Inside the Managed Office Surge – What’s Driving It?

Across London, managed offices are on the rise. Occupiers are drawn to them for one clear reason – flexibility with control. They offer predictable costs, speed to market, and high-quality, pre-fitted environments that let teams focus on what matters most.

Today, around 10% of central London’s office stock is marketed as flexible space – up from 6% in 2019, according to analysts Green Street. That figure includes managed offices, serviced offices, and coworking spaces.

What is a Managed Office?

A managed office sits between a leased office and a serviced office. It provides the independence and identity of a leased space, without the upfront cost or operational burden.

Think of it as your own branded workspace, designed to your layout and preferences, but run day-to-day by the operator.

Most agreements include fit-out, furnishings, technology, and essential services such as cleaning, maintenance, reception, and internet. Some go further – offering shared amenities like gyms, cafés, event areas, and recording studios.

In return, you pay a single monthly fee. Terms usually run two to three years. In some cases, occupiers bolt a managed service agreement onto a traditional lease – combining cost control with operational simplicity.

Who Are Managed Offices For?

Managed offices suit businesses that want to scale efficiently without losing focus or quality.

They’re especially popular with:

• Startups and scale-ups seeking flexibility
• Enterprises opening new locations
• Project-led teams
• Companies with hybrid work policies

A recent example is Synthesia, the generative AI company. Metric supported them in securing 20,000 sq. ft. of managed space at 20 Triton Street, Regent’s Place – London’s largest managed office deal of the year.  With rapid headcount growth and a valuation exceeding £1.5 billion, Synthesia needed space that could evolve with them. A managed solution offered exactly that – flexibility, quality, and control.

Why Choose a Managed Office?

Managed offices combine practical and financial advantages that appeal to growth-focused occupiers:

• Predictable, bundled costs: A single monthly invoice covers all your office costs.

• Low upfront investment – furnishings and fit-out costs are built into the package.
• Faster occupancy – move in within weeks, not months.
• Flexibility – shorter terms make future moves easier.
• Customisation – tailored layouts and branded environments.
• Professional image: Rather than an anonymous serviced office, a private, high-spec space that represents your brand.
• Outsource day-to-day office management: Focus on running your business.