UK Flexible Office Market Sees Highest Take-Up Since 2019
RobRob
7th Aug 2025
3 min read (568 words)
The UK’s flexible office market showed strong resilience in 2024, with take-up reaching 1.06 million sq ft, the highest level since 2019 and 12% higher than in 2023, according to new research from Savills Offices & Workplace and Workthere . Despite a 12% drop in enquiries, transactions rose by 35%, signalling stronger business commitment to flexible workspaces ( Workplace Insight ).
Shifting Demand Trends in Flexible Office Space
The report highlights a notable shift in the composition of demand for flexible office space:
- 7% increase in businesses expanding into new markets.
- 33% growth in businesses outgrowing their current space.
- 10% of enquiries came from dissatisfaction with existing office space—double the previous year—demonstrating a "flight to quality" trend as businesses seek to attract and retain talent ( Savills ).
Tom Leahy, Co-Head of Workthere UK, commented that despite a drop in headline demand, the increase in transactions points to improved demand quality. "2024 reflected a year of stability for the flexible office sector, with operators experiencing strong take-up. While overall demand slightly declined, transaction growth suggests that businesses are making more committed decisions about their office needs."
This evolving demand quality complements broader shifts in the workspace landscape, as discussed in Workspace Definitions: Demystifying Modern Workspace Terminology , which explains the new categories and models emerging in the flexible office sector.
Pricing and Contract Lengths
The research also points to stability in pricing trends, with London rates holding steady and regional markets experiencing notable increases:
- London: Desk rates remained unchanged at £776 per month and £209 per sq ft.
- Regional markets: Private office desk pricing increased by 17%, averaging £384 per desk per month.
- Contract lengths rose by 20%, with the average contract now lasting 16 months—up from 13 months in 2022.
Faith Robins, Head of Occupier Advisory at Workthere, noted that "the flexible market is well positioned for continued growth in 2025, with strong fundamentals in contract length, desk price, and take-up levels." She expects operators and landlords to diversify their offerings further, with more tailored amenities to attract businesses.
What’s Next for Flexible Workspaces?
With longer commitments and a focus on quality over quantity, the flexible office market is proving its staying power in a post-pandemic world. Businesses are prioritising workspaces that offer better amenities, more flexibility, and prime locations. The increasing investment in quality spaces signals that flexible work is becoming an embedded part of the UK’s office market rather than a temporary trend.
At Leanspace, we closely follow market trends to help businesses navigate the evolving office landscape. As more companies seek adaptable and cost-effective office solutions, our goal is to provide insights and tools that support smart, data-driven workspace decisions.
For deeper insights into how office marketing strategies are evolving to support these trends, see Office Space Marketing in 2025: How Leading Spaces Are Maximising Occupancy .
Operators and landlords continue adapting to the dynamic managed and serviced office markets, an area explored in detail in Exploring London's Dynamic Managed and Serviced Office Markets: Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges .
At Leanspace , we closely follow market trends to help businesses navigate the evolving office landscape. As more companies seek adaptable and cost-effective office solutions, our goal is to provide insights and tools that support smart, data-driven workspace decisions.
For more information about flexible office solutions, visit Leanspace.org.uk
