The global hunt for artificial intelligence and technology talent is fundamentally reshaping Europe's commercial real estate market, with London, Paris, and Dublin emerging as the continent's undisputed champions in attracting high-value tech occupiers and investors alike.
According to Colliers' latest Global Tech Markets: Top Talent Locations 2025 report, these three European powerhouses have secured positions in the global top 10 for tech talent, with London claiming the prestigious second spot worldwide, ahead of established giants New York and Seattle. The findings reveal that EMEA now dominates the global landscape with 22 cities in the top 50, more than any other region.
"Location strategy across Europe for the global technology sector continues to be driven by key cities that possess the deepest and most dynamic talent hubs and digital eco-systems," said Andrew Hallissey, CEO of Global Occupier Services at Colliers. "Companies are aligning their talent, innovation, and space strategies, and it's exciting to see London rank number two in the world, ahead of cities like New York and Seattle, with both Paris and Dublin securing positions in the Top 10 too."
The report reveals a significant shift in corporate decision-making, with 59% of global executives now relying on labour analytics to inform their real estate investments. This data-driven approach is creating unprecedented opportunities for forward-thinking developers and investors who recognise the correlation between talent density and long-term asset appreciation. Dublin's tech sector alone accounts for 36% of its Gross Value Added, the highest in EMEA. In comparison, Bucharest leads venture capital growth with a staggering 79% compound annual growth rate over the past decade.
Key EMEA highlights:
- London ranks #2 globally, ahead of New York and Seattle, and leads EMEA for talent pipeline strength.
- Paris and Dublin join the Top 10 globally, with Dublin’s tech sector accounting for 36% of its GVA - the highest in EMEA.
- Bucharest leads the region in venture capital growth, with a 79% CAGR over 10 years.
- Berlin, Amsterdam, Munich, and Warsaw stand out for affordability, talent density, and acquisition potential.
For commercial real estate stakeholders, the implications are profound. Landlords must now reposition assets to attract AI-ready occupiers seeking flexible workspace solutions near talent clusters, while investors are discovering that traditional location metrics no longer predict future value creation. The report identifies Berlin, Amsterdam, Munich, and Warsaw as emerging hotspots offering optimal combinations of affordability, talent density, and acquisition potential.
"Our clients are using real-time labour analytics to make evidence-based location decisions. Europe is now the proving ground for smart, scalable and evidence-based location strategy," Hallissey added. "It's no longer just about where you can grow, but where you can grow best."
Download the full report: Global Tech Markets: Top Talent Locations 2025
People mentioned:
- Andrew Hallissey, CEO of Global Occupier Services at Colliers
Companies mentioned:
- Colliers - Global commercial real estate services company
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