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AUSTIN, TX—Corporate expansions have intensified, elevating job creation, generating demand for office space and sparking a construction boom. In addition to the economic drivers Apple's campus has brought to the market, other major technology firms have made announcements, such as Interactions and Visa. All of the employment announcements have developers bullish; with the 4 million square feet of office space in the metro the highest total on record since at least 2007, says a report by Marcus & Millichap Research Services.

Nathan Smith of Austin Tenant Advisors tells GlobeSt.com: “Job growth is strong, businesses in many industries appear to be thriving, and according to Census data, we have over 100 people moving to the Austin metro area every day. What that means is that finding office space to lease in Austin is getting harder and harder.”

Indeed, tenant demand is absorbing much of the new space that will become available. In fact, a majority of the nearly 2 million square feet delivered has been spoken for and pre-leasing of buildings slated for completion is also strong. The three largest office buildings that opened during early last year averaged 78% full, says Marcus & Millichap. Strong net absorption is projected to continue this year, tightening vacancy and lifting market rental rates.