How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Serviced Office in the UK in 2025?

March 7, 2025

Are you thinking of renting an office for your business? Perhaps you're expanding your team or moving to a new location. One of the biggest questions you'll face is: how much will it cost? With office rental prices varying widely depending on location, it's essential to understand what's available within your budget.

At Cambrai Court in Birmingham, we understand how important location and cost-efficiency are to businesses. That's why we've created this guide to help you compare the average costs of renting a serviced office across key UK cities including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Leeds, Bristol, and Cardiff. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear idea of what to expect in 2025, helping you make a more informed decision for your business.

Office Rental Costs in Major UK Cities

Office rental prices depend mainly on location, with city-centre offices being more expensive than suburban or rural locations. Here’s a quick comparison of average annual serviced office rents per square foot:

City City Centre (£ per sq ft/year) Suburban Areas (£ per sq ft/year)
London £70 – £150 £35 – £70
Birmingham £30 – £43 £20 – £30
Manchester £35 – £45 £25 – £32
Edinburgh £35 – £45 £20 – £30 (est.)
Leeds £30 – £39 £20 – £29
Bristol £30 – £39 £20 – £29
Cardiff £25 – £28 £12 – £18

What Does This Mean for Your Team?

To put these numbers into perspective, serviced offices typically offer around 50–60 sq ft per desk. So, if you're looking for space for 4–6 people (around 300 sq ft):

  • London: A city-centre office could cost around £2,500 or more per month (approximately £514 per desk).
  • Manchester: Around £1,800 per month.
  • Birmingham: Approximately £1,400–£1,500 per month.
  • Edinburgh: Around £1,400–£1,600 per month.
  • Leeds/Bristol: About £1,200–£1,500 per month.
  • Cardiff: Approximately £900–£1,100 per month, making it the most affordable city centre option.

Cost Savings in Suburban and Rural Areas

Moving away from the city centre can significantly reduce your costs:

  • Suburban London rents are nearly half the price of central London offices.
  • Regional cities like Birmingham and Manchester see suburban rents around 25% cheaper compared to their city centres.
  • Rural areas offer even greater savings, often cutting rental costs by more than half compared to city-centre rates.

Serviced Offices vs. Traditional Leases

Serviced offices typically appear more expensive per square foot than traditional leases because they include extras like furnishings, utilities, and flexible terms. With a traditional lease, you're often responsible for fitting out the space, paying utilities, and committing to longer leases (often 5+ years). Serviced offices, therefore, offer more flexibility and convenience, potentially saving you money in the long run despite a higher headline rate.

Other Factors to Consider

Remember, the rates listed here focus purely on serviced office rents. Actual costs may vary depending on additional factors such as the exact location, quality of the office building, additional services provided, and market demand.

Summary

In 2025, businesses have various options for renting office spaces across the UK. London remains significantly more expensive, while cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and especially Cardiff, offer excellent value. Considering location carefully can greatly influence your overall office rental costs and help you find the perfect balance of affordability and convenience.

Sources:

(Note: This summary is for illustrative purposes and actual prices may vary slightly.)

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