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Greater Boston Lab Market Edges into Positive Territory for Q2 2026
The Greater Boston lab market posted its first quarter of positive net absorption in nearly a year for the second quarter of 2026, representing what CBRE called “a tentative sign of stabilization amid persistent headwinds.” Total market availability edged up 10 basis points from Q1 and 60 bps from Q2 2025 to 32.8%, while vacancy is up 250 bps year-over-year to 28.7%.
Net absorption in Q2 registered a modest positive 4,141 square feet, an improvement from the 117,186 square feet of negative absorption recorded in Q1. However, year-to-date absorption remains negative at 113,049 square feet.
CBRE reported, “Despite the positive quarterly absorption figure, overall market conditions remain tenant-favorable. Cambridge drove the bulk of the improvement, posting nearly 194,000 square feet of positive absorption, while suburban submarkets contracted. Rents extended their decline for the fourth consecutive quarter, and vacancy rose further from the prior period, underscoring the fragility of any nascent recovery and the continued imbalance between supply and active demand.”
- ◦Lease
