Here’s how to choose office space in London in four steps: define what your team needs, set a full monthly budget, compare your options like for like, then shortlist two or three spaces to view. Working in that order stops a striking reception or a low headline price from making the decision for you.
Key takeaways
- Write your requirements down before you search, so every viewing is judged against the same list.
- Budget for the full monthly cost, including VAT and extras such as meeting rooms, not just the headline desk price.
- Compare quotes on the same basis: price per desk per month, the same inclusions and the same contract length.
- Test the commute for the people who will use the space, at the times they will travel, before you fall for a building.
Four steps to choosing office space
- Define your requirements. Count how many people need space now and in a year or two, how often they come in, and how much privacy they need for calls, clients and confidential work.
- Set a full budget. Work out the monthly total you can afford, including VAT and the extras you will use.
- Compare options like for like. Put every space on the same basis before you rank them.
- Shortlist and view. Visit two or three spaces at the time of day you would use them.
Choose the right type of space
Flexible space in London mainly comes in four forms, and the right one depends on how often your team comes in and how much privacy it needs.
- Hot desk: any free desk in a shared area, which suits people who come in part of the week.
- Dedicated desk: the same desk every day, usually with storage, for people who come in most days.
- Private office: a lockable room for your team inside a coworking or serviced building.
- Managed office: a private space set up for one company, with its own layout and branding, usually for teams of about 20 people or more.
What to look for in a coworking space or office
Budget and price
The typical cost of office space in London is £150 to £400 per desk a month for a central hot desk, £300 to £600 for a dedicated desk, and £600 to over £2,000 per desk a month for a private office in a coworking building (September 2026 ranges, VAT not stated).
Most flexible workspace prices are quoted plus VAT, so add 20% before you compare. Meeting room hire, car parking, printing above an allowance and phone lines are often charged on top, so ask for an all-in quote in writing.
Commitment changes the price too: at most operators, a 12-month term costs 10% to 20% less per desk than a rolling monthly plan. Building grade matters as well, because Grade A space usually adds to serviced office prices in London compared with Grade B space in the same area.
Location and connectivity
Start with where your team lives and where your clients are, not with the postcode. Use the TfL Journey Planner to test the journey from each person’s home at the time they would travel, because a short distance can still mean two changes.
Transport links differ a lot between business districts. For example:
- Coworking spaces in Shoreditch sit around Old Street station, on the Northern line.
- Coworking spaces in the City of London are near Bank and Liverpool Street stations, which between them serve six Tube lines, the DLR and the Elizabeth line.
- Coworking spaces in Canary Wharf are served by the Jubilee line, the Elizabeth line and the DLR.
To see what is available near your team, compare coworking spaces in London by area and price.
Amenities
Sort office amenities into three tiers before you compare buildings: non-negotiable, high-use and nice to have. That stops a striking cafe or games room from outweighing a weak meeting room setup. A few basics matter in almost every office: reliable connectivity, comfortable desks, heating and cooling that work, and easy access.
Design and interiors
A space that looks good in photos can still be hard to work in. On a viewing, check the natural light, how noisy the open floor is, and whether there are enough phone booths and quiet rooms for the calls your team makes. Visit at the time of day you would use the space, because a quiet morning can turn into a busy afternoon.
Operating hours
Check two things: when the space is staffed and when you can get in. At some spaces, 24/7 access comes only with a monthly fixed desk, while flexible desks follow weekday office hours. If anyone works early, late or at weekends, confirm that their plan covers those hours.
Security
Ask how members get into the building and who else can enter out of hours. Then check how visitors are signed in, whether storage can be locked, and whether each company has its own Wi-Fi network. If you handle confidential work or client data, a private office gives you a lockable room rather than an open floor.
Space and size
In flexible space you pay per desk, so count the desks you need on your busiest day and allow for the growth you expect in the next year or two. If you are comparing offices by floor area instead, check how much office space you need per person for your layout.
Compare and shortlist
Put every option on the same basis before you rank them:
- the price per desk per month, with VAT added
- what is included and what costs extra
- the contract length, notice period and deposit
- access hours and any meeting room allowance
A serviced office agreement is usually a licence, not a lease, so it gives you less legal protection; check the notice period and break terms in the serviced office agreement before you sign.
Then shortlist two or three spaces and view them. For a team of 5 to 20, decide between a serviced office and a coworking space before you book viewings, because the two differ on meeting rooms, confidentiality and commitment.
Choosing for your situation
Freelancers
A hot desk, day passes or a part-time plan usually fits best, because you pay only for the days you use. Look for a space with a community you would actually join, and check that the access hours match when you work.
Small teams
For teams of 2 to 5, comparing coworking with a traditional office usually favours coworking on total cost and flexibility. For teams of 8 to 15 with a stable headcount, a serviced or private office is often better value per desk.
Remote employees
If you work for a company based elsewhere, a desk near home for part of the week may be all you need, and a part-time plan keeps the cost down. Ask your employer whether it will pay before you sign up, and make sure the space has somewhere quiet for video calls.
Get help choosing
Not sure which space fits your team? myHQ can shortlist workspaces that match your team size, location and price, with expert guidance to help you choose. The consultation is free, there is zero brokerage, and you can book a free visit to each space on your shortlist. Start with the coworking spaces in London listings.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a coworking space?
Decide first whether you need a hot desk, a dedicated desk or a private office, then set a monthly budget that includes VAT. Then shortlist two or three spaces your team can reach easily and view them before you sign up.
What makes a good coworking space?
A good coworking space is one your team actually uses. It is easy to reach, has a free seat when you arrive, and runs on terms that let you grow or leave without a penalty.
Why use a coworking space?
Coworking lets you rent desks by the month, with broadband and shared facilities in one price, instead of signing a multi-year lease and paying to fit out an office. It suits freelancers and small or growing teams whose size or schedule may change.
What should a coworking space have?
Beyond desks and Wi-Fi, it should have bookable meeting rooms, quiet rooms or phone booths for calls, and a kitchen. If you plan to leave equipment overnight, check that it also has lockable storage.
Can I try a coworking space before signing up?
Yes. Many coworking spaces sell day passes and some offer a free trial day, so you can work there for a full day before you commit. You can also ask myHQ to arrange a free visit first.
