Finding the right office space in London can be challenging, confusing and time-consuming, especially for startups and small businesses. With the rise in flexible working and fully serviced office spaces, shared offices have emerged as a popular workspace solution, offering even more flexibility and affordability in the London office space market.

What is a shared office?

A shared office is a workspace where multiple businesses or individuals occupy the same physical location while maintaining their separate business identities. These office spaces come in two main varieties: sublet spaces from companies with extra capacity, and purpose-built shared office facilities designed specifically for multiple occupants. Shared office spaces in London typically offer various options, from dedicated desks to private office spaces within a larger shared environment. This setup allows businesses to flexibly access and work from a professional workspace without the substantial overhead costs associated with managed and traditional office space leases.

What is the difference between a shared office and a private office?

While private offices offer complete autonomy and privacy, shared offices provide a more collaborative and cost-effective alternative for businesses seeking London office space. Private offices give businesses exclusive use of an entire workspace, allowing for customised branding, security, and complete control over the environment. In contrast, shared office space in London offers flexibility, reduced costs, and reduced commitment. The communal nature of shared offices means you'll be working alongside other businesses whilst sharing facilities and amenities, fostering a more interactive work environment.

Are shared offices cheaper than private offices?

The cost of office space to rent differs significantly between private and shared offices. Renting a shared office is cheaper than private offices because you are splitting and saving on the monthly base rent with other occupants. This cost-sharing model makes prime London office space locations accessible to businesses that might otherwise be priced out of these desirable areas. Additionally, shared offices within a serviced office space, like WeWork or Fora, generally require less upfront payments as they come fully furnished and equipped with everything you need, eliminating the need for substantial initial investments.

What is the difference between coworking space and a shared office?

While often used interchangeably, coworking spaces and shared offices have distinct characteristics. Coworking spaces are typically designed with collaboration and community at their core, offering hot desks and a more casual, social atmosphere. Shared offices provide a more structured, secure environment with dedicated workspaces for your business. Shared offices project a more professional image with administrative support and private amenities, making them suitable for established start ups or small businesses seeking stability and security without committing to a private office or traditional, long-term lease.

What are the benefits of a shared office?

The advantages of shared offices extend beyond cost savings. Shared office spaces offer instant occupancy, allowing businesses to move in and start working immediately without the delays or stress associated with setting up a new London office space. Shared offices within a serviced office space provide easy budgeting through all-inclusive monthly payments covering rent, utilities, and amenities. The short-term contracts of shared offices offer flexibility and reduced risk, making them ideal for growing businesses or those testing out new London office space locations. A shared office space environment also creates natural networking opportunities, collaboration, and potential business opportunities.

Considerations for shared office spaces

When searching for a shared London office space, there are several things to consider. We initially recommend considering your ideal London office space location and evaluating office culture and existing tenants to ensure compatibility with your business. The second consideration should be your preferred London office space amenities; such as access to meeting rooms, outdoor spaces, pet-friendly policies, wellbeing areas and events space if required. Lastly, it is important to calculate how much office space you require per person to ensure that you are aligning with your allocated budget, as well as understanding the shared office contract terms, particularly regarding notice periods and expansion options. If you are looking for a quick cost estimation for your office space requirements, check out our Free London office space cost calculator.

How do I find a shared office space in London?

Finding your ideal shared office in London has never been easier with the help of our friendly team of office brokers. Our expert office brokers specialise in matching businesses with suitable office spaces in London based on your specific requirements and budget. As office space brokers, we are here to help you search, compare and secure your dream office space that is tailored to your needs. We do this by taking your requirements and preferences on location, amenities and pricing to ensure that we find the perfect office space for your business needs.

Ready to kick off your search for London office space? Get started by filling in our form here, so that we can better understand your office space requirements. To speak with us straight away, we recommend contacting us directly. This will ensure that one of our team members gets in touch straight away.