UK Office Grading System Not Fit for Purpose, Says BCO

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03 September 2025

A new report from the British Council for Offices and JLL recommends an overhaul of how office quality is defined and measured in the UK.

A new grading system could replace the outdated "Grade A" definition, according to the “Redefining the Market: Beyond Grade A” report.

A survey of 89 representatives across 41 organisations, plus data from more than 180 survey responses and stakeholder workshops, showed that fewer than three per cent of respondents supported the current grading system. The report author suggests that Grades A, B, and C in the classification system are “loosely defined” and often subjective. 

The result, the report argues, is that too many properties are marketed as Grade A, making it harder for property owners to understand how their buildings are performing.

The report recommends a new 100-point scoring matrix that evaluates physical quality, sustainability, technology and amenity. This would include a flexible matrix adaptable to both new-builds and retrofits, resulting in four-tier classification: Prime (≥80 points), Grade A (50–79 points), Grade B (30–49 points) and Grade C (<30 points). The matrix has been piloted in office schemes in London, Leeds, Manchester, Reading and Gloucester.

“Office market standards and occupier expectations have evolved since the pandemic,” says  Elaine Rossall, report author and JLL Head of Offices Research. “While traditional physical characteristics remain important, there has been a shift towards emphasising building performance and user experience, and it was encouraging to see that there was a strong recognition and a consensus for change from across a broad cross section of stakeholders.  This is key for industry adoption and to ensure relevance over the longer term.”

The British Council for Offices is seeking feedback on the proposed new grading system. To share your views, email mail@bco.org.uk

Picture: a photograph of an office with a desk and two chairs facing a large window. Image Credit: Unsplash

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 03 September 2025

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