Prime rents in the Essex office market came under pressure in the early stages of the pandemic, with the need for office space being called into question. Some 18 months down the line the outlook for the sector has become a little clearer and both occupier demand and rental values have reflected the greater certainty. Prime rents on average have risen by 7.4% over the past 12 months, with the greatest uplift being seen in the primary markets of Brentwood and Chelmsford.