London Office Space Explained: Costs, Types & Best Locations

Renting office space in London can be a game-changer for your business, but it comes with a wide range of options, price points and locations to consider. Whether you're a startup looking for your first base or an established firm planning expansion, understanding the local office market is essential.

This guide breaks down the key factors every business should know before renting office space in London, including current costs, popular types of workspace, and the best areas to consider.

What Does Office Space in London Cost?

Office space costs vary widely across London. Here's a rough breakdown by type:

• Serviced Offices in London : From £300 to £1,200 per desk per month depending on location and specification. All-inclusive pricing typically covers rent, utilities, internet and services.
• Managed Offices in London : Priced similarly to serviced options but often negotiable. Costs depend on lease length, fit-out and size.
• Leased Offices in London : Usually charged per square foot per annum. Expect rates from £45 to £120 per sq ft depending on area and building quality.

Additional factors like building amenities, floor level, fit-out standard and contract length will also affect price.

Common Types of Office Space in London

The London office market is diverse and caters to a variety of business needs. Key workspace types include:

• Serviced Offices: Ready-to-use spaces with flexible contracts, ideal for businesses that want to move quickly or avoid long-term leases.
• Managed Offices: Fully fitted and operated by the provider but leased exclusively to one tenant. Good balance of flexibility and control.
• Traditional Leases: Long-term office rentals where you manage your own space. Best suited for established companies with predictable growth.
• Coworking Spaces: Shared workspaces that offer hot-desking or dedicated desks. Popular with freelancers and startups, though not always suitable for privacy or team growth.

Best Locations for Office Space in London

Location matters just as much as the office itself. Here are some of the top areas:

• City of London: Ideal for finance, legal and professional services. Central, prestigious and well-connected.
• Canary Wharf: Home to banks, fintechs and global corporations. Modern buildings and strong transport links.
• Shoreditch & Old Street: A tech and creative hub with a younger, vibrant atmosphere. Suits startups and scaleups.
• Mayfair & Marylebone: Premium office spaces in elegant period buildings. Attracts luxury brands, consultancies and private equity firms.
• Soho & Fitzrovia: Popular with media, design and entertainment companies. Great for businesses wanting a central location with personality.
• King’s Cross: Rapidly developing into a new business hotspot, particularly for tech and innovation.

Final Thoughts

The right office space in London is out there, but knowing your budget, business needs and preferred area will make the search more efficient. Platforms like LondonOffices.IO help you compare flexible and managed office options side by side, with expert advice and fast support when you need it.

Whether you're looking for a short-term solution or a long-term headquarters, understanding the London office landscape puts you in a stronger position to make the right move.