A guide to renting serviced office spaces

Searching for the perfect office space? Serviced offices are becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a growing start-up, an established company looking for flexibility, or a corporation seeking satellite offices, our comprehensive guide will help you understand everything about serviced offices. We’ll cover all you need to know – from what serviced offices are and how they work to how you can make an informed decision and choose the right space for your business.

In this guide, you will learn:

What serviced offices are and how they’ve evolved to meet modern business needs
How serviced offices work and the kinds of businesses they’re best suited for
The benefits and features included with serviced office spaces
How serviced offices can help your business save money and remain agile
What to look for when choosing a serviced office and potential pitfalls to avoid
Key differences between serviced offices and other workspace solutions

What is a serviced office?

A serviced office is a ready-to-use workspace that allows businesses to move in and start operating immediately. These fully equipped, contemporary workspaces are leased on a short-term, rolling basis and include all essential infrastructure—from modern furnishings and high-speed internet to reception and cleaning services—bundled into a single monthly payment. With everything set up and managed for you, you can focus on running your business rather than dealing with office administration.

The rise of serviced offices

The serviced office sector has seen remarkable growth in recent years as businesses seek more flexible working arrangements. The UK’s serviced office industry has flourished, reaching a substantial £2.9 billion in revenue for 2024 [1]. This growth isn’t just limited to London—there’s also a growing demand for fitted spaces in regional cities [2].

Research shows that 37% of UK businesses now choose serviced offices as their workspace solution [3]. As companies grow and change, these spaces provide the perfect blend of professional environment, convenience and flexibility.

The rise in serviced offices also aligns with evolving work patterns. Recent Office for National Statistics data shows that 28% of workers now split their time between working at home and in the office [4]. Serviced offices are perfectly positioned to support this hybrid approach, offering professional meeting spaces and well-equipped workspaces that teams can use flexibly while maintaining a consistent professional environment for client meetings and collaborative work.

Who are serviced offices for?

Serviced offices suit a diverse range of businesses and mainly benefit:

Start-ups and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises)

Serviced offices are ideal for new businesses wanting a professional setting without long-term commitments. All facilities and utilities are included, helping you manage costs effectively.

Project teams

For project teams working on specific initiatives, these spaces offer the perfect temporary solution that can flex with your project’s timeline.

Growing businesses

The ability to scale space up or down makes serviced offices ideal for companies in growth phases. Serviced offices are paid for on a per-desk basis, enabling you to increase the number of workstations at short notice as teams expand.

Corporate satellite offices

Larger organisations can benefit from using serviced offices to establish a presence in new

markets with ready-to-go workspaces, minus the high setup costs.

How do serviced offices work?

The beauty of serviced offices lies in their simplicity. Serviced offices operate on flexible, short-term contracts, allowing businesses to scale as needed. They come fully furnished with essential office equipment, so tenants can move in and start working immediately. The process is designed to be hassle-free; you pay one monthly fee covering both space and services, with agreements typically on a rolling 3-month contract.

The benefits of serviced offices

Serviced offices offer a range of advantages that make them an attractive choice for modern businesses, including but not limited to:

Cost efficiency

By offering an all-inclusive package, serviced offices let you access the space and equipment your business needs without having to invest upfront so that you can preserve capital for core business activities. That means no surprise bills for maintenance or utilities – everything is wrapped into one predictable monthly payment.

Flexibility

Agreements are typically on a 3-month rolling licence, meaning you can adapt your office space as your business evolves. This flexibility is invaluable in today’s fast-moving business environment, where scaling up or down quickly can make all the difference.

Professional image

A stylish and well-appointed serviced office in a prime location helps build your company’s credibility. It offers an impressive setting for client meetings without the premium price tag of a traditional lease.

spacious serviced office with many chairs and desks

What’s typically included with serviced offices?

A serviced office can typically include all the following in your monthly fee. Please note that features and amenities will vary depending on the site.

Utilities (heating, air conditioning, water)
High-speed internet
Telephone systems with dedicated lines
Basic IT support
Quality office furniture
Ergonomic workstations
Storage solutions
Shared meeting rooms and conference spaces
Shared kitchen facilities
Shared breakout areas
Shared reception services
Mail handling
Building Security
Regular cleaning
Maintenance
Printing and copying
Bike storage and showers
Phone answering services
Networking events
24/7 building access

How a serviced office can save your business money

While the monthly cost of a serviced office might initially seem higher than a traditional lease, the overall benefits make it a smart choice for many businesses.

First, you save significantly on upfront costs. There’s no need to invest in furniture, IT equipment, or office setup. This frees up your capital for what matters – growing your business.

The all-inclusive monthly fee makes budgeting straightforward. Your payment covers utilities, maintenance and building services, eliminating unexpected expenses. Plus, business rates are typically included in your rent and won’t change during your fixed rental period, providing even more financial predictability.

You’ll also save by only paying for the space you need. As your business grows or changes, you can adjust your space accordingly, ensuring you never pay for unused square footage.

What to look for when renting a serviced office space

Finding the right serviced office space involves considering several key factors to ensure that the space meets your business’s needs, supports its operations, fits your budget and aligns with your long-term growth strategy [5]. These factors include:

Location

Make sure the office is easily accessible for your team and clients. Look for good transport links and nearby amenities. The right location can significantly impact your team’s happiness and your business’s success.

Size

When considering space, plan for about 100 square feet per employee. This gives everyone room to work comfortably while encouraging a collaborative atmosphere. Consider your current needs and growth plans—many serviced offices make it easy to expand when needed.

Technology infrastructure

Good connectivity is essential for modern business. Check the quality and reliability of the internet connection and find out what level of IT support is available.

Contract flexibility

Look for agreements that allow you to scale up or down as needed. Clear terms about notice periods and additional costs are essential, too.

Community and environment

Consider the mix of other businesses in the building and the overall atmosphere. The right environment can create valuable networking opportunities and contribute to your team’s productivity.

[Insert image]

Are there any hidden risks in serviced office agreements?

There are several things to check for in your serviced office agreement before you sign on the dotted line.

Cost Escalation

Review any clauses about price increases, particularly those tied to inflation or building occupancy rates. Make sure you understand any factors that might cause your costs to change.

Service Limitations

Get clear information about what’s included in your package and any elements that might incur additional charges. These could include after-hours air conditioning or premium IT support.

Space Restrictions

Understand any limitations on office customisation or branding. While you can usually make your space feel like home, knowing the boundaries is essential.

Summary

Serviced offices are an adaptable workspace solution that gives companies the space and flexibility to thrive. They combine the professionalism of a premium office environment with the option to scale as your business evolves. From start-ups looking to establish their first professional base to established corporations expanding into new markets, serviced offices provide the perfect foundation for success.

With comprehensive amenities, predictable costs, and no traditional office setup headaches, these spaces let you focus on what matters most – growing your business.

Frequently asked questions about serviced office space

What’s the difference between serviced offices and managed offices?

While both options offer flexible workspace solutions, they serve different needs.

Serviced offices come entirely fitted out by the provider with standard furnishings and layouts. In contrast, managed offices let you choose details like the floorplan and how many desks and meeting rooms you need. You can even fit out the space, provided it’s returned to its original condition when you leave.

Serviced offices typically charge per workstation with all-inclusive monthly bills covering everything from utilities to reception staff. Managed offices charge based on the space used, often requiring separate arrangements for additional services.

Serviced offices offer the most flexible rental plans, usually available on 3-month rolling licence agreements. Managed offices typically require longer commitments, often a minimum of 12 months, though some providers offer more flexible terms.

How do serviced offices compare to co-working spaces?

The main differences lie in privacy and cost structure. Serviced offices provide dedicated, private office space, while co-working spaces typically offer shared workspaces with open layouts. Serviced offices generally have higher per-desk costs but offer more privacy and a more traditional office environment.

Can I brand my serviced office space?

Yes, most serviced office providers welcome a reasonable degree of branding and customisation. While you might not be able to make structural changes, you can usually add your business’s signage, artwork, and other elements to make the space feel like your own.