FAQ

Get to grips with searching for office space to rent…

Are you new to searching for office space or the serviced office market? ┬áTake a look at our FAQs to give you a quick overview of our service and the industry – we have been living and breathing office space since 2001 so we know our stuff. ┬áIf you want to chat anything through, you can always call us on 020┬á3053 3882.

Who are officebroker?

officebroker was set up in 2001 by Jim Venables & Andy Haywood, who spotted a gap in the online office space brokering market for a straight talking, jargon free broker who would assess the needs of a business rather than the square footage of the office they needed.

This unique approach to broking office space made the pair popular with both businesses seeking space and office space providers who had previously been frustrated with the lack of depth to the leads generated by online brokers.

Today, officebroker is a 30+ strong team of dedicated office experts, with the Central London market a key focus. We list over 5,000+ offices globally and provide a comprehensive search and selection process to our clients completely free of charge.  Office space providers pay us a set, industry approved fee for all successful office lettings.

How much does it cost to use officebroker?

If you are a business looking for office space, not a penny. No small print – honest. We are able to offer our service for free as we get paid an industry approved fee from office space providers for successful lettings resulting from our introductions. Think of us as similar to a recruitment agency – except we find you offices, not jobs.

How does officebroker help me in my search for office space?

We don’t cold call – you only come to us if you need an office, so you can contact us either by filling in the form on our website, or calling us on 020┬á3053 3882 (we are in the office Monday – Friday 08:00 – 18:00). We will help you by understanding your needs, matching them to the available office space in your chosen location and helping you negotiate the best deal. ┬áYou will also receive information on the all the offices in your area via an emailed market report.

What kind of office space does officebroker advertise?

Our main categories of office space are as follows:

Serviced Office Space offers rental on short, flexible lease (licence) agreements from one to 12 months. Monthly licence fees are inclusive of rent, rates, services, etc.

Semi Serviced/Managed Office Space is let on short agreements, but with fewer inclusive services and facilities than fully serviced offices.

Virtual Office Space is available through many Office Space Providers, offering you a business address without a full time office.

What is included in the price of serviced offices?

Fully serviced offices tend to charge per person, per month. The price will include rent, rates and service charges. Most are fully furnished with a shared reception area and reception staff to answer the telephone in your CompanyΓÇÖs name. Meeting rooms, kitchen and toilet facilities may also be shared.

Costs and standards can vary greatly from office to office, although providers are usually able to configure a wide range of office solutions to match specific requirements.

What is the difference between a licence agreement and a lease?

The main difference is the length of the agreement. Licence agreements are usually signed when you rent a serviced, semi serviced or managed office space. These are generally signed for a period of up to 12 months, making this an ideal flexible solution and is favoured by small / new start businesses and also corporate companies seeking project space or satellite offices.

Lease agreements cover longer periods of time and are usually signed for a minimum of 3 years. It is also a longer process to move into the space you are looking to lease, typically 12 weeks, sometimes more, whereas serviced offices offer a ‘plug & play’ solution for immediate occupancy.

Where can I find pricing information for the office space I am interested in?

We can get you information on prices once we understand your exact office requirements.  We do not publish prices on our website as they vary greatly depending on the size of space you need, length of agreement and availability.  Instead, you can get a quote quickly once we have registered your information.

What is the difference between a serviced office and a conventional lease?

The main difference is flexibility. Serviced offices allow you to move-in within a few days, without having to sign a long-term binding lease. Therefore, if you are unsure of expansion plans or the ideal geographic location for your business, this could provide an ideal solution.

Are serviced offices cheaper than unserviced offices?

It is very difficult to compare because there are so many variables. As well as the basic rent for a conventional lease (sq/ft costs will depend on location and facilities), other monthly running costs and initial capital outlay for refurbishment, fit out, IT cabling, telecoms and furniture must be taken into account.

What if my question isn’t answered here?

Give us a call on 020 3053 3882, or email us on enquire@officebroker.com - we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about office space to rent across the UK and worldwide.