Despite the rise of flexible office space solutions, traditional office space remains a popular choice for many businesses who are growing quickly and require long-term leases. This guide explores traditional offices in London, their benefits, and how to find the perfect office space for your business needs.

What is a traditional office space?

Traditional office space refers to commercial office space leased directly from a landlord or property owner, typically on longer-term contracts ranging from 3-10 years. Unlike more flexible workspace options, traditional offices in London provide businesses with exclusive use of the entire premises, allowing for complete customisation and control over the workspace environment. Traditional office space gives businesses the freedom to create their dream workspace that perfectly aligns with their brand identity, operational requirements, and company culture.

What are the key differences between traditional office space and managed office space?

While traditional offices and managed offices both offer private, exclusive workspaces, they differ significantly in their operational structure and commitment levels. Traditional office space requires businesses to take responsibility for all aspects of setting up and maintaining the workspace, from initial fit-out to ongoing facility management. In contrast, managed offices provide a turnkey solution where a third-party provider handles the design, fit-out, and day-to-day management of the space based on the client's specifications. Traditional leases typically involve longer commitments and higher initial investment but offer greater control and potential long-term savings. Managed offices, while more expensive on a per-square-foot basis, provide predictable monthly costs and eliminate the operational burden of office management. Unlike coworking spaces that foster community through shared facilities, both traditional and managed options offer complete privacy and security for sensitive business operations.

The benefits of a traditional office space

Traditional office space in London offers numerous advantages for established businesses with stable growth projections. The most significant benefit of traditional offices in London is the ability to create a workspace that truly reflects your brand identity and company culture, fostering a sense of belonging among employees. With complete control over the office environment, businesses can optimise layouts for their specific operational needs, ensuring privacy for meetings and creating focused work areas. Traditional offices also provide enhanced security measures tailored to your requirements, particularly valuable for companies handling confidential information. For businesses planning to remain in the same location for several years, traditional leases often become more cost-effective than flexible office spaces over time. Additionally, having a dedicated, branded office space in a prime London location adds credibility and professionalism when meeting clients or partners, potentially strengthening business relationships and opening new opportunities.

Cost considerations for traditional office space

Understanding the financial aspects of leasing traditional office space in London requires careful analysis beyond the general rental rates. Initial costs for traditional office space includes the lease deposit (typically 3-6 months rent), legal fees, and potentially fit-out expenses to make the space operational. Ongoing costs encompass the base rent, service charges, business rates, utilities, insurance, and maintenance. While the upfront investment is substantial compared to serviced offices or coworking spaces, traditional office space generally offers better value over longer periods. For growing businesses, the ability to negotiate favourable terms during lease renewals can provide significant long-term savings. Many landlords offer rent-free periods or contributions toward fit-out costs, which can reduce the initial costs when properly negotiated.

How do I find traditional office space?

Finding the ideal traditional office space in London requires a strategic and time-consuming approach. When searching for traditional office space, working with a specialised office broker provides access to market expertise and off-market opportunities that are not publicly advertised. At Found, our office brokers are here to help you streamline your search, viewings and negotiate favourable lease terms to save you time and money. Our office broker services are also here to support with reviewing lease terms to ensure your business interests are protected throughout the process!

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