For a growing team of four, transitioning from hot-desking to a dedicated private office is a major milestone. It provides a quiet space to focus, a consistent hub for collaboration, and a professional environment to meet clients. However, navigating the London office market can be daunting, especially when trying to understand the true monthly cost.
In London, the cost of a private office for 4 people typically ranges from £1,600 to £3,600+ per month. This price varies based on the location, the quality of the building, and the amenities included. Because serviced offices operate on a flexible, per-desk pricing model, budgeting is straightforward once you understand the regional averages.
The Per-Desk Pricing Model Explained
Unlike traditional commercial leases, which are priced per square foot and require long-term commitments, serviced offices are priced per desk, per month. For a 4-person team, your monthly cost is simply the individual desk rate multiplied by four.
This all-inclusive model covers your rent, business rates, service charges, utilities, cleaning, and high-speed internet. It removes the hassle of managing a building and allows you to focus entirely on growing your business.
London Private Office Costs by Area (For 4 People)
Location is the single biggest factor influencing office costs in London. Here is what you can expect to pay for a high-quality, 4-person private office in different parts of the capital:
Premium Areas (Mayfair, Marylebone, Soho, St James’s)
- Average Desk Rate: £750 to £1,000+ per month
- Total Monthly Cost for 4 People: £3,000 to £4,000+
These prestigious West End locations are home to high-end boutique offices, historic buildings, and luxury fit-outs. If your business requires a prime address to impress clients and proximity to top-tier dining and retail, this is where you want to be.
Tech and Creative Hubs (Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, Farringdon, Old Street)
- Average Desk Rate: £550 to £750 per month
- Total Monthly Cost for 4 People: £2,200 to £3,000
These areas are the heartbeat of London’s startup and creative scenes. Offices here often feature modern, industrial-chic designs, vibrant communal breakout spaces, and excellent networking opportunities. Farringdon and Clerkenwell also benefit from superb connectivity via the Elizabeth Line.
Financial and Corporate Districts (City of London, Canary Wharf)
- Average Desk Rate: £500 to £700 per month
- Total Monthly Cost for 4 People: £2,000 to £2,800
The City of London and Canary Wharf offer highly professional, modern high-rise office spaces. These locations are perfect for financial services, legal firms, and corporate partners who value premium amenities, secure infrastructure, and excellent transport links.
Emerging and Outer Areas (Stratford, Greenwich, Hammersmith, Vauxhall)
- Average Desk Rate: £400 to £550 per month
- Total Monthly Cost for 4 People: £1,600 to £2,200
If you want to maximise your budget, looking slightly outside the central zones offers exceptional value. These areas feature modern, fully equipped workspaces that are highly accessible for team members living in outer boroughs, without the central London price tag.
What is Included in Your Monthly Cost?
One of the main reasons small teams choose serviced offices is the simplicity of a single monthly invoice. Your payment generally includes:
- Fully furnished office space with desks, ergonomic chairs, and storage.
- High-speed, secure internet and IT infrastructure.
- All utility bills, including heating, electricity, and water.
- Daily cleaning, maintenance, and building security.
- Access to shared kitchen facilities, complimentary tea, coffee, and filtered water.
- Use of communal breakout areas, phone booths, and business lounges.
- A staffed reception to greet clients and handle your mail.
Hidden Costs to Keep in Mind
While serviced offices are largely all-inclusive, you should be aware of potential extra charges that can affect your monthly budget:
- VAT: Serviced office prices are almost always quoted exclusive of VAT, which adds 20 percent to your monthly bill.
- Meeting Rooms: While some spaces include a set number of free meeting room credits each month, others charge an hourly rate for bookings.
- Printing and Scanning: Many operators charge small fees per page for printing and copying.
- Bespoke IT: If your team requires a dedicated server, private IP addresses, or custom cabling, expect to pay an additional setup and monthly fee.
How to Find the Best Deal on a 4-Person Office
The listed price for a serviced office is rarely set in stone. Operators frequently offer promotions, especially for terms of 12 months or longer. However, negotiating with multiple providers and touring dozens of spaces takes valuable time away from your business.
That is where Flowspace comes in. We do the legwork for you, building custom shortlists of spaces that match your budget and location preferences, and negotiating the best possible rates on your behalf.
Ready to find your team’s next home? Browse our extensive database of over 10,000 workspaces at flowspace.co/office-space and let our expert concierge team handle the search and negotiation for you, completely free of charge.
FAQ
Is VAT included in the quoted monthly cost for a London office?
No, almost all serviced office prices in London are quoted exclusive of VAT, which is currently 20 percent. You should factor this into your monthly budgeting.
Can we fit more than 4 people into a 4-person private office?
Generally, serviced office operators size their rooms based on the number of desks. While you cannot usually squeeze extra desks in due to health and safety regulations, some spaces are more spacious than others. If you plan to grow soon, it is often better to look at a 6-person office.
Do we have to sign a long-term contract for a 4-person office?
No, one of the biggest benefits of serviced offices is flexibility. Most operators offer rolling monthly agreements or 12-month terms. Longer commitments can often help secure a discount.
Are utilities and internet included in the monthly price?
Yes, standard utilities, cleaning, security, and high-speed Wi-Fi are fully included in the monthly desk rate. Some operators may charge extra for dedicated, private internet lines if your business requires bespoke security.
How much space does a 4-person office actually give us?
In London, a typical 4-person serviced office ranges from 150 to 250 square feet. This provides enough room for four desks, chairs, and a small amount of storage, though you will also have access to communal breakout areas and kitchens.