Lets be honest office rent in London can be a killer. Whether you’re a startup, a growing team, or just looking to cut overhead; saving money on your office space is a priority for most businesses. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to do it without ending up in a basement with no windows.

The first thing I’d say is: look at how much space you actually need. A lot of companies take more space than they use, either just in case or because that’s how they’ve always done it. But with hybrid working now baked in for most teams, you can usually downsize and still give people a great working environment. Fewer desks, better meeting space, and more shared zones – it can work better and cost less.

Second: don’t be afraid to look just outside the core locations. Everyone wants Soho, Shoreditch, or the City but the rent reflects that. Areas like Southbank, Clerkenwell, or even further out like Whitechapel or Stratford offer really good value, and the buildings are often newer and better spec’d. If the transport links work, your team won’t mind.

Third: timing is everything. If you’re flexible on move-in dates, you can find landlords who are under pressure to fill space and will offer better deals. Look out for incentives like rent-free periods, capital contributions, or a fitted space. All of this can seriously reduce your upfront spend.

Another option that’s become huge lately: managed or flex space. Its not always cheaper on paper, but when you add in the fit-out, furniture, cleaning, internet, and other hidden costs it often works out to be better value. Plus, theres no CapEx, and you dont have to sign a 10-year lease.

Also, subleasing is worth exploring. Some companies have taken too much space and are now trying to offload it. These deals can come with lower rent and shorter terms, and you’ll often walk into a fully fitted space with zero hassle.

Lastly, negotiate hard. Landlords are more open than ever to discussing terms, especially for credible tenants who are ready to move. Don’t just take what’s on the brochure – question everything. Youll be surprised how much wiggle room there is if you ask in the right way.

Bottom line: you don’t have to overpay to be in a good office. With a bit of strategy, some flexibility, and the right advice, there are lots of ways to make your rent work harder.