have risen to 36.17/m2 in the north to £45.53/m2 in London.

Energy remains an important cost factor in air conditioned buildings, says Jones Lang LaSalle. This now accounts for 17% of costs, with maintenance at 19% and security at 20%. In non air-conditioned buildings, energy represents 12% of the total costs.

The Office Oscar and Retail Oscar reports are now available to download from an interactive website: www.oscar.joneslang lasalle.co.uk.