Digital Infrastructure: The New Battleground for Office Buildings

If you still think fast internet is just a “nice to have” for office buildings, think again. 

A new white paper from Modern Networks Ltd makes the case that digital infrastructure is rapidly becoming a decisive factor in commercial property value, leasing success, and investor confidence.

The report, titled From Brown Discounts to Digital Premiums, explores how robust connectivity, smart building capabilities, and independently verified digital performance are reshaping expectations in the office market. In short: buildings that are digitally prepared are increasingly outperforming those that aren’t.

Certified Connectivity = Higher Rents

The evidence is mounting. Research examining Central London leasing data alongside certification records from WiredScore found that digitally certified buildings command noticeably higher rents.

Analysis by Cushman & Wakefield showed WiredScore-certified offices achieved an average rental premium of 4.1%, with the most digitally capable buildings reaching uplifts of up to 5.1%.

It’s not just about rent either. Occupancy improves too. Research summarised by WiredScore using data from Moody’s Analytics suggests that vacancy rates are around 3.8% lower in certified buildings compared with similar properties lacking digital credentials.

Tenants Now Expect Digital Certainty

The shift reflects a simple reality: tenants increasingly view connectivity as a basic utility, not a luxury.

Reliable internet, strong in-building mobile coverage, and smooth digital onboarding are now central to decision-making when businesses evaluate office space. If a building cannot demonstrate dependable connectivity from day one, it risks being discounted by potential tenants.

Introducing BuildingConnect

Alongside the white paper, Modern Networks is launching BuildingConnect, a service aimed at helping landlords and managing agents improve digital readiness across multi-let office buildings and flexible workspaces.

The approach focuses on several key elements:

resilient building-wide connectivity

clear separation between landlord and tenant IT systems

defined responsibilities for infrastructure management

documented evidence trails to support certification and due diligence

According to Managing Director James Tizzard, digital performance has moved from the server room to the boardroom.

When connectivity is reliable, documented and independently validated, it reduces friction in the leasing process and helps investors and occupiers clearly understand risk and resilience.

The New Value Narrative for Property

The wider message of the report is clear: digital infrastructure is becoming as important as location, sustainability credentials, or transport links when assessing office assets.

For landlords and investors, that means connectivity strategy is no longer just an IT issue — it’s a core component of asset performance.

The white paper From Brown Discounts to Digital Premiums is available from Modern Networks on request and through the company’s website https://modern-networks.co.uk