Tips When Using a Broker to Find London & UK Office Space to Rent
Searching for office space to rent in London and the UK can be difficult and quite time-consuming without any help. This is where office space brokers come in. Here are our tips when using a broker to find your next office.
1. Access to Off-Market Properties
Your broker might have access to a database of offices that are not listed on any websites and can’t be found anywhere online. The more options you have, the higher the chance of finding the right office in the quickest amount of time.
2. Negotiating Expertise
Negotiation is one of the top reasons to conduct your office search with an agent by your side. Agents understand pricing and how the market operates in different locations. They know the sort of deals a landlord may be prepared to offer/accept and can negotiate on your behalf to secure the best deal.
3. Knowledge
Brokers live and breathe the renting of offices during their working day, so are best placed to explain the market and answer any questions you may have. Whether you’re looking for a flexible lease or a few desks in a coworking space, your broker can point you in the right direction and help guide you smoothly through the process.
4. Time Savings
Getting a broker to help you secure an office can save you a lot of time. Instead of having to search the market, book viewings and negotiate pricing, your broker will oversee everything for you and be your main point of contact until move-in day.
5. Representation
An agent can help keep your enquiry confidential and ensure that your search is prioritised by landlords. When a landlord knows you are being represented, they know it’s a serious enquiry as opposed to purely research into prices/the market.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Serviced Office Broker
Do Some Research
Do a bit of research of your own before reaching out to an agent, to get a feel for what is on the market. Look at the different offices available and use FreeOfficeFinder’s pricing tool to compare the cost of office space in different areas.
Know your Budget
You should approach your broker with a budget in mind. This will help them to narrow down the search and present you with options that are within your reach. Serviced offices tend to be priced on an all-inclusive basis, so they cover bills, overheads, and cleaning etc.
Ask Questions
It’s not silly to ask lots of questions. You need to establish if your agent charges for their service. FreeOfficeFinder, as the name suggests, is free.
List your Requirements
Again, the more information you can give your agent, the better. Before your initial conversation think about how many people you need to accommodate and if this is likely to grow or contract soon, the amenities on your wish list, the location you’re aiming for and anything else that’s important to you and your business.
Keep an Open Mind
One of the best things about using an agent is that they may present you with an option you’d never heard or thought of but is a perfect fit for your company.
Communicate
Keep the line of communication open throughout the journey – it will help everything run more smoothly. Check your email or voicemail for updates from your broker and let them know if you end up finding another office.
A broker can be your company’s biggest asset when it comes to sourcing office space. They can help you to define your requirements and get you the best possible deal. Good luck!
