Searching for Office Space? The Best Ways to Find Your Next Office

Finding the right office space is an important decision for any business. Whether you're a startup looking for your first office, an established company relocating, or a growing organisation seeking more flexible accommodation, the process can sometimes feel unnecessarily complicated.

With so many websites, commercial property agents, office brokers and workspace operators advertising available offices, knowing where to begin isn't always straightforward.

Traditionally, businesses searching for office space have relied on commercial property agents or specialist brokers to identify suitable premises. More recently, online platforms have made it easier to discover serviced offices, managed offices and coworking spaces.

But there's another approach gaining relevance: searching through an independent office space directory and contacting workspace operators directly.

In this guide, we explore the different ways to find office space, the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and how businesses can make more informed decisions when choosing their next workplace.

1. Using a Commercial Property Agent

Commercial property agents have traditionally played a central role in helping businesses find office accommodation.

They typically specialise in commercial buildings, conventional leases and property transactions, although some also advise on serviced and flexible office space.

An agent can help businesses understand local property markets, identify suitable buildings, arrange viewings and negotiate commercial terms.

Advantages of Using a Commercial Property Agent

• Market knowledge: Experienced agents often have detailed knowledge of local office availability, rental values and market conditions.

• Professional advice: Agents can explain commercial lease terms, incentives, rent-free periods and other considerations.

• Access to opportunities: Some agents may know about offices that are not yet publicly advertised.

• Negotiation support: A tenant-appointed agent can help negotiate terms and identify potential risks.

Things to Consider

Commercial property agents are particularly useful when a business is considering a conventional lease, taking a substantial amount of office space or negotiating complex commercial terms.

However, it is important to understand who the agent represents and how they are remunerated.

Some agents act for landlords, while others are appointed by tenants. Fee arrangements vary, and businesses should establish whether any charges apply before engaging an agent.

For smaller businesses looking for a ready-to-use serviced office, a conventional property agency process may not always be necessary.

2. Using an Online Serviced Office Broker

Online office brokers have become a prominent part of the flexible workspace market.

These businesses operate websites advertising serviced offices, coworking spaces and other flexible workspace solutions.

A customer typically submits an enquiry, and the broker introduces them to one or more workspace operators.

Some brokers also help arrange viewings, compare proposals and negotiate commercial terms.

Advantages of Using an Office Broker

Online brokers can provide a convenient way to explore multiple office locations through a single point of contact.

They may also have established relationships with workspace operators and knowledge of current availability.

For businesses unfamiliar with a particular market, a knowledgeable broker can help narrow down suitable options.

How Do Serviced Office Brokers Make Money?

Many serviced office brokers operate on a commission-based model.

Rather than charging the customer directly, the broker typically receives a referral or introduction fee from the workspace operator when a successful transaction is completed.

The exact commission structure varies between brokers, operators and agreements.

Although this means the customer may not pay the broker directly, the commission still represents a cost to the workspace operator.

Like other sales and marketing expenses, customer acquisition costs can influence the overall economics of operating a serviced office centre.

This doesn't necessarily mean that an office found through a broker will cost more. Operators may maintain consistent pricing across different sales channels, and brokers may sometimes help customers negotiate favourable terms.

However, businesses should understand how the introduction process works and consider whether they need an intermediary.

3. Contacting Serviced Office Operators Directly

Another option is to approach workspace operators directly.

Many serviced office providers have their own websites where customers can view locations, explore facilities and enquire about availability.

This approach allows businesses to communicate directly with the company responsible for providing and managing the workspace.

Benefits of Going Direct

Direct communication

You can speak directly with the operator about available offices, pricing, contract terms and building facilities.

Fewer intermediaries

Questions about the workspace can be answered by the people responsible for operating it, potentially making the enquiry process more straightforward.

Understanding the full offering

Operators can explain exactly what is included in their office packages, including internet connectivity, meeting room access, parking, utilities and additional services.

Potential commercial advantages

Where no broker is involved, the operator may avoid paying an introduction commission.

This can reduce the cost of acquiring a new customer and may create greater commercial flexibility, although any savings passed on to the occupier will depend on the operator's pricing policies.

The Challenge of Finding Operators Directly

The main difficulty is discovering all the available workspace options in the first place.

Searching individually for every serviced office operator in a particular town or city can be time-consuming.

Some operators have strong online visibility, while smaller independent providers may be harder to find.

This means businesses could overlook suitable office space simply because they are unfamiliar with the operator or its location.

That's where an independent office space directory can provide a useful alternative.

4. Using an Office Space Directory Like Right Space

An office space directory combines the convenience of searching online with the ability to contact workspace providers directly.

Rather than acting as an intermediary between the customer and operator, Right Space is designed to help businesses discover flexible workspace and connect directly with the companies offering it.

Businesses can explore office options, identify suitable locations and contact providers without needing a traditional brokerage introduction.

Why Use Right Space to Find Office Space?

Search Multiple Workspace Providers in One Place

Instead of visiting numerous individual operator websites, businesses can use Right Space to discover workspace options within their preferred locations.

The directory covers different types of flexible workspace, including private offices, managed offices, coworking memberships, virtual offices, meeting rooms and event spaces.

This helps businesses explore alternatives that may otherwise be overlooked.

Contact Workspace Operators Directly

One of the key benefits of Right Space is the ability to connect directly with the workspace provider.

Rather than submitting an enquiry that is passed through a broker, businesses can communicate with the operator about availability, facilities, pricing and contract terms.

This helps create a more direct and transparent relationship from the outset.

No Broker Commission or Introduction Fees

Right Space does not charge customers or workspace operators commission or introduction fees for successful transactions.

This is an important difference compared with commission-based brokerage models.

Workspace operators can receive direct enquiries without incurring a commission simply because a customer discovered their office through the directory.

For operators, avoiding commission-based acquisition costs can improve the economics of securing new customers.

For businesses searching for office space, this may create opportunities for more competitive commercial terms, although individual operators remain responsible for setting their own prices.

Discover Independent Workspace Providers

Not every serviced office provider belongs to a large national or international brand.

Many independent operators offer high-quality offices, attractive locations and competitive commercial packages.

A directory can help increase the visibility of these providers, giving businesses more choice when searching for their next workplace.

Explore Different Types of Workspace

An office search doesn't always need to result in a traditional private office.

Depending on your requirements, a coworking membership, managed office, virtual office or combination of flexible workspace services may provide a better solution.

Being able to explore these options in one place can help businesses make more informed decisions.

5. Comparing the Different Ways to Find Office Space

Each method has advantages, and the most suitable approach will depend on the size, complexity and requirements of your business.

For a large organisation negotiating a complex conventional lease, professional property advice may be particularly valuable.

For a business looking for a flexible, ready-to-use office, searching a directory and contacting operators directly can be an efficient starting point.

6. Does Going Direct Mean Cheaper Office Space?

One of the most interesting questions when searching for serviced offices is whether contacting an operator directly can result in better pricing.

There isn't a universal answer.

Serviced office operators incur various costs when attracting customers, including advertising, sales teams, marketing campaigns and broker commissions.

Commission payments are therefore one element of the overall cost of acquiring customers.

When a customer approaches an operator directly, the operator may avoid paying an external broker introduction fee.

In some circumstances, this could provide additional flexibility when negotiating a commercial agreement.

However, customers should not assume that a direct enquiry automatically guarantees a discount.

Some operators maintain the same pricing regardless of how the customer was introduced, while others may offer different commercial incentives depending on occupancy, contract duration and availability.

The real benefit of a commission-free directory is that it removes one potential transaction cost from the process, creating a more direct relationship between customer and operator.

7. What Should You Consider When Searching for Office Space?

Regardless of how you discover your next office, it's important to evaluate more than the advertised monthly price.

Location and Accessibility

Consider public transport connections, parking availability, local amenities and commuting times for employees.

An attractive office at a competitive price may not be suitable if it is difficult for your team or customers to reach.

Office Size and Layout

Think carefully about how many workstations your business genuinely needs.

Hybrid working arrangements may mean that the number of employees differs considerably from the number of desks required.

Meeting rooms, breakout areas and collaboration spaces should also be considered.

What's Included in the Price?

Serviced office packages can vary significantly between operators.

Check whether the advertised price includes furniture, internet, utilities, business rates, cleaning, meeting rooms and other services.

Understanding the total monthly cost will make comparing different offices much easier.

Contract Length and Flexibility

Some businesses require the security of a longer agreement, while others need the ability to expand, downsize or relocate.

Review the minimum commitment, notice period, renewal arrangements and any additional charges before signing.

Visit the Workspace

Photographs and online descriptions are useful, but they cannot replace seeing the office in person.

Whenever possible, arrange a viewing to assess the quality of the building, facilities, natural light, accessibility and overall working environment.

8. Why Transparency Matters When Choosing Office Space

Finding an office should be about identifying the right workspace for your business, rather than navigating an unnecessarily complicated sales process.

Businesses benefit from being able to understand who operates a building, what facilities are available, how much the workspace costs and what contractual commitments apply.

Similarly, workspace operators benefit from opportunities to engage directly with prospective customers.

An independent directory can help bring both sides together without introducing unnecessary layers into the transaction.

This doesn't remove the value of professional advice or specialist brokers. Instead, it gives businesses another option when deciding how they want to search for and secure office space.

9. The Future of Searching for Office Space

As businesses increasingly consider serviced offices, managed offices and coworking arrangements, the way they search for workspace is also evolving.

Online research has become an important part of the decision-making process.

Businesses want to compare locations, understand available facilities and identify suitable operators before committing to a viewing.

Directories can help make that research easier by bringing together workspace information in one place.

At the same time, direct communication allows customers and operators to discuss specific requirements without necessarily relying on a third party.

For businesses looking for flexibility, choice and transparency, this combination can be particularly appealing.

Find Your Next Office with Right Space

Whether you're searching for a serviced office, managed workspace, coworking membership or meeting room, finding the right location doesn't need to be complicated.

Right Space helps businesses discover flexible workspace and connect directly with operators, without charging commission or introduction fees to either party.

Our aim is to make it easier for businesses to explore their options, discover independent and established workspace providers, and find offices that suit their requirements.

By connecting customers directly with operators, Right Space offers an alternative to traditional commission-based office brokerage.

Searching for your next office? Explore Right Space and discover flexible workspace without the middleman.