Over the years, I’ve seen too many businesses make the same mistake: choosing a serviced office without first working out a clear and realistic budget. That’s why I always stress the importance of budget planning for choosing a serviced office—it’s not just about cost; it’s about value, sustainability, and planning for growth.

Why Budget Planning for Choosing a Serviced Office Matters

When you don’t take time to plan properly, office costs can spiral fast. Many providers offer seemingly all-inclusive packages, but not all are created equal. Some quote monthly rates without VAT. Others include basic WiFi, but charge extra for faster speeds. That’s where a smart, informed budget makes all the difference.

Start With Your Must-Haves

Before diving into spreadsheets or listings, take a moment to define what your business really needs:

• How many desks or private offices?
• Do you need meeting rooms included?
• Will you be hosting clients regularly?
• What’s your ideal location (city centre vs outskirts)?

Setting your priorities first will stop you from paying for extras you’ll never use—or from compromising on things that matter.

Know What’s Included in the Price

Every serviced office operator has a different approach to pricing. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you should always check for:

Service	Included?	Extra Cost?
Rent	✔️	—
Utilities (Electricity/Heating)	✔️	Rarely
WiFi	✔️	Premium Tiers
Meeting Rooms	Sometimes	Hourly Rate
Printing/Scanning	Limited	Pay-Per-Use
Cleaning	✔️	—
Mail Handling	Optional	Monthly Fee

Always ask for a full breakdown of services before committing to anything. If in doubt, we can walk you through it.

Set Your Total Monthly Budget

A realistic figure should include:

• Base rent (per desk or private office)
• Expected extras (meeting rooms, mail, print)
• Contingency for growth or fluctuating usage
• VAT—many forget this!

As a general rule, most serviced offices in Central London range from £400–£1000 per desk, depending on location and services.

Serviced Office Budget Planning Chart

Service	Included?	Extra Cost?
Rent	✔️	—
Utilities (Electricity/Heating)	✔️	Rarely
WiFi	✔️	Premium Tiers
Meeting Rooms	Sometimes	Hourly Rate
Printing/Scanning	Limited	Pay-Per-Use
Cleaning	✔️	—
Mail Handling	Optional	Monthly Fee

Look at Total Value—Not Just Price

It can be tempting to go with the cheapest option, but don’t forget to factor in the value of what’s included. I’ve worked with companies who saved hundreds a month by switching to a more expensive office—because it had everything they needed under one roof, including better tech, better access, and happier teams.

Think Long-Term Flexibility

Is there room to grow without renegotiating your whole agreement? Ask if your provider offers:

• Month-to-month contracts or rolling leases
• The ability to switch to a bigger space within the building
• Network-wide access to other offices across the UK

Explore spaces with flexible contracts at Serviced Office Portal.

Red Flags to Avoid

Keep an eye out for:

• Quotes that don’t include VAT
• Hidden fees for basics like high-speed internet
• Non-transparent pricing on meeting room access
• Price hikes after short-term promotional deals

Use a Budget Comparison Sheet

When comparing options, I always recommend building a simple comparison sheet. It should include:

• Monthly rent (excl. and incl. VAT)
• Meeting room rates
• Printing/scanning fees
• Breakout area quality
• Reception and security presence

If spreadsheets aren’t your thing, don’t worry. We’ll help you build one.

Final Thoughts on Budget Planning for Choosing a Serviced Office

Being clear on your budget isn’t just good business—it’s empowering. It gives you control over your options, protects you from nasty surprises, and ensures you’re investing wisely in a workspace that fits your team, your culture, and your growth goals.

Need help finding spaces that match your budget? Start your search here or get in touch for a tailored shortlist.