As one of the fastest-growing markets of the past decade that continues to make headlines for high-profile developments and corporate relocations, Austin has had some economic and demographic cushion from the headwinds brought on by COVID-19 over the past year. While leasing and investment sales activity essentially froze at the onset of the pandemic, as it did in virtually every major U.S. market, Austin’s strong growth in office-using jobs, natural pace of in-migration and vibrant culture all contributed to a swift and stable rebound. With a full year of pandemic living now under the belt, it’s a good time for a by-the-numbers evaluation of the public health crisis’ impacts on various property types within the state capital. In addition, it’s an appropriate point at which to reflect on the degree to which pandemic-accelerated trends like online shopping and working from home are going to influence future deals and projects. These shifts in consumer behavior have major implications for all commercial asset classes. To that end, Texas Real Estate Business conducted a roundtable discussion with leasing and investment sales professionals representing multiple property types at the Austin office of NAI Partners. What follows are their edited responses: Tyler Jaynes: Industrial’s Staying …
