Return to Office in London: What £1,000, £5,000, and £15,000 a Month Can Get You

Return to Office in London: What £1,000, £5,000, and £15,000 a Month Can Get You

The return to office in London is not just a trend,  it is a decisive shift. In 2025, more businesses are moving away from remote-first models and investing in physical spaces that support collaboration, culture, and client-facing operations. But London is not a one-price-fits-all market. Office rents vary significantly depending on location, size, amenities, and lease type.

Whether your budget is £1,000, £5,000, or £15,000 per month, there are distinct tiers of value available across the city. This guide will help you understand exactly what you can expect at each price point – from the outer zones to super-prime districts – and what factors you should consider before signing on the dotted line.


What £1,000 a Month Gets You

If you are a solo operator, startup founder, or consultant looking for your first London workspace, a budget of £1,000 per month offers a practical entry point into the market.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Serviced offices for 2 to 3 people, typically around 100–150 sq ft
  • Locations in Zones 2 and 3, including areas such as Stratford, Battersea, Shepherd’s Bush, or Hammersmith
  • Access to shared meeting rooms, kitchenettes, breakout zones, and reception staff
  • Utilities, internet, daily cleaning, business rates, and security all included
  • Flexible rolling contracts with minimal upfront costs

These spaces are often part of larger coworking or serviced developments, making them ideal for early-stage businesses that require flexibility without long-term commitment. Although design and finish may be basic, the convenience and affordability make this a popular choice for remote teams seeking a small London footprint.

Best suited for: Freelancers, micro-businesses, remote teams, or sole traders


What £5,000 a Month Gets You

At £5,000 a month, your workspace options open up dramatically,  both in terms of quality and location. This budget allows for a more professional, fully equipped environment that reflects the image of a growing business.

Expect the following features:

  • Private offices for 6 to 10 staff, usually between 300 and 600 sq ft
  • Centrally located spaces in areas like Clerkenwell, Holborn, Southwark, Victoria, or Fitzrovia
  • Upgraded finishes and dedicated meeting rooms, in addition to communal areas
  • On-site amenities such as bike storage, 24-hour access, phone booths, mail handling, and wellness rooms
  • Serviced or managed workspaces offering a mix of flexibility and support
  • A reception area, optional branding, and the option to scale up within the building

Offices at this level often attract businesses seeking a polished, modern workspace that allows for internal collaboration and external meetings without compromising on location or infrastructure.

Best suited for: Agencies, consultancies, tech teams, or professional services firms in growth mode


What £15,000 a Month Gets You
 

Office Space Rental - Mayfair, St James’s

When your monthly budget reaches £15,000 or more, you gain access to the highest tier of commercial office space in London,  the super-prime market. These workspaces are not just functional; they are designed to elevate your brand and enhance your workplace culture.

Here is what you can expect:

  • Private full-floor suites or large office units suitable for teams of 15 to 25+ people
  • Premium addresses in Mayfair, St James’s, The City, Marylebone, or Kings Cross
  • Grade A buildings with architectural appeal, statement lobbies, and concierge-level service
  • In-house amenities such as:
    • Roof terraces
    • In-building cafés or private dining rooms
    • Fully equipped gyms, yoga studios, and meditation rooms
    • Shower facilities and lockers
    • Secure bike storage
  • Options for full customisation of layout and design, with bespoke branding
  • High ESG ratings and sustainability credentials,  often WELL and BREEAM certified

Many of these spaces offer pre-fitted CAT A+ layouts, allowing for rapid move-in while maintaining the polish and exclusivity expected in this price category.

Best suited for: Financial institutions, global corporates, creative agencies, legal firms, and anyone seeking to impress clients and retain top talent


Comparing Office Options by Budget
 

BudgetTeam SizeTypical LocationsKey Features
£1,000/mo1–3 peopleStratford, Hammersmith, BatterseaBasic serviced office, shared meeting rooms, outer zone locations
£5,000/mo6–10 peopleClerkenwell, Holborn, Victoria, SouthwarkCentral location, private space, reception, wellness features, scalable terms
£15,000/mo15–25+ peopleMayfair, The City, St James’s, MaryleboneHigh-end interiors, concierge, private boardrooms, premium amenities

Serviced, Managed, or Leased?

In addition to budget, consider how your business operates and which type of office agreement suits you best:

  • Serviced offices: Fully equipped, short-term spaces with all-inclusive contracts – ideal for flexibility and simplicity.
  • Managed offices: Customisable and private spaces with more control and branding, often with longer-term agreements.
  • Leased offices: Traditional agreements with full responsibility for fit-out and ongoing operations – better for large or established companies.

Each option has its pros and cons depending on your headcount, desired level of control, and growth plans.


What Else Should You Consider?

Beyond price and space, you should also evaluate:

  • Transport access: Proximity to major Tube and train stations for staff and visitors
  • Client presence: Is your office easy for clients to reach and does it make the right impression?
  • Flexibility: How easy is it to expand or downsize within the same provider or building?
  • Staff needs: What amenities matter most to your team – wellness rooms, breakout zones, cycle storage, or quiet spaces?
  • Hybrid support: Will your office complement hybrid working or create challenges?

Many businesses today are choosing offices not just for cost efficiency, but for their ability to act as a magnet for collaboration, culture, and creativity.


Final Thoughts

The return to office in London is about more than just desks and chairs. It is about creating a productive, professional, and engaging space that fits your brand, budget, and business model. From cost-effective solutions in emerging areas to prestige locations in the heart of the city, there is a broad range of office options available in 2025.

Whatever your monthly budget, City Hub Offices can help you navigate the market and secure a space that works for your business,  now and into the future.


Looking for help choosing your next office?
Contact our team for tailored options, or browse by area:

📞 +44 203 576 5282
📧 [email protected]

 

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