From Brown Discounts to Digital Premiums: Why Digital Performance Now Drives Value

Recent data shows that strong digital infrastructure supports better rental outcomes. Cushman and Wakefield’s analysis of leasing data and WiredScore certification records found an average rental premium of 4.1 per cent for WiredScore-certified Central London offices. The best-performing buildings achieved uplifts of up to 5.1 per cent.

The paper also highlights occupancy benefits. Research published by WiredScore, summarising a Moody’s Analytics CRE study, reported that vacancy is around 3.8 per cent lower in certified buildings than in comparable non-certified stock.

These figures indicate a clear pattern. Digital capability strengthens confidence during leasing. Tenants want certainty that core digital services will work on day one. Many occupiers now treat fast internet, good mobile coverage and simple onboarding as standard requirements rather than extras. Buildings that cannot provide this lose time, lose momentum during viewings and often lose deals or are forced to offer so-called brown discounts.

The white paper brings together market evidence and practical advice. It sets out what reliable digital performance looks like in a commercial building and explains why this matters to tenants, agents, valuers and investors. It also provides clear steps that help owners improve digital readiness without needing major redevelopment work. The guidance covers the basics that reduce disruption, lower operational risk and improve how buildings are assessed during due diligence.

The paper notes that digital issues often arise from simple things. Missing documentation. Unclear demarcation between landlord and tenant responsibilities. Weak separation between tenant IT, building and third-party systems. Single points of failure in risers or comms rooms. These problems lead to delays and uncertainty. They also make it harder for leasing teams to give clear answers. The white paper proposes a consistent approach that helps owners tackle these areas across a portfolio.

Modern Networks has used its experience across more than 2,000 UK properties to introduce BuildingConnect, a service designed for multi-let office buildings and flexible workspaces. BuildingConnect focuses on resilient connectivity, automated network provisioning and tenant onboarding, strong governance and clear documentation. It also helps owners support WiredScore and SmartScore certification, which many agents and valuers now use as trusted signals of quality.

WiredScore and SmartScore certifications provide leasing teams with a globally recognised marketing tool to showcase tech-forward infrastructure to prospective tenants, while offering valuers a trusted benchmark to justify rental premiums. The white paper explains how certifications fit into modern due diligence and why they matter more as the market becomes more transparent.

Many commercial property teams know that digital issues can interrupt leasing or cause complaints but may not have a clear view of how to fix them at scale. The white paper offers a practical route. It ties digital performance to measurable outcomes in rent, occupancy and risk. It also provides a portfolio checklist aligned with certification standards. This checklist helps owners prioritise actions and plan improvements in a structured way.

Leadership teams in REITs, managing agents and commercial landlords will find value in the clarity of the evidence and the straightforward nature of the guidance. Professionals working in shopping centres, retail parks, science parks and innovation hubs will recognise many of the challenges described. They will also see that many solutions are simple and cost-effective when applied consistently.

Digital reliability is now as important as physical services. It affects tenant experience, operational confidence and how a building’s story is told in the market. Owners who improve their digital foundations can protect value and build a stronger case during leasing and valuation. The new white paper explains how to do this in practical terms.

Readers who want a clear summary of the evidence and a practical plan can download From Brown Discounts to Digital Premiums and explore the guidance in detail. The paper is available from Modern Networks now. Feel free to reach out to your account manager by phone or email to request a copy of the white paper.

This blog article’s initial draft was created with the help of Microsoft Copilot.