Flexible Office Space Demand Reaches New Heights in the U.K.

The demand for flexible office space in the U.K. has surged dramatically in the past year, with a year-over-year rise of 14% in the first half of 2024 — a 206% increase in inquiries compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.  

New data published by Workthere shows the high demand is primarily driven by occupiers seeking larger work environments and companies expanding into new markets. 

In the first half of 2024, 24% of the inquiries were for spaces requiring 20 desks or more. This reportedly doubles the figure by 12% year-over-year. Meanwhile, companies entering new markets made up 18% of inquiries — up 10% year-over-year. Experts suggest this growth trend reveals more tenants view flexible office spaces as a long-term solution rather than just temporary or project-based needs. 

The financial/costs aspect of flexible office spaces has also transformed within the past year.  

In London, the average cost for a private desk within the flexible office market is reported to have risen by 12% year-over-year to £805. This price hike is attributed by Workthere as a “flight to quality,” with top-tier office spaces driving the average cost upwards. Across the rest of the U.K., the average price for a private desk experienced a 1% year-over-year increase to £379. 

“Desks throughout the rest of the U.K. remain competitively priced as operators seek to retain occupancy against growing competition,” said Tom Leahy, Co-Head of Workthere U.K. “In addition, we have also seen a need from operators across the market to pass on some of the rising costs they are facing to occupiers as a result of inflation, which is also pushing up the desk prices. In the second half of the year, we are expecting no let-up in the popularity of the flexible office market and continued delivery of exciting new schemes across the whole of the U.K.”  

The rise in demand and prices coincides with an observable increase in the average contract term lengths, which are reported to have grown to 15.6 months in H1 2024. This reflects a 27% year-on-year rise.  

Notably, the rapid expansion of flexible offices and new entries into the market have caused a slight dip in occupancy rates. In London, occupancy for flexible office spaces has decreased to 82% from 88% at the end of H1 2024, and similarly, dropped to 83% from 86% across the rest of the U.K.  

The upswing in demand for flexible office spaces in the U.K. reflects a fundamental change in how organizations around the world are viewing and utilizing commercial office environments.