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AI Firms Double London Office Space in First Half of 2026

AI companies acquired over 700,000 sq ft of London office space in the first half of 2026, more than twice the amount taken in the whole of 2025.

  • AI businesses accounted for up to a third of central London office take-up in Q2 2026.
  • Major US AI firms like Anthropic and OpenAI have committed to significant office spaces in London.
  • London has attracted 86 AI-related foreign direct investment projects since 2025, more than any other European city.

AI firms secured more than 700,000 sq ft of London office space in the first six months of 2026. This figure is over double the amount acquired by AI businesses throughout the entirety of 2025, as fast-growing technology companies expand their presence in the capital.

According to an Opportunity London report, produced by JLL and shared with City AM, AI businesses were responsible for as much as a third of central London office take-up during the second quarter of 2026. This surge is providing a boost to London's commercial property market.

Notable commitments include Anthropic, the US firm behind Claude, agreeing to approximately 158,500 sq ft at One Triton Square earlier this year. ChatGPT maker OpenAI also committed to roughly 95,500 sq ft at Jahn Court near King’s Cross. Replit, a US AI coding startup, recently chose London for its first international office, opening a base in King’s Cross.

Since 2025, London has attracted 86 AI-related foreign direct investment projects, according to fDi Markets, surpassing any other European city, with Paris ranking second with 28 projects. Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of Opportunity London, stated that the sector's growth is evident in leasing decisions, investment volumes, and commitments from global businesses.

Why this matters: The expansion of AI firms provides a boost to London's commercial property market, which has faced uncertainty due to hybrid working and concerns that AI could reduce demand for office space.

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