Top Growth Markets—and Why Office Vacancy Is Creating Hidden Opportunities

Host Dave McGuire sits down with Matthew Barnhill , who leads McGuire Sponsel’s property tax practice from the Dallas office, to discuss how elevated office vacancy rates in major growth markets are creating hidden property tax opportunities.

From Dallas and Austin to Nashville, Charlotte, and Indianapolis, many office properties continue to face slower leasing activity and higher vacancy levels post-COVID. Matthew explains how commercial office buildings are commonly valued using the income approach, why assessors may still assume stabilized occupancy, and how that can lead to overvaluation and higher property tax liabilities.

The conversation explores structural vs. temporary vacancy, how vacancy differs building by building, January 1 valuation dates, Class A vs. older office buildings, office-to-residential conversion scenarios, and how cap rates and net operating income influence assessments. Dave and Matthew also discuss how CPAs can use rent rolls, financial statements, and declining property performance to help identify reassessment opportunities for clients.

Whether you’re a CPA, commercial property owner, or real estate investor , this episode breaks down how changing office market conditions may create opportunities to reduce property tax exposure.