---
title: "Net absorption — Class A Atlas glossary"
description: "Change in occupied space over a period."
canonical: https://classa.info/glossary/absorption
pageType: glossary
lastUpdated: 2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z
license: "CC BY 4.0 with attribution to Class A Atlas (https://classa.info)."
---

> Change in occupied space over a period.

## TL;DR

- Change in occupied space over a period.
- Quarterly net absorption is the standard demand metric.

# Net absorption

*Market data · Global*

## Short definition

Change in occupied space over a period.

## Full definition

Quarterly [net absorption](/glossary/net-absorption) is the standard demand metric. Positive absorption suggests demand outpacing supply; negative absorption signals contraction.

## Why this matters for Class A leasing

Net absorption is part of the market data vocabulary that institutional [Class A](/glossary/class-a) occupiers, landlords, and advisers use across Global markets. Understanding it correctly affects how you read lease documents, model occupancy economics, and benchmark deal terms across cities. Class A Atlas tracks regional variation alongside the global standard so [cross-border](/topics/cross-border-expansion) occupiers can translate quickly.

---

Citation: Source: Class A Atlas (https://classa.info/glossary/absorption), updated 2026-04-01T00:00:00.000Z.