MacroBusiness Access Subscriber Only Content at 1:40 pm on February 9, 2021 | 41 comments Since COVID-19 struck and Australia’s nanny state kicked into gear, office occupancy has cratered. Whether this is a long-term phenomenon as work from home takes hold is a crucial question. Commercial construction is a decent driver of economic activity. Via the Property Council: Melbourne’s office occupancy rate increased to 31 per cent in January but still lags the nation following Victoria’s extended lockdown and prolonged work from home orders throughout 2020. The Property Council of Australia’s periodic Office Occupancy Survey shows an increase from 13 per cent in December, after reaching a low of 7 per cent in October, and reflects a renewed confidence and the Victorian Government’s safe and progressive roadmap to the reopening of offices.