What is a Managed Office Space? | Complete Guide

A managed office space is a customisable workspace where you design the layout and branding to your specifications, while a provider handles all the operational management—maintenance, utilities, cleaning, and facilities. You get the look and feel of your own office without the hassle of running a building.

Think of it as the middle ground between a serviced office (where everything is ready-made) and a traditional lease (where everything is your responsibility). With a managed office, you choose the design; they handle the rest.

Managed offices have become increasingly popular with growing companies that have outgrown standard serviced offices but aren't ready for the commitment and complexity of a traditional lease. The fit-out costs are typically amortised into your monthly rent, so you get a bespoke space without massive upfront capital expenditure.

This guide covers how managed offices work, what's included, costs, and who benefits most from this model. It's part of our complete guide to types of office space .

Managed Office Space Definition

A managed office is a dedicated workspace that you can customise to your brand and requirements, while a third-party provider manages all operational aspects of the building. Unlike serviced offices that come pre-designed and ready to use, managed offices are built to your brief.

Key characteristics:

• Customisable design  – You choose layout, furniture, finishes, and branding
• Professional fit-out included  – The provider delivers the space to your specifications
• All-inclusive management  – Utilities, maintenance, cleaning, and facilities are handled for you
• Flexible terms  – Typically 1-5 years, shorter than traditional leases
• Priced per square foot  – Rather than per desk like serviced offices
• Dedicated space  – Usually self-contained with your own entrance or floor

The "hybrid solution" concept captures it well: you get the customisation of a leased office with the operational simplicity of a serviced office.

How Managed Offices Work

Selection and Design Process

1. Define requirements  – Team size, growth plans, location preferences, brand identity needs
2. Find suitable space  – Work with a broker or provider to identify appropriate buildings
3. Design consultation  – Work with the provider's designers on layout, furniture, and finishes
4. Agree specifications  – Sign off on designs, materials, and branding elements
5. Fit-out construction  – Provider builds the space to your specifications
6. Handover and move-in  – Space is delivered ready to use

Unlike traditional leases where you manage contractors yourself, the provider coordinates the entire fit-out process. You make design decisions; they handle execution.

Customisation Options

Managed offices offer varying levels of customisation depending on your budget and commitment:

• Layout  – Open plan, private offices, meeting rooms, breakout areas—configured to how your team works
• Furniture  – Choice of desks, chairs, soft seating, and storage; some providers offer premium ranges
• Finishes  – Floor coverings, wall colours, ceiling treatments, lighting design
• Branding  – Your logo at reception, branded meeting rooms, custom signage throughout
• Specialist spaces  – Soundproof rooms, video production areas, secure storage, server rooms

The longer your commitment, the more customisation providers typically offer. A 3-year term might include full bespoke fit-out; a 12-month term might offer furniture choices and paint colours only.

Fit-Out Timeline

Managed offices take longer to set up than serviced offices but far less than traditional fit-outs:

The 6-12 week timeline includes design finalisation, approvals, construction, and snagging. More complex customisations (specialist rooms, extensive branding) push towards the longer end.

Provider Responsibilities

In a managed office, the provider handles:

• Building maintenance and repairs
• Utilities (electricity, water, heating)
• Business rates
• Cleaning (communal areas; sometimes your space too)
• Security and access control
• Internet and phone infrastructure
• Reception services (varies by provider)

You focus on your business; they focus on the building.

What's Included in Managed Offices?

Customisation Options

The core appeal of managed offices is making the space your own:

• Bespoke layouts  – Designed around your team's workflow, not a generic template
• Brand integration  – Your identity visible throughout, from entrance to meeting rooms
• Furniture selection  – Choose pieces that reflect your culture and working style
• Specialist requirements  – Soundproofing, enhanced security, specific technology infrastructure

Included Services

Standard managed office packages typically include:

• Rent and business rates
• Utilities (electricity, heating, water)
• Building maintenance and repairs
• Common area cleaning
• Security and 24/7 access
• Business-grade internet connectivity
• Building management support

What's Usually Extra

Depending on the provider, these may be additional:

• Cleaning within your space (sometimes included, sometimes extra)
• Reception services
• Meeting room booking beyond allocation
• Catering and hospitality
• Specialist IT support
• Furniture upgrades beyond standard

Always get a detailed breakdown before signing—"all-inclusive" means different things to different providers.

Flexibility Features

• Access to communal spaces  – Many managed office buildings include shared meeting rooms, lounges, or event spaces
• Scalability  – Providers often hold adjacent space or prioritise existing tenants for expansion
• Network access  – Some providers offer access to other locations in their portfolio

Managed Office vs Other Office Types

Managed Office vs Serviced Office

Managed offices cost more but deliver a space that looks and feels like yours. Serviced offices are quicker and simpler but less distinctive.

Compare with serviced offices and Traditional Lease .

Managed Office vs Traditional Lease

Traditional leases offer maximum control but require significant capital, long commitment, and operational management. Managed offices give you customisation without those burdens.

Learn about traditional office leases .

Managed Office vs Private Office

Private offices are individual lockable rooms within serviced buildings—typically for smaller teams (2-20 people). Managed offices are larger, more customisable spaces for bigger teams (20-100+) who want their own identity and often their own entrance or floor.

The choice depends on team size and how important branding is to your business.

See private office differences .

Who Benefits Most from Managed Offices?

Growing companies (20-100 employees) – You've outgrown serviced offices but aren't large enough to justify managing your own building. Managed offices scale with you.

Businesses wanting branded spaces – Professional services firms, creative agencies, and client-facing businesses need environments that reflect their brand. Generic serviced offices don't cut it.

Companies ready for 1-3 year commitments – You have enough stability to commit beyond month-to-month, but not enough certainty for a 10-year lease.

Scale-ups needing professional environments – Growing fast and hiring regularly? A custom-designed space helps attract talent and project credibility to clients and investors.

Hybrid working teams – Managed offices can be designed specifically for hybrid patterns—collaboration spaces for in-office days, fewer individual desks, more meeting rooms.

Managed Office Costs

Pricing Structure

Unlike serviced offices (priced per desk), managed offices are typically priced per square foot. This reflects the customisation and dedicated nature of the space.

UK Market Rates

Prices Q4 2025. Managed offices command a 30-40% premium over serviced offices in the same location.

Cost Comparison

According to recent market data, managed office desk rates in London average around £828/month compared to £590/month for serviced offices—a 40% premium. The premium buys you customisation, branding, and a more distinctive environment.

Upfront Costs

Expect to pay:

• Security deposit  – Typically 2-3 months' rent
• Rent in advance  – Usually 1-3 months
• Fit-out contribution  – Sometimes required for extensive customisation

Unlike traditional leases, fit-out costs are usually amortised into your monthly rent rather than paid as capital expenditure. This preserves cash flow but results in higher monthly costs.

Advantages of Managed Offices

• Custom design without hassle  – Create your ideal workspace without managing contractors, permits, or construction
• Professional fit-out included  – High-quality design and build handled by experts
• Flexible compared to leases  – 1-5 year terms rather than 10 years; easier exit if circumstances change
• Branding and identity  – Your space looks like your company, not a generic building
• Predictable costs  – One monthly fee covers most operational expenses
• Operational simplicity  – Building management handled; you focus on your business
• Designed for modern working  – Can incorporate hybrid-friendly layouts from the start

Disadvantages of Managed Offices

• Longer commitment than serviced  – Typically 12-36 months minimum; not suitable if you need month-to-month flexibility
• Higher upfront costs  – 2-3 months deposit plus possible fit-out contributions
• Setup time  – 6-12 weeks versus days for serviced offices; not suitable for urgent moves
• Premium pricing  – 30-40% more expensive than equivalent serviced space
• Less standardised amenities  – Serviced offices often have better shared facilities (gyms, event spaces, cafés)
• Exit complexity  – Harder to leave early than serviced offices

Top Managed Office Providers UK

The Office Group (TOG) / Fora – 51 locations across UK and Germany, design-led spaces in iconic buildings. Known for quality fit-outs and premium environments. Works with teams from startups to enterprises.

Landmark – 41 locations across the UK, particularly strong in London and regional cities. Offers private floors and customisable spaces alongside traditional serviced offices.

Kitt – Specialist managed office provider offering full design, build, and management services. Focuses on bespoke spaces for growing companies.

IWG (Signature by Regus) – Premium tier of the world's largest flexible workspace provider. Offers managed solutions alongside their serviced portfolio.

Workspace – 60+ London properties with character buildings. Offers "white label" managed solutions for larger occupiers.

FAQs

What's the typical contract length for a managed office? Usually 12-36 months, though some providers offer shorter (6-month) or longer (5-year) terms. Longer commitments often secure better customisation and rates.

How much can I customise? It depends on your term length and provider. Short commitments get furniture choices and paint colours; longer terms get full bespoke fit-outs including layout, specialist rooms, and branded finishes.

What's the fit-out timeline? Typically 6-12 weeks from design sign-off to move-in. Complex customisations take longer; simpler refreshes can be faster.

Can I expand my space? Most providers prioritise existing tenants for adjacent space and will work with you on expansion. Some hold "growth space" for larger clients. However, expansion depends on availability.

What happens to the fit-out when I leave? Usually the fit-out stays with the building. This is why providers amortise costs into your rent rather than requiring upfront payment—they retain the improvements.

Is a managed office right for my size of business? Managed offices work best for teams of 20-100+ people. Smaller teams typically find serviced offices more cost-effective; larger organisations may prefer traditional leases for maximum control.

Conclusion

Managed offices fill the gap between plug-and-play serviced spaces and full-commitment traditional leases. If you need a workspace that reflects your brand and supports your culture—but don't want to manage building operations or commit to a decade-long lease—managed offices deliver exactly that.

They're ideal for growing companies (20-100+ employees), professional services firms needing client-facing environments, and scale-ups wanting impressive spaces without massive capital outlay.

The trade-off is cost (30-40% premium over serviced) and commitment (12+ months minimum). If you need month-to-month flexibility or rapid setup, serviced offices remain the better choice.

Explore all your options in our complete guide to types of office space , or read our guides to serviced offices , private offices , and traditional leases .

Need help deciding?  Talk to an office broker who can compare options across the market and negotiate the best deal—at no cost to you.

Last updated: January 2026

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