Core Insights - The life sciences real estate sector is experiencing significant challenges, including record vacancy rates and funding difficulties, leading to a retreat from previously high demand [2][5][6] Group 1: Market Trends - IQHQ, a developer, has put a recently acquired property in Redwood City, California, up for sale, indicating a shift in strategy as the life sciences real estate market faces downturns [2][3] - The average vacancy rate for life sciences spaces has surged from 6.6% in 2022 to 27% today, surpassing the national average vacancy rate for office spaces, which stands at 22.5% [6][12] - Newly constructed lab spaces completed between 2022 and 2024 have a staggering 48% vacancy rate, highlighting a mismatch between supply and demand [11] Group 2: Funding Challenges - Federal research funding, crucial for life sciences startups, is down by approximately $5 billion in grant awards compared to the previous year, impacting the sector's growth [4][19] - Venture capital investment in life sciences has decreased, with only $24.9 billion raised through September 2025, marking a potential low since before the pandemic [5][21] - The ecosystem of smaller life sciences firms, which traditionally drive demand for lab space, is under pressure as funding shifts towards larger, established companies [22] Group 3: Regional Insights - Major life sciences markets such as Boston, the Bay Area, and San Diego are experiencing unprecedented vacancy rates, with availability rates reaching 33% and 35% respectively [13][12] - Incubator spaces, typically resilient during downturns, are also feeling the strain, with some delaying expansion plans due to rising vacancies [14][16] Group 4: Future Outlook - There is a potential pivot in strategy for some real estate investors, considering alternative uses for vacant lab spaces, including applications in AI and drug manufacturing [23]