Houston's office market saw modest growth in Q2 2013, with 286,000 SF of positive net absorption. Absorption was lower than the previous year's quarter but is expected to increase as new developments deliver space later in the year. The overall vacancy rate increased slightly to 14.9% while average rental rates rose to $24.26 per SF. Job and economic growth in Houston remained strong, led by expansion in the energy sector. New office developments totaling over 9 million SF are planned or under construction to accommodate ongoing corporate growth.