How Much Does Office Space Cost Across The UK?

8 April 2025

Wondering which part of the UK has the highest and lowest office space cost? Find out what you can expect to pay in major UK cities in this guide.

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The average cost of office space understandably varies across the UK. If you want to rent in some of the most popular locations like London, Manchester or Birmingham, then you already know you might be paying a little more for a premium postcode. However, there are a number of other factors that impact the overall cost. Office space comes in many shapes and sizes, and with a variety of optional extras that all contribute to how much you pay.

At Colony, our office space cost is based on a cost per desk model, meaning you only pay for the actual number of desks you use, and not per square foot for floor space you may not even need. This guide looks at how much it costs to rent offices in some of the biggest cities in the UK, and the other elements to consider when planning your budget.

The average cost of office space by UK city

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular locations for business premises in the UK and the average price you’ll pay per desk to rent an office.

1. London

Average monthly office space cost per desk: £450 - £1200

Unsurprisingly, London comes in as the most expensive city to rent an office, according to figures from Statista. The UK capital has a number of business districts, such as Canary Wharf and The Southbank, so there can be considerable variations in cost according to how central your office is.

Areas like the City of London and West End will have higher rental prices, and outer boroughs, such as Battersea, will be at the lower end of the scale. Of course, it all depends on how close to the action you want your business to be, or if a quieter and lower-cost option would suit you just fine.

2. Manchester

Average monthly office space cost per desk: £250 - £400

Manchester is a booming business hub, with an arts and entertainment scene to match, all of which influences the cost. Office space in the city centre is particularly sought-after, with areas like the Northern Quarter and Ancoats making an attractive base for companies to work from. With the Metrolink and Manchester Piccadilly Station making the city centre a breeze to get into and around, it’s no wonder people love working here. Suburban spaces still offer access to Manchester’s commercial opportunities, just with a little less of the cachet, with the lower rental costs attractive to some.

3. Leeds

Average monthly office space cost per desk: £250 - £400

Leeds continues to grow as a hub for businesses, with steady growth in sectors like technology and finance. Finding an office that can match the demands of these industries helps companies to stand out, which is why a central address is often the most appealing. Park Square is an attractive spot for businesses that want to be close to the city but also enjoy green spaces.

4. Edinburgh

Average monthly office space cost per desk: £250- £350

Edinburgh is a vibrant city and the historical city centre is a stunning place to rent an office. The average cost of office space here is less than some other parts of the UK owing to it being further from London, but you do get to work surrounded by beautiful buildings and scenery.

Central locations like the Financial District mean easy access to transport options and proximity to networking opportunities with other businesses. Areas like Leith and the Shore offer trend-led spaces for creative industries, and the West End and Stockbridge bring you charming office spaces with unique character.

5. Bristol

Average monthly office space cost per desk: £200 - £350

Bristol’s fashionable Harbourside is a much-loved location for companies wanting to immerse themselves in the buzzing atmosphere. The popularity of this area does mean your office space cost is in the top end, but will be less than an office right in the city. For traditional offices, look to St. Paul’s or Clifton, and for an up-and-coming business address, try Bedminster and Finzels Reach, where monthly rentals are more affordable.

6. Birmingham

Average monthly office space cost per desk: £200 - £400

If you want to put down roots right next to the Bullring or prime locations such as Colmore Row and the Jewellery Quarter, you’ll be paying a higher cost. Office space in outer areas may offer more affordable rates, starting from around £200 per desk, but you may still need to travel into the city for networking opportunities. Both Birmingham Airport and the NEC are around a 20-minute drive from the centre, which is an attractive bonus for businesses welcoming clients and customers.

7. Sheffield

Average monthly office space cost per desk: £150 - £400

Sheffield, known for its strong industrial heritage, has plenty of options when it comes to office space. Cost factors include how close you are to the city and the level of amenities. An office space on Sheffield Industrial Park might not have a central postcode, but will offer the space and infrastructure required for industrial businesses at a lower price tag. On the other hand, serviced offices in the city centre come with a premium office space cost, but have all the necessary elements for creative agencies or startups looking to establish themselves.

8. Glasgow

Average monthly office space cost per desk: £150 - £250

Popular business areas like the Central Business District (CBD) offer modern office spaces with all of the advantages you’d expect from a city centre location. The West End is well known for its creative atmosphere, and boasts unique workplace options that may come with a lower cost. Office space in the Southside and East End are among the most affordable, and there’s a good community feel, making these spaces attractive for small to medium-sized businesses.

9. Liverpool

Average monthly office space cost per desk: £150 - £250

Liverpool is a lively and vibrant place to be, with no shortage of office space. Cost considerations here are the same as anywhere else in the UK. How close do you want to be to the city centre? And how much are you willing to pay? Being in the heart of the city will push you towards the top of your budget, but will get you modern managed offices in amazing locations. Districts like the Baltic Triangle are known for their collaborative coworking spaces and mid-price points, while the iconic Albert Dock is a picturesque place to work, but can cost more due to its famed waterfront location.

What factors affect your office space cost?

As we’ve mentioned a few times, there are several variables that will impact how much you pay for your office space. Cost factors such as location, amenities and the type of office you opt for should be thought about carefully before you make a decision. Here are the most common things to weigh up when deciding how much to pay for your office space.

1. Location

Location is one of the defining factors for your final office space cost. Prominent areas in major cities like London mean you’ll pay more than you would for offices in the suburbs. Although moving to the suburbs does reduce the average cost of office space, you also lose many of the perks that come with being in the city centre.

2. Office size

Needing more space for more desks will cost more, that’s simple logic. You’ll need to figure out how much space you need and whether you’ll be offering flexible working or hot desking. This could be the difference between affording an office in the city versus needing to move a little further out. Be sure to balance your needs with the overall cost.

3. Serviced vs traditional

Choosing between a serviced office and a traditional private office changes costs too. Serviced offices often include utilities and amenities in the rental price, making them cost-effective. Traditional spaces usually mean paying bills on top of your office space cost. You might also need to take on an office refurbishment to get it up to standard, whereas a serviced office will be turnkey ready.

4. Coworking vs private

Coworking spaces are often cheaper than private offices and offer flexibility and opportunities for collaboration. If you do want a private office, taking on a flexible lease in a coworking space will still work out better financially than if you were to rent one independently. Plus, you get the bonus of being able to access the shared spaces and make the most of member events.

5. Amenities

Extra amenities like meeting rooms will affect what you pay for your office space. Cost up how much you will need to pay for the basics, and then look at what you would need to pay on top to hire a meeting room or event space as required. Make a list of must-have amenities before choosing a space.

6. Lease length

Longer leases might offer lower monthly rates but lock you into a contract. Flexible terms give you the freedom to move so you can scale up. Colony offers flexible contracts, so you can enjoy city centre offices, the energy of a coworking space, and the versatility of variable lease terms.

Other considerations when budgeting for the cost of office space

Beyond the basic cost of office space, you ought to also consider these additional expenses when totalling up:

1. Insurance - Coverage for the office and its contents is crucial
2. Business rates - All businesses pay rates, but these are typically included with a serviced office
3. Utilities - Expenses for electricity, water, and gas add to monthly costs but, again, are usually part of a serviced office space cost
4. Cleaning - Unless you plan to do it yourself, factor in maintenance costs
5. Furniture - Initial setup may require you to purchase desks, chairs and other furnishings, unless you’re moving into a managed office
6. Refits - Fitting out a traditional commercial space to fit specific business needs can be expensive
7. Technology and IT - Installation and maintenance of equipment and internet services is an essential
8. Service charges - Some buildings have additional fees for shared spaces and facilities
9. Meeting rooms - Charges may apply for reserving conference spaces. Colony members can book meeting rooms at a discounted rate
10. Parking and public transport - Consider costs and availability for commuting staff

Save on costs with Colony

Discover your ideal office space with all rates and amenities included at one of Colony’s thoughtfully planned serviced offices in Manchester. Choose a private office space or coworking options that suit you and enjoy flexible terms that make the most of your budget. You’ll only pay for the number of desks you need, rather than being overcharged for square footage. With next-level facilities such as roof terraces and a podcast studio you can get more out of your working day and your lease when you sign up with Colony.

Talk to us now to find out we can maximise your opportunities and your output in one of our stunning coworking spaces.