The global occupational office market recovered from the downward trend seen in 2009 to positive rental growth in 2010, according to the latest research data from Cushman & Wakefield.

Stronger demand resulting from an increase in business activity caused rents to climb in a growing number of countries. The recovery was led by the Asia Pacific region where rents climbed by 8% over the year. Hong Kong - the most expensive market globally - and Beijing saw huge jumps in rental growth of 51% and 48% respectively.

Growth around the world was very varied. Some of the most mature markets, including London and New York, rallied strongly, with equal if not stronger growth coming from some of the major emerging markets.

Rental growth in Europe was positive. The upturn was led by London, with both the City and West End seeing an increase in occupier confidence and recording the highest rental growth over the year as supply levels dropped. The most expensive European location, and the second most expensive globally, was the London West End submarket. Moscow CBD ranked second in Europe and seventh globally.