Little new office space is available in Lexington and Richland counties.
Commercial Lexington County space is going for $17 to $20 a square foot annually, Ted McGee of McGee Real Estate said.
The higher rates are 1st class buildings often including owner-provided insurance, taxes and utilities.
Rising construction costs have discouraged commercial developers.
With higher costs, owners need to charge a minimum $20 a square foot, he said. 
Vacancy rates are at an all-time high of 19.4% in the Columbia metropolitan area.
The average asking rent in Columbia is $18.79 per square foot annually.
That's more than $1,500 per month for 1,000 square feet.

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