Private offices for small teams: what's usually included

When a team outgrows the kitchen table or the coworking floor, a private office is the natural next step: your own room, a door that closes, and somewhere to leave things overnight. This guide covers how small private offices in flexible workspaces usually work, what is normally included, and what to ask before you sign anything.

Licence or lease?

Most private offices in coworking and serviced spaces are let on a licence (sometimes called a membership or licence to occupy) rather than a traditional lease.

• A licence is usually shorter, more flexible and simpler. You are paying to use a room within someone else's building, often with services bundled in.
• A lease is a longer, more formal property agreement, typically with more responsibilities for the tenant.

For a small team that might grow or shrink, a licence is often the easier fit. Whatever you are offered, read the agreement carefully and take advice if you are unsure what you are signing.

Rolling terms and notice periods

Many flexible offices run on rolling monthly terms, so you can leave with a set amount of notice. For example, at the time of writing:

• Makerversity at Somerset House lists one month's rolling notice.
• Kozmik Work Space in Archway lists no long-term commitment.
• Bespoke Spaces in Archway lists daily, weekly or monthly terms with no joining fee.

Always confirm the notice period in writing, and check whether a minimum term applies to private offices even when desks are rolling.

What a "from" price means

You will often see private offices listed with a "from" price. That is the starting point, usually for the smallest or least expensive room. The real price depends on which room, how many people, and sometimes how long you commit for. Enquiring is how you find out the exact figure.

Some examples from listings at the time of writing:

• Impact Brixton: private offices for 3 to 7 people, from £1,200 a month.
• Kozmik Work Space: a 2-person office at £450 a month and a 6-person office at £1,000 a month, both plus VAT.
• Bespoke Spaces: private offices from £595 a month plus VAT.
• Makerversity: MakerBay, a semi-private bay for 2 to 6 people, from £1,200 a month plus VAT. Larger studios for 8 to 50 people are price on request.
• Hone Limehouse: an all-in private studio at £645 a month, suited to makers.

Some listings say "Price on request". That simply means the operator hasn't published a figure, and an enquiry will get you one.

What's usually included

Every space is different, but a flexible private office price often covers:

• The room, furnished with desks and chairs
• Wi-Fi or a wired connection
• Heating, lighting and other utility bills
• Cleaning of shared areas
• Use of a kitchen and shared spaces

Things that are sometimes extra:

• Meeting room hours
• Printing
• Post handling or a business address
• Phone booths
• 24/7 access (some spaces include it, some don't)
• Parking and bike storage
• VAT, if the price is quoted without it

The phrase "all-in" usually means bills are included, but check exactly what that covers.

Viewings

Photos only tell you so much. A viewing lets you check the light, the noise, how the room feels with your team in it, and what the neighbours are like. Try to visit at the time of day you will actually use it.

When you enquire through Lumen Spaces, we can help arrange a viewing with the operator.

What to ask before you commit

• How many people does the room really fit, comfortably?
• Is it a licence or a lease, and what is the minimum term?
• What is the notice period?
• What exactly is included in the monthly price, and what is extra?
• Is the price with or without VAT?
• Is there a deposit or joining fee?
• What are the access hours? Is weekend access included?
• How many meeting room hours come with the office?
• Can we put up signage or our own furniture?
• If we grow, is there a bigger room we could move into?

Find a private office

Browse private offices across London. Prices are as listed at the time of writing; always check the listing for the latest.

Need a room for your team? Tell us what you need — it's free, and we'll come back with options that fit.