Finding the perfect office space in London or across the UK can feel like a full-time job. Historically, businesses turned to traditional global property consultancies like Knight Frank to navigate the commercial real estate market. While Knight Frank is a highly respected institution with deep roots in traditional leasing, their corporate approach does not always align with the needs of modern, agile businesses.
Many growth-stage startups, scale-ups, and hybrid teams find that traditional corporate brokers can be slow to respond, heavily focused on massive multi-year leases, and less equipped to handle the fast-paced world of flexible workspaces. If you are looking for a more responsive, tech-enabled, or concierge-led approach to finding your next workspace, exploring alternatives is a smart move.
Here is our guide to the best five Knight Frank alternatives for businesses looking to secure office space in the UK and Europe.
Why Look for an Alternative to Knight Frank?
Knight Frank is excellent for multinational corporations looking for long-term conventional leases with complex legal structures. However, for growth-stage businesses looking for flexible offices, serviced spaces, or hybrid arrangements, the traditional brokerage model has several drawbacks:
- Slower response times: Traditional property firms often operate at a corporate pace, which can delay your search when you need to move quickly.
- Focus on traditional leases: Their primary incentive is often to fill large, conventional spaces rather than finding agile, serviced offices that scale with your team.
- High-pressure negotiations: Navigating traditional commercial terms can be stressful and time-consuming without a dedicated partner who fights solely for your interests.
- Lack of hybrid integration: Traditional brokers rarely offer tools to manage ad-hoc coworking or meeting room bookings for remote team members alongside your main office.
1. Flowspace: The Premium Concierge-Led Workspace Marketplace
If you want the deep market access of a traditional broker combined with the speed, technology, and agility of a modern startup, Flowspace is the ultimate alternative to Knight Frank.
Flowspace is a workspace-booking marketplace and office search platform built specifically for hybrid teams. Unlike traditional brokers who simply pass your details to landlords, Flowspace acts as your dedicated workspace partner. We handle the entire search process from start to finish, building curated shortlists, arranging viewings, and negotiating the best possible rates on your behalf.
With a database of over 10,000 available offices across the UK and Europe, Flowspace gives you comprehensive market coverage. Whether you are looking for a 10-person serviced office in Soho or a 150-person custom headquarters in Shoreditch, our team does the legwork so you do not have to.
Key Features:
- Europe-wide access: Access 1,000s of workspaces all over Europe in one platform.
- 10,000+ available offices: A massive, constantly updated database of flexible and serviced offices.
- Full concierge service: Our team negotiates the rates so you do not have to, saving you time and securing better terms.
- Hybrid-ready platform: Beyond your main office, you can book desks, meeting rooms and offices by the hour or day for your distributed team members.
For teams that want a hassle-free, expert-led search with transparent pricing and zero broker pressure, Flowspace is the modern solution. Start your search today at flowspace.co/office-space.
2. Hubble
Hubble is a well-known flexible workspace platform in London that focuses heavily on technology-first searches. It is a solid alternative to Knight Frank if you prefer a self-serve approach to finding an office.
Hubble allows users to search through thousands of flexible offices using an online directory. While they offer advisory support, their platform is highly geared toward users who want to filter, compare, and contact workspace providers directly through an online portal. They also offer a monthly pass for hot-desking, making them a popular choice for smaller teams and early-stage startups who want to manage their own search online.
3. Workthere
Workthere is the specialist flexible office brokerage arm of Savills, another giant in traditional commercial real estate. Because it is backed by a global property firm, it operates similarly to Knight Frank but with a strict focus on flexible, serviced, and coworking spaces.
Workthere combines an online search portal with a team of professional brokers who help negotiate terms. It is a strong alternative if you still want the backing of a major global property brand but require a team that specifically understands the serviced office market rather than conventional long-term leases.
4. Instant Offices
Instant Offices is one of the largest global flexible workspace brokers in the world. They have a massive directory of serviced offices, coworking spaces, and managed offices across multiple continents.
If your business is looking for rapid expansion across multiple global cities simultaneously, Instant Offices offers a vast database. Their model is highly transactional, meaning they operate as a high-volume broker directory. While you will get access to a huge number of listings, the experience can sometimes feel less personalised compared to a boutique concierge service.
5. Office Freedom
Office Freedom was one of the first flexible office brokers established in the UK. They have decades of experience in the serviced office industry and act as an independent broker representing tenants.
They cover a wide range of flexible workspaces and help businesses source, negotiate, and secure offices. As a traditional broker, they earn their commission from the workspace operators, meaning their service is free to the tenant. They are a reliable alternative to Knight Frank if you want an established broker with deep industry connections but prefer a company that focuses exclusively on flexible contracts.
Choosing the Right Partner for Your Office Search
When comparing Knight Frank to these alternatives, the right choice depends on your business size, growth trajectory, and how you work. Traditional consultancies remain the standard for massive, long-term corporate headquarters. However, for agile businesses that value speed, flexibility, and a modern approach, platforms like Flowspace offer a far more tailored experience.
By choosing a concierge-led marketplace, you get the best of both worlds: the market-wide access of a massive broker, combined with the dedicated, high-touch support of an in-house workplace team.
Ready to Find Your Next Office?
Stop wasting hours dealing with multiple brokers and confusing listings. Let the Flowspace team do the heavy lifting for you. We will understand your requirements, curate a bespoke shortlist of the best spaces in London or across Europe, and negotiate the best rates on your behalf.
Explore our comprehensive database and speak to our concierge team at flowspace.co/office-space to get started today.
FAQ
What is the difference between a traditional broker like Knight Frank and Flowspace?
Traditional brokers like Knight Frank often focus on long-term, conventional leases and corporate clients. Flowspace is a concierge-led workspace marketplace built specifically for hybrid and growth-stage teams. We provide access to over 10,000 flexible and serviced offices across the UK and Europe, handle all negotiations to get you the best rates, and offer an on-demand platform to book desks and meeting rooms.
Does Flowspace charge a fee for office search services?
No, our office search and concierge service is entirely free for tenants. We partner with workspace operators across Europe and negotiate rates directly, meaning you get the best possible deal without any hidden fees or broker costs.
Can Flowspace help find offices outside of London?
Yes, absolutely. While we have extensive coverage in London, Flowspace allows you to access thousands of workspaces all over Europe in one platform. Whether you need space in Manchester, Berlin, Paris, or Dublin, our concierge team can build shortlists and negotiate rates for you.
How does the hybrid booking platform work alongside office search?
Unlike traditional brokers, Flowspace supports your entire hybrid work strategy. In addition to helping you find a permanent or part-time office, our platform allows your distributed team members to book desks, meeting rooms, and offices by the hour or day wherever they are located.
How quickly can we move into a flexible office found through Flowspace?
Flexible and serviced offices can move incredibly quickly. Depending on the space, you can often complete viewings, sign agreements, and move in within a matter of days, compared to the months of legal negotiations required for traditional leases.