London – London Office Buzz

What is BREEAM Certification? Sustainable Office Design in London

Posted on May 13, 2025

A low-angle daytime view up at three towering skyscrapers in the London business district. The buildings are modern with glass facades shining with a turquoise hue under a cloudy sky. Modern London office buildings are leading the way when it comes to sustainable office design, many attaining Excellent or Outstanding BREEAM ratings. Image at LondonOfficeSpace.com.

In the London commercial real estate market, sustainable office design is no longer a trend, but a defining factor. With growing pressure from regulatory requirements, corporate ESG commitments, and changing tenant expectations, demand for green office spaces has never been higher. As a result, businesses and landlords are rethinking their approach to office space.

One of the key ways they’re doing this is through BREEAM certification, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method. Originating in the UK, BREEAM is a guideline for sustainable building design that is now accepted as a gold standard the world over. But what exactly does BREEAM involve, and why does it matter for landlords and occupiers in the London office market? Let’s take a look at how London offices are going green through this accredited standard.

The Green Shift in London’s Office Market

The demand for sustainable office spaces in London has surged in recent years, driven by stronger enforcement of corporate responsibility schemes and stricter government regulations, such as Net Zero Commitments, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Requirements, and Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES).

This has caused a shift in how commercial real estate is valued. For example, Grade A offices are now exclusively comprised of those that meet green criteria. As a result, landlords are prioritising green features that improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and create healthier working environments.

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London Commercial Space Trends

Posted on April 1, 2025

The London commercial market has entered 2025 on an upswing. After a period of uncertainty due to changing remote and hybrid work arrangements, occupiers are displaying renewed confidence, driving demand for both premium office spaces and flexible workspace options.

If you’re planning to set up an office in London, or want to upgrade your office space within the city, you’ll want to know how the capital’s office market is evolving this year. In this article, you’ll find an overview of the key trends across the London commercial real estate landscape.

Snapshot of the London Office Market

Take-up volume and rental rates on the rise

2025 started on a positive note for the London office market, after registering the second highest take-up volume of the last five years and a strong upward trajectory in rental growth rates for Grade A offices.

Renewed interest in large office units

So far, nearly 90% of all transactions involved offices under 25,000 square feet. At the same time, leases for large offices of 75,000 square feet and above are back on the table and at their highest levels since 2019. Appetite for larger office floor plates is mostly driven by lower interest rates that are increasing liquidity in the budgets of occupiers.

London leading in data centre space

Market analysts are drawing attention to data centre space, as new supply is expected to reach all-time high in 2025, and London is emerging as one of the main global hubs for data centre space.

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Cycling to Work in London: Bike-Friendly Office Locations

Posted on August 15, 2024

An office worker wearing warm, dark clothes, a grey backpack, and a black helmet rides a white road bike along the side of the road past a London bus stop shelter and a glass-fronted shopfront. Image at LondonOfficeSpace.com.

Cycling to work has become increasingly popular in London. We haven’t got to the point of cycle superhighways, yet, but the number of daily bike trips has been growing since 2021, and there are plans to extend the cycle lane network so that by 2030, 40% of Londoners will live within 400m of a cycleway.

To accommodate this growing trend, many offices are becoming more bike-friendly by providing various amenities for cyclists. In this article, we’ll explore what makes an office bike-friendly and highlight some of the best bike-friendly office locations in London.

What Makes a Bike-Friendly Office?

Regular exercise is good for mental health and physical health. And by deciding to cycle commute to work, you’re also contributing to reducing air pollution. A bike-friendly office supports and encourages cycling through various features and amenities, such as:

Secure bike storage: Offices should provide safe, secure, and easily accessible bike storage areas to ensure cyclists can park their bikes and cycling equipment with peace of mind.
Showers and changing facilities: To accommodate employees who cycle to work, offices should offer clean and well-maintained showers and changing rooms. Or at least spacious enough bathrooms to change into work clothes.
Repairs stations: Having on-site or nearby bike repair stations equipped with essential tools can be a significant convenience for cyclists.
Cycle to Work scheme: Offices that participate in the Cycle to Work scheme offer financial incentives for employees to purchase bikes and cycling gear.
Bike maintenance workshops: Regularly scheduled bicycle maintenance workshops help employees keep their bikes in top condition and promote a cycling culture at work to increase uptake among those yet convinced.
Bike-friendly routes: Offices located near dedicated cycling lanes or routes encourage more employees to cycle to work. In London, there are approximately 223 miles of marked cycle ways.

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How to Upgrade Your Office Space in Central London

Posted on July 11, 2024

A ground-up daytime view up the side of a shiny, glass-fronted skyscraper towards a cloud-strewn sky. Image at LondonOfficeSpace.com.

Central London is known for its dynamic commercial real estate market, which means local businesses must constantly adapt to new trends and requirements. Since 2020, the most significant trends in the London office space market have been downsizing and upgrading.

In this article, we discuss when and how to consider upgrading to a larger or more prestigious office in central London, looking at the key signs that suggest you need an upgrade, and offering insights on how to navigate the process effectively.

Two ways of upgrading office space

There are two primary ways to approach office space upgrades in central London:

Moving to a larger office, which allows businesses to accommodate growth and improve employee satisfaction with new amenities and better facilities.
Relocating to better-equipped, modern office spaces, or a more prestigious address, which elevates the company’s image, enhancing credibility and attracting top talent and clients.

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Implications of Ending an Office Lease Early in the UK

Posted on September 17, 2023

man on phone negotiating office lease

In the realm of business, office leases are pivotal agreements that establish a stable ground for companies to operate, grow and thrive. They secure a physical location where business activities take place, where clients are received, and where employees interact and collaborate. However, like many other business decisions, leasing an office in the UK comes with its fair share of obligations and potential challenges. One such challenge, and perhaps among the most significant, is the possibility of having to prematurely end the lease early an office lease.

It’s an issue that often goes unconsidered amidst the excitement of setting up shop, yet the consequences of breaking an office lease can be both legally complex and financially taxing. For many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, understanding these implications is a critical part of risk management and future planning. Thus, the goal of this post is to provide a comprehensive overview of what breaking an office lease entails within the context of the UK’s legal framework, and the impacts it can have on your business.

In this article, we’ll delve deep into the legal and business consequences of prematurely ending an office lease, from potential financial penalties and breach of contract to the indirect impacts on your business’s reputation and operational continuity. We’ll also explore the various ways to mitigate these potential issues, should your business find itself in the unenviable position of having to terminate a commercial lease early or prematurely. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what’s at stake, arming you with the knowledge you need to navigate office leases more confidently and effectively.

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Green and Growing: How Sustainability in the Office Increases Commercial Property Value in Central London

Posted on July 31, 2023

In recent years, the narrative around sustainability has shifted dramatically. Once seen as a peripheral concern, sustainability has steadily risen to become a key focal point of businesses worldwide. In the real estate sector, particularly the office space market, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a determinant of value. This is particularly noticeable in one of the world’s premier business hubs: Central London.

As we navigate through the age of conscious consumerism, a sustainable footprint can significantly affect an office space’s perceived and actual value. Both established businesses and budding freelancers are seeking office spaces that not only facilitate growth and productivity but also contribute positively to the environment. This is driving a transformative wave across the office space landscape, leading to the re-evaluation of what constitutes truly valuable office space.

At the heart of this transformation is London Office Space, a leading provider of comprehensive workspace solutions. For over a decade, we have been at the forefront of helping businesses and freelancers find their ideal workspaces in Central and Greater London. Whether you’re searching for serviced offices, business centres, short-term office spaces, hot desking solutions, shared offices, or coworking spaces, our portfolio offers a diverse range of options tailored to meet your unique needs.

Our mission transcends the simple facilitation of office space. We aim to align with the contemporary shift towards sustainable business practices, helping you find workspaces that do more than just house your operations—they reflect your company’s values and commitment to a sustainable future.

As we delve into this discussion on sustainability and its impact on office space value in Central London, we invite you to reconsider how you perceive office space and to explore how London Office Space can help you align your workspace needs with your sustainability goals.

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10 Reasons to Hire a Commercial Real Estate Broker

Posted on June 26, 2023

In the vibrant, bustling city of London, the quest to secure the perfect office space can be overwhelming. With myriad options available, such as luxury serviced offices, trendy coworking spaces, classic Grade 2 listed buildings and much more, it is often difficult to figure out which option best suit your requirements. At London Office Space, we strive to transform this intricate journey into a rewarding adventure. We champion bespoke solutions to meet your unique needs, with the linchpin of these solutions being experienced commercial real estate brokers. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into ten compelling reasons that highlight why hiring a commercial real estate broker is not merely a smart choice, but an essential one for your business.

1. Expert Guidance

Translating the Maze of Real Estate Transactions into a Clear Path

Commercial real estate transactions are full of complexities that require a deep and thorough understanding of the legal and commercial state of the industry. This is where a commercial real estate broker comes into play. Their expertise lies in unravelling complex legal jargon and transforming an otherwise cloudy process into a transparent and manageable task. With their firm grasp of the local market, brokers comprehend subtle dynamics and variables that could heavily influence your decision-making process. They can guide you through various legal aspects and stipulations that come with acquiring office space, like zoning laws and building regulations. Often, the cost of navigating these nuances without professional guidance can lead to expensive and time-consuming legal entanglements. For example, brokers are great at spotting unfavourable clauses lurking within lease agreements, saving their clients from unexpected financial setbacks.

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The Best Postcodes in Central London for Your Office

Posted on June 9, 2023

Dusk view down the River Thames of the illuminated Tower Bridge spanning the river with a purple and blue cloud-strewn sky in the background and riverbanks lined with buildings with postcodes in Central London.

Following the widespread adoption of remote work during 2020 and 2021, the majority of industry sectors are returning or have already returned to the office.

During this period, employee expectations regarding the office environment have changed. For example, many companies now report that staff increasingly demand shorter commutes, dedicated collaboration and relaxation space within the office, and upgraded amenities.

As a result, many business owners are considering downsizing and/or relocating their offices so the new location meets the needs of existing staff and future hires.

Since location is a key consideration, let’s look at what the most desirable central London postcodes are for your office in 2023 and beyond.

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Average Salary in the City of London

Posted on September 28, 2022

cartoon of a man pointing towards the words average salary in London It’s been widely reported that workers, in general, have shifted their priorities away from the long held domination of having salary as a primary concern, with work-life balance now being a core consideration for most employees. Despite this, the money on offer is still an important practical consideration for any job seeker – as not earning enough often causes stress to build in other parts of life.

In light of the continued importance of having a good salary when considering a new role – or exploring the feasibility of making a move to London – we’ve investigated the current average salaries on offer in the British capital.

Presented below is a rundown of the average salaries for multiple different industries in London, as well as the median salaries for these particular roles. Additionally, you can read further along for more in depth analysis and insights into some of London’s most highly-demanded jobs.

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City of London Office Space Rental Costs & Vacancy Rates 2021

Posted on October 5, 2021

2021 started off with gloomy forecasts for the London commercial property market. According to market analysts, the outlook for the first half of the year was to be dominated by soaring vacancy rates, which were expected to reach a 10-year-high.

In Central London, changes to vacancy and supply rates have certainly been a constant for the past few quarters. In this part of the city, increasing vacancy rates have been mainly driven by the release of large amounts of secondary and Grade B space.

Earlier in the year, vacancy rates in the City were slightly over 10%, but supply was still rising, so they were expected to continue increasing. However, the second quarter arrived with a decline in vacancies, which ended up averaging 8.7% across the City. Despite the improvement, at more than 6.5 million square feet, these are the highest availability rates since mid-2012.

The second quarter of the year also brought some improvement in office take up rates. While these are still significantly below the ten-year average, there was a quarterly increase of over 20% across central London.

However, demand remains rather weak and take up for Central London offices is largely down when compared to 2020 figures. Although demand is weaker, it is still there with an increased focus on quality office space, whether it is new, refitted, or retrofitted to a high standard. The majority of demand so far has come from the public sector, professional services, insurance, and financial services companies.

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