What is a Shared Office Space?

A shared office space is a workspace where multiple businesses or professionals share the same premises and split the costs. Rather than renting an entire office yourself, you share it with one or more other companies—dividing the rent, utilities, and often amenities like meeting rooms and kitchen facilities.

This is different from coworking spaces, where a third-party operator manages everything and you simply pay for a membership. In a shared office, you're typically subletting from another business or sharing a lease directly—it's a peer-to-peer arrangement rather than a managed service.

Shared offices are ideal for very small businesses (1-5 people), freelancers, and startups on tight budgets who need affordable professional space without the commitment or cost of a private office.

This guide covers how shared offices work, typical costs, legal considerations, and how to find one. It's part of our complete guide to types of office space .

Shared Office Space Definition

A shared office space is a work environment where two or more businesses occupy the same premises and share costs. The arrangement typically involves:

• Multiple businesses in one space  – Usually 2-5 companies sharing an office suite
• Cost-sharing  – Rent, utilities, and amenities split between occupants
• Sublet or shared lease  – Either one tenant sublets to others, or multiple parties share the main lease
• Flexible terms  – Often month-to-month or short fixed terms, negotiated directly between parties
• Shared facilities  – Kitchen, meeting rooms, reception area used by all

The key distinction from coworking is the relationship. In coworking, a professional operator manages the space and sells memberships. In a shared office, you're dealing directly with another business—the arrangement is more informal, more negotiable, and often more affordable.

How Shared Office Spaces Work

The Typical Setup

Most shared office arrangements happen when a business has more space than it needs. Perhaps they:

• Leased an office expecting to grow, but growth hasn't happened yet
• Downsized their team but still have a lease to fulfil
• Want to offset costs by bringing in compatible businesses
• Have a large space and want company/networking opportunities

The main tenant (or space owner) then offers desks or a portion of their office to other businesses. Terms are negotiated directly between parties.

What Gets Shared

• Rent  – Usually divided by desk count or square footage
• Utilities  – Electricity, heating, water split proportionally
• Internet  – Shared connection, often included in the fee
• Common areas  – Kitchen, reception, breakout spaces
• Meeting rooms  – Shared access, often by booking or agreement
• Equipment  – Printer, coffee machine, basic office supplies

Arrangement Types

Informal sublet – Main tenant lets you use spare desks for an agreed monthly fee. Simplest but least protected arrangement.

Formal licence – Written agreement granting you the right to use specified workspace. More security than informal arrangements.

Shared lease – All parties named on the main lease, jointly responsible for rent. Most formal but requires landlord approval.

What's Typically Included?

Shared offices vary widely, but most include:

Always clarify exactly what's included before agreeing to any arrangement. Unlike serviced offices where everything is standardised, shared offices are negotiated case by case.

Shared Office vs Other Office Types

Shared Office vs Private Office

If you need confidential conversations, secure storage, or a professional client-facing space, a private office is worth the premium.

Shared Office vs Serviced Office

Serviced offices offer more professional amenities and formal arrangements, but at higher cost. See serviced office differences .

Shared Office vs Coworking Space

Coworking offers more community and professional management; shared offices offer more flexibility and often lower costs. Learn about coworking spaces .

Shared Office vs Sublet

The terms overlap significantly. A sublet is the legal mechanism; a shared office is the physical arrangement. When you share an office, you're often subletting from the main tenant—but "shared office" implies a more collaborative, collegial relationship than a pure landlord-tenant sublet.

Who Should Consider Shared Office Space?

Very small businesses (1-5 people) – When you're too small to justify a private office but need more than home working.

Startups on tight budgets – Get professional workspace at 30-50% less than private alternatives.

Complementary businesses – Lawyers sharing with accountants, designers with developers—potential for referrals and collaboration.

Companies wanting informal arrangements – No long contracts, no complex terms, just a desk and a fair deal.

Businesses needing space immediately – Skip the 6-week setup of serviced offices; move in next week.

Freelancers wanting company – Combat isolation without coworking membership costs.

Shared Office Costs

Typical UK Pricing

Shared office costs vary significantly based on location, amenities, and arrangement type:

These are informal shared arrangements. Formal coworking memberships typically cost more.

Cost Savings vs Alternatives

Shared offices typically save 30-50% compared to private serviced offices:

• Hot desk (coworking):  £200-350/month
• Shared office desk:  £150-350/month
• Private office desk:  £400-700+/month

The trade-off is fewer amenities, less privacy, and more informal arrangements.

Watch Out For

Unclear cost splits – Get specific about what's included and how costs are divided.

Utilities not included – Some arrangements quote rent only; utilities add £30-50/month.

Meeting room charges – If meetings are important, confirm access and any hourly fees.

Notice periods – Informal arrangements can end suddenly; protect yourself with agreed notice.

Pros of Shared Office Spaces

• Lowest cost option  – Often 30-50% cheaper than private alternatives
• Flexible, negotiable terms  – No standardised contracts; agree what works
• Immediate availability  – Skip formal processes; start next week
• Networking opportunities  – Build relationships with office mates
• Shared resources  – Split costs on equipment and services
• Combat isolation  – Human company for freelancers and remote workers

Cons of Shared Office Spaces

• Less privacy  – Shared space means others can overhear conversations
• Potential conflicts  – Noise, cleanliness, space usage disagreements
• Informal arrangements  – Less legal protection than formal offices
• Limited control  – Can't dictate office rules or environment
• Dependent on main tenant  – They can end the arrangement or change terms
• May lack professional amenities  – No reception, limited meeting space

Legal Considerations

Shared office arrangements can create legal complications. Protect yourself:

Get Everything in Writing

Even informal arrangements should be documented. A simple agreement should cover:

• What space you're entitled to use
• Monthly fee and what's included
• How costs are split
• Notice period for ending the arrangement
• Access hours and any restrictions
• Responsibility for damages

Check the Main Lease

If you're subletting from another tenant, their lease must permit subletting. If it doesn't, the landlord could terminate the lease—leaving everyone without an office. Ask to see relevant lease clauses before committing.

Define Responsibilities Clearly

Who's responsible for:

• Cleaning your area vs common areas?
• Damage to shared equipment?
• Utility bills if they spike?
• Insurance—yours and theirs?

Exit Terms

How much notice must each party give? What happens if the main tenant wants to end the arrangement? Can they terminate immediately, or do you have protection?

Insurance

Your existing business insurance may not cover you in a shared space. Check:

• Public liability coverage for the premises
• Contents insurance for your equipment
• Professional indemnity if you meet clients there

How to Find Shared Office Space

Online Marketplaces

ShareMyOffice – Specialises in peer-to-peer office sharing Hubble – Lists shared and part-time office options Gumtree – Free listings; more informal, variable quality SpareDesk – Connects businesses with spare desks

Networking

• Local business groups and chambers of commerce
• Industry associations and meetups
• LinkedIn—search for businesses in your area with office space
• Word of mouth through your professional network

Direct Approaches

If you know businesses in your industry or area, approach them directly. Many have spare space but haven't listed it—you could get a better deal by being proactive.

Commercial Property Sites

Sites like Rightmove Commercial and Zoopla occasionally list shared arrangements, though they focus more on formal leases.

Questions to Ask

Before committing to any shared office:

1. Can I see the main lease (or relevant subletting clauses)?
2. What exactly is included in the monthly fee?
3. What are the notice terms for both parties?
4. Who else shares the space, and what do they do?
5. What are the access hours?
6. How are disputes resolved?
7. What happens if you need the space back?

FAQs

Is sharing office space legal? Yes, but it must comply with the main lease terms. If the primary tenant's lease prohibits subletting, the arrangement could be terminated by the landlord. Always check the lease permits sharing.

How long are typical shared office arrangements? Often month-to-month or 3-6 months. The flexibility is a key advantage—but it also means less security than formal office arrangements.

What if the arrangement doesn't work out? With informal arrangements, either party can usually exit with agreed notice (typically 1-4 weeks). This flexibility works both ways—you can leave easily, but so can they.

Who pays for what in a shared office? Varies by agreement. Typically, rent and utilities are split by desk count or square footage. Clarify exactly what's included before committing—ambiguity leads to disputes.

Can I use a shared office as my business address? Only with explicit permission from the main tenant and landlord. Using an address without permission can create legal issues. If you need a business address, consider a virtual office or serviced office instead.

Conclusion

Shared office spaces offer the most affordable way to get professional workspace—often 30-50% cheaper than private alternatives. They're ideal for very small teams, budget-conscious startups, and freelancers who want company without coworking membership costs.

The trade-offs are real: less privacy, informal arrangements, dependence on others, and variable quality. If you need security, professional amenities, or a client-facing environment, a serviced office or private office may be worth the premium.

If you do choose a shared office, get everything in writing, check the main lease permits sharing, and clarify exactly what's included. The flexibility is an advantage—but only if you protect yourself.

Explore all your options in our complete guide to types of office space , or consider hot desking if you only need occasional workspace.

Last updated: February 2026