A managed office is a private workspace designed for one company, where the office provider takes care of the day-to-day management, facilities and services. It combines the privacy and branding opportunities of a traditional office with the flexibility and convenience of a serviced workspace.
Unlike a standard commercial lease, where a business is responsible for arranging everything from furniture and internet to utilities and maintenance, a managed office usually comes as a ready-to-use solution with a single monthly payment.
Managed offices in London from the likes of Metspace are becoming increasingly popular with growing businesses that want their own dedicated space but do not want the cost, responsibility or long commitment associated with a traditional office lease.
Key Points
-A managed office is a ready-to-move into office where another company provides furniture, Internet, utilities and more - and the tenant simply pays a monthly rental fee
-Businesses or tenants may be able to choose the furniture, room arrangement, decor and branding to make it feel like their own office. You will find managed offices available all over the country
-The benefit for companies renting an office space is that they do not have to worry about the admin and daily runnings of office management such as utilities and waste - and overall this can be more cost effective
-A desk at a managed office in London starts from around £700 per month. This can be half the price in areas of Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool
-Managed offices are more private than coworking spaces
Inset: Here is a tour of a managed office space in Angel, by Metspace.
What Is Included in a Managed Office?
The exact package depends on the provider, but most managed offices include the essentials required to operate a business from day one.
Typically, the monthly cost covers office furniture, high-speed internet, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, building management and access to shared facilities such as meeting rooms, kitchens and breakout areas.
Some providers also include reception services, security, printing facilities and IT support.
Many managed offices can also be customised. Businesses may be able to choose their preferred layout, branding, furniture style and meeting space design, allowing the office to feel like a company headquarters rather than a generic workspace.
What Is Not Included in a Managed Office?
Although managed offices are designed to remove many operational headaches, some costs may sit outside the monthly agreement.
Additional expenses can include specialist IT requirements, extra meeting room usage, company-specific security systems, telephone packages, premium furniture upgrades or unusually high utility consumption.
Businesses should always check whether business rates, insurance, VAT, parking and end-of-lease costs are included before signing an agreement, as these can vary between providers.
What Are the Benefits of a Managed Office?
The main advantage of a managed office is simplicity. Businesses receive a professional workspace without having to coordinate multiple suppliers or manage daily office operations.
Another major benefit is flexibility. Managed offices usually offer shorter agreements than traditional leases, making them suitable for companies that are expanding, downsizing or unsure about their future space requirements. Flexible office arrangements have grown as businesses look for alternatives to long five or ten-year leases.
A managed office also provides a more personalised environment than a coworking space. Companies have their own private area, can display their branding and create a workplace that reflects their culture.
For employees, managed offices can improve the working experience by providing modern facilities, comfortable spaces and professional environments for meetings with clients.
Examples of Managed Office Space (Courtesy of Metspace)
Average Monthly Managed Office Rent by Location
Prices vary depending on building quality, location, office size and included services. The figures below provide typical estimates for a private managed office based on average per-desk monthly pricing.
| Location | Average Monthly Cost Per Desk |
|---|---|
| Central London (West End, City) | £700 - £1,000 |
| Greater London | £500 - £750 |
| Manchester City Centre | £300 - £500 |
| Liverpool City Centre | £250 - £450 |
| Birmingham City Centre | £300 - £500 |
Regional cities generally provide lower office costs than London while still offering strong business infrastructure. Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool have become increasingly attractive locations for companies looking to access skilled workforces while controlling property costs.
Is a Managed Office More Cost Effective?
A managed office can be more cost effective than a traditional office, particularly when the full cost of setting up and running a workspace is considered.
A conventional office often requires a large upfront investment for fit-out, furniture, technology, deposits, professional fees and ongoing maintenance. A managed office spreads these costs into a predictable monthly payment.
However, managed offices are not always the cheapest option. Businesses that need a large amount of space for many years may find a traditional lease more economical. The value of a managed office comes from reducing risk, saving management time and avoiding unexpected costs.
In London, private serviced and managed office space commonly ranges around £450 to £900 per desk per month, with an average of approximately £624 per desk for serviced private offices.
List of Managed Office Providers in the UK
Does a Managed Office Allow Pets?
Pet policies depend entirely on the building owner and office provider.
Some managed offices are dog-friendly and allow employees to bring pets into private office areas, while others restrict animals due to building rules, allergies or insurance requirements.
Businesses that want a pet-friendly workplace should confirm the policy before signing a contract. It is also worth checking whether pets are allowed throughout the building or only in specific areas.
What Are the Lease Terms Like? Are They Flexible?
Managed office agreements are usually more flexible than traditional commercial leases.
Typical lease agreements can range from 12 months to several years, with many providers offering shorter commitments for businesses that need flexibility. Some managed office arrangements provide options to expand into additional space, reduce capacity or adjust services as the company changes.
The exact terms depend on the provider, but businesses should review renewal clauses, notice periods, service charges and any restrictions on changing the workspace.
Who Are Managed Offices Best For?
Managed offices are particularly suited to businesses that want a professional headquarters without the responsibility of running an office themselves.
They are popular with growing companies, technology firms, professional services businesses and organisations that need flexibility while maintaining a private working environment.
For companies that want a balance between independence and convenience, a managed office offers a practical alternative to both traditional leases and coworking spaces. It provides a ready-made workplace while allowing businesses to focus on growth rather than office management.
