Serviced Office vs Managed vs Leased Offices

Arrow down blue

Securing the right office space isn’t just about location, it’s about balancing cost, flexibility, and employee wellbeing. Whether you need an office that adapts as you grow, keeps overheads manageable, or creates an environment that supports productivity, the three most common options are Serviced Offices, Flexible Leases (Managed Offices), and Leased Offices.


Each offers distinct advantages, from short-term flexibility to long-term cost efficiency and complete control over design and amenities. Choosing the right one can have a significant impact on your business’s operations, culture, and bottom line.


What Are Serviced Offices?


Serviced offices provide fully equipped, ready to use workspaces that allow businesses to move in and operate immediately without the hassle of setup, maintenance, or long term commitments.

With an all inclusive monthly fee, everything is covered including utilities, maintenance, cleaning, security, and essential amenities, eliminating unexpected costs and simplifying financial planning. Businesses can access prime locations without the burden of large upfront investments.


One of the biggest advantages of serviced offices is flexibility. Companies can scale up or down as needed, adapting to market conditions without being locked into rigid leases. This makes them ideal for fast growing businesses, short term projects, and companies navigating uncertainty.


Beyond financial and operational benefits, serviced offices are designed to enhance employee wellbeing and productivity. Access to high quality amenities, wellness focused environments, and collaborative spaces helps businesses attract and retain top talent, with studies showing that companies investing in employee centric workspaces see a 20% increase in satisfaction and retention.


By choosing a serviced office, businesses can focus on growth, innovation, and day to day operations without the distraction of managing an office space.


Serviced Office 81-87 High Holborn, London WC1V 6DF


Serviced offices provide a private, fully furnished workspace, complete with desks, chairs, and office essentials, while also giving your team access to premium on-site facilities. These often include meeting rooms, breakout areas, high speed internet, wellness spaces, and even gyms, all designed to enhance productivity and employee wellbeing.


With a single all inclusive monthly fee, businesses avoid the hidden costs of traditional leases. This covers rent, utilities, cleaning, maintenance, and security, ensuring predictable expenses with no unexpected charges. Contracts typically start from three months to a year, though some serviced offices offer rolling monthly agreements for even greater flexibility.


As 74% of UK companies now adopt flexible office solutions, the demand for serviced offices continues to grow. With cost efficiency, scalability, and prime locations, it is no surprise that serviced offices remain one of the most popular workspace solutions for businesses of all sizes.


Pros and Cons of Serviced Offices


Pros of Serviced Offices

  • Fast and hassle free move in Serviced offices are fully equipped and ready to use, allowing businesses to move in quickly with minimal paperwork. With an instant setup, there are no delays from fit-outs, meaning teams can start working immediately.
  • Greater flexibility Serviced office contracts are much shorter, offering greater flexibility for companies who need agility — whether that’s downsizing, upsizing, or ditching the office altogether.
  • Predictable budgeting and improved cash flow Fixed monthly fees bundle rent, utilities, and maintenance into a single cost, ensuring predictable expenses with no hidden fees. Businesses can budget more effectively without worrying about fluctuating overheads. Studies show that flexible office solutions can reduce operational costs by up to 25%.


Cons of Serviced Offices

  • Limited branding opportunities Customisation is restricted to minor branding touches such as removable signage. Businesses cannot fully tailor the space with branded decor, lighting design, or bespoke layouts.
  • Higher cost per square foot The convenience of all inclusive pricing and shorter lease terms means serviced offices tend to cost more per square foot compared to traditional long term leases. However, this is offset by the elimination of upfront fit-out and operational costs.
  • Higher cost per square foot While core amenities are included, some additional services such as private meeting rooms, extra storage, or premium office upgrades may come at an extra charge. Businesses should assess which features are necessary to avoid unexpected costs.


Choosing the right office space is a strategic decision that impacts cost efficiency, scalability, and employee wellbeing.


Whether you need the flexibility of a serviced office, the customisation of a managed space, or the long term stability of a leased office, making the right choice can drive business growth and reduce unnecessary expenses.


Want to explore which office solution is best for your business? Download our whitepaper for expert insights, real world case studies, and a data driven approach to finding the perfect workspace. 





What is a Flexible Lease (Managed)?


A Flexible Lease (Managed) office combines the convenience of a serviced office with the ability to customise the workspace to suit business needs. It provides all-inclusive pricing, shorter lease terms, and professional management, while also allowing tenants to influence the design and layout of the space.

Unlike a serviced office, which is fully furnished and move-in ready, a Flexible Lease (Managed) office acts as a blank canvas. Businesses can tailor the space to fit their operational and branding requirements, from selecting the number of desks and breakout areas to choosing floor finishes and lighting. While the workspace provider handles fit-outs, utilities, and maintenance, the tenant has a more active role in shaping the final workspace.


Flexible Leases (Managed) Exclusive to Flexioffices


Flexible Leases (Managed) Exclusive to Flexioffices


This model is particularly beneficial for businesses looking for greater control without the financial and operational burden of a long-term lease. Studies show that Flexible Lease (Managed) spaces can reduce real estate costs by up to 25% compared to traditional leases, while still providing access to premium locations, high-quality amenities, and scalable office solutions.


With mid-term contracts typically ranging from 12 to 36 months, businesses can expand or downsize as needed without the rigid commitments of a traditional lease. This makes Flexible Lease (Managed) offices a smart choice for companies that need stability, flexibility, and the ability to create a workspace that reflects their culture and brand.


Pros and Cons of Flexible Lease (Managed) Offices


Flexible Lease (Managed) Pros

  • Exclusive workspace A Flexible Lease (Managed) office is fully private and dedicated to your business, meaning you do not have to share meeting rooms or breakout spaces. This makes it an ideal solution for companies that frequently host clients or require confidentiality.
  • Better cash flow management Similar to serviced offices, rent is paid as a single all-inclusive monthly fee, covering utilities, maintenance, and facilities. This simplifies budgeting and ensures predictable expenses without unexpected costs.
  • Less financial commitment than leased offices Compared to traditional leased offices, Flexible Lease (Managed) spaces require lower deposits, and fit-out costs can be spread across the tenancy. This makes them a more approachable option for businesses that want a tailored workspace without the long-term commitment of a lease.


Flexible Lease (Managed) Cons

  • Longer setup time Unlike serviced offices, these spaces require a fit-out period before move-in. While the provider handles the setup, businesses must allow time for customisation, which can take several weeks to months depending on the level of work required.
  • Higher costs compared to leased offices While Flexible Lease (Managed) offices eliminate upfront fit-out costs and offer shorter lease terms, businesses pay a slight premium for the flexibility and customisation. Compared to a long-term leased office, this can result in higher costs over time.
  • Less agility than serviced offices While more flexible than traditional leases, Flexible Lease (Managed) contracts require a longer commitment than serviced offices. Businesses may face exit fees if they need to terminate their contract early, making them less suitable for companies needing short-term agility.


How Do I Find a Flexible Lease (Managed) Office Near Me?


Finding the right Flexible Lease (Managed) office can be challenging, but our expert advisors are here to help. We take the hassle out of the search by providing tailored recommendations, organising viewings, and negotiating the best rates, all at no cost to you.


With access to a wide range of bespoke, fully fitted office spaces, we ensure your business secures a workspace that balances flexibility, exclusivity, and cost efficiency. Whether you need a space that supports growth, enhances productivity, or reflects your brand, we will help you find the perfect fit.


Get in touch today and let our experts find the ideal space for your business.

What Are Leased Offices?


Leased offices are the most traditional office solution, offering businesses full control over their workspace. Unlike serviced or Flexible Lease (Managed) offices, leased offices are rented directly from the building’s landlord, usually on a price per square foot basis, with contracts typically lasting five to ten years.


This level of control comes with greater financial and operational responsibility. Businesses must pay a substantial upfront deposit and take on the costs of fit-outs, furnishings, maintenance, and utilities. However, this investment allows for complete customisation, enabling companies to design the space exactly how they want, without the constraints of a third-party workspace provider.


For businesses with long-term stability and a clear vision for their workspace, a leased office offers the opportunity to create a fully branded, tailored environment that aligns with their culture and operational needs. Leased offices typically require a long-term commitment, making them ideal for businesses with stability and a clear vision for their workspace.


Long-form leases usually last five to ten years and involve direct negotiations with the landlord. These agreements provide cost efficiency over time but require legal guidance during contract negotiations. Businesses committing to a long lease must be confident in their future growth and workspace needs.


Regardless of lease length, setting up a leased office requires significant time and financial investment. Unlike serviced or Flexible Lease (Managed) offices, furniture, IT infrastructure, utilities, and maintenance are not included, businesses must arrange and finance these elements themselves. However, this also means they have full autonomy to design, fit out, and manage the space exactly as they want.


While leased office agreements tend to be more complex than flexible workspace licenses, they provide businesses with greater independence and long-term stability, making them a strong choice for companies that need complete control over their office environment.


Pros and Cons of Leased Offices


Leased Office Pros


  • More cost-effective in the long run While leased offices require a large deposit and initial setup costs, they often become more cost-efficient over time compared to serviced or Flexible Lease (Managed) offices. With longer lease terms, businesses can avoid the premium pricing of short-term contracts.
  • Greater legal protection Leased contracts provide stronger legal protections and greater security for both parties, as they cannot be terminated as easily as short-term license agreements. This ensures stability for businesses that want to secure a long-term base.
  • Complete control over branding and design Typically delivered in CAT A condition (basic infrastructure with no furnishings), leased offices give businesses full creative control over fit-outs, branding, and internal culture, allowing them to design a space that fully reflects their identity.


Leased Office Cons


  • Higher upfront costs The initial investment is significantly higher than other workspace options. Businesses must cover fit-outs, furniture, IT infrastructure, and operational setup, which can be a substantial financial commitment.
  • Less agility Long lease durations limit flexibility, making it harder for companies to quickly scale up, down, or relocate in response to business changes.
  • Longer move-in time Setting up a leased office takes significantly more time than serviced or Flexible Lease (Managed) offices. The process—from contract negotiation to fit-out—can take three to six months, whereas serviced offices allow businesses to move in almost immediately.


Download our whitepaper for expert insights, real world case studies, and a data driven approach to finding the perfect workspace.


Choosing the Right Office Type for Your Business


Selecting the right office space is a strategic decision that impacts cost efficiency, scalability, and employee wellbeing. To ensure your workspace supports your business goals, it is essential to evaluate which option best suits your needs.


While our expert advisors are available to help guide you through the process, here are some key factors to consider before making a decision:


Who Are Serviced Offices Best For?


Before the pandemic, serviced offices were primarily used by startups with high growth potential or businesses uncertain about their long-term space requirements.


However, serviced offices are now just as popular among scale-ups, SMEs, and large corporations. With business needs evolving faster than ever, companies require agile workspace solutions that allow them to scale efficiently without committing to long-term leases.


The pay-as-you-grow model of serviced offices ensures that businesses only pay for the space they actually use—whether they are expanding, downsizing, or accommodating temporary teams. This makes them particularly valuable for:

  • Scaling businesses that need the flexibility to add headcount without long-term property commitments.
  • SMEs and corporates requiring overflow space for growing departments, project teams, or short-term expansions.
  • Innovation hubs for new ventures, allowing teams to operate in fully equipped workspaces without the delays of a traditional lease.

With 74% of UK companies now adopting flexible workspace solutions, serviced offices continue to be a cost-efficient and adaptable choice for businesses of all sizes.


Should I Rent a Flexible Lease (Managed) Office?


While serviced offices offer excellent facilities and flexibility, some businesses may need a workspace that feels more like their own, without the long-term commitment of a traditional lease.

If this sounds like your business, a Flexible Lease (Managed) office could be the perfect solution.


A Flexible Lease (Managed) office is ideal for established SMEs and scaleups that want customisation and branding without subsidising shared facilities. It provides a dedicated private space with the ability to tailor the layout, furniture, and overall design, ensuring the workspace reflects the company’s identity.


In terms of flexibility, a Flexible Lease (Managed) office offers the best of both worlds. It bridges the gap between short-term serviced office options and long-term leases. With contracts typically ranging from 12 to 36 months, businesses benefit from more stability than serviced offices without the long-term commitments and upfront costs of a leased office.


So, if you are looking for a bespoke office space with branding potential, flexible terms, and no large upfront investment, a Flexible Lease (Managed) office could be the ideal fit.


Should I Rent a Leased Office?


If your business requires complete control over workspace design and functionality, a leased office might be the best option.


Leased offices offer the highest level of customisation, allowing businesses to implement bespoke features such as custom-made sit-stand desks, ultra-fast broadband for dedicated servers, or integrated meeting room systems with touchscreen booking panels. This level of personalisation makes leased offices ideal for companies with highly specific operational or branding requirements.


Typically, leased offices best suit large businesses and enterprises that:

  • Need a private, fully customised space tailored to their long-term needs.
  • Have a predictable headcount and can confidently commit to a space for five to ten years.
  • Have the budget and resources to manage the upfront costs of fit-outs, furnishing, and IT infrastructure.


Find a Flexible Office in London and Beyond with Flexioffices

At Flexioffices, we help businesses find workspaces that not only meet their needs but also support growth, flexibility, and employee wellbeing. Whether you're looking for a fully serviced office, a Flexible Lease (Managed) space, or a long-term leased office, our expert advisors are here to guide you through every step of the process.


Why Choose Flexioffices?

  • Expert guidance – Our workspace specialists manage the entire office search process, so you can focus on running your business.
  • Extensive market access – We provide access to every available workspace in the flexible office market, ensuring you find the best fit.
  • Cost savings – Our team negotiates on your behalf, helping businesses secure the best rates and significant savings on office costs.


Still unsure which office type is the best fit for your business? Our expert advisors can guide you through the options, cutting through the jargon to help you find the right workspace solution. Get in touch today.