London Office Space Costs in 2025
AymanAyman
27th Aug 2025
4 min read (635 words)
London office space costs in 2025 continue to reflect the city’s mix of heritage, industry, and innovation. Central districts dominate the premium segment, but evolving business needs have seen areas like Canary Wharf and Shoreditch offer more competitive rates without sacrificing quality or connectivity.
How Desk Prices Stack Up Across London
West End (Knightsbridge, Paddington, Chiswick)
Renowned for its iconic addresses, exclusive amenities, and luxury finishes, attracting global firms seeking both visibility and sophistication.
Desk prices regularly average ~£575 per desk per month
- Prestigious, but comes with a substantial premium.
City of London (Liverpool Street, Monument)
The hub for financial, legal, and insurance firms where leading businesses benefit from prime office space alongside state-of-the-art amenities.
Desks typically cost ~£720 per month; Grade A rents from ~£78.50 per sq ft.
- Favoured for its global stature and proximity to major stakeholders.
Midtown (Holborn, Clerkenwell, Bloomsbury)
Popular with creative agencies and tech companies, offering a blend of classic architecture and cutting-edge workspace areas.
Desk rates from ~£875 per month; Holborn’s prime space from ~£78.75 per sq ft.
- Blends classic architecture with vibrant new spaces.
East London (Old Street, Stratford, Shoreditch)
Shoreditch remains the creative core, with Stratford and Shoreditch increasingly recognised for exceptional value.
Desk prices average ~£515 per month.
- Tech startups and established firms alike are drawn by flexible arrangements and lower costs.
Southbank (Waterloo, London Bridge, Vauxhall)
Southbank is known for its vibrant riverside atmosphere, with Waterloo and London Bridge increasingly recognised for delivering outstanding value in flexible workspace and transport connectivity.
Desk rates start average ~£502.50 depending on amenities.
- Popular for riverside locations, strong transport links, and vibrant food and entertainment scene.
North London (King’s Cross, Camden, Islington)
North London has become a magnet for innovative companies, with King’s Cross and Camden offering exceptional value.
Desk costs vary widely but average ~£845 per desk per month, with King’s Cross frequently at the higher end thanks to large corporates setting up HQs.
- Ideal for businesses prioritising rail connections and newly built developments.
Canary Wharf
The transformation of Canary Wharf has positioned it as the capital’s top value-for-quality proposition.
Desk prices average ~£459 per month, with premium coworking solutions starting at £350 per month. Grade A prime rents hover near £52.50 per sq ft. Grade B is typically £37.50 per sq ft.
- Rapidly improved transport via the Elizabeth Line, waterfront amenities, and cutting-edge infrastructure attract both enterprise and startup tenants.
What Influences Office Space Costs?
Location remains critically important. Areas closest to main transport hubs and cultural activity command higher prices and fill up quickly.
Amenities & Building Standards: Grade A offices, especially those boasting on-site gyms, break-out spaces, and modern IT, cost more. Refurbished buildings and strong management teams also add to the price.
Vacancy and Supply Trends: Central London vacancy rates are at historic highs (around 10–11%), with new developments increasing choice but softening rents in some areas. Fitzrovia and Canary Wharf have bucked some downward trends, maintaining high occupancy and steady prices.
Contract Flexibility: Shorter, flexible leases, popular since 2020, mean higher monthly per-desk costs, but allow for rapid scaling and better cash flow management.
The Big Picture
London’s office market is in flux, balancing tradition and transformation. The West End and City remain first-choice for prestige, often at twice the cost of districts like Canary Wharf or East London hotspots. As businesses focus on ESG credentials, flexible layouts, and access to talent, more are considering areas with high-quality infrastructure but lower rents, such as Canary Wharf and Shoreditch.
For 2025, Canary Wharf stands out as an affordable, premium alternative: modern amenities, international connectivity, and a vibrant ecosystem, at a median desk price of £459 per month. Meanwhile, outer zones and rising creative hubs continue to disrupt the landscape, offering ambitious companies the option to “futureproof” in London without paying over the odds.
