When people talk about serviced offices, the phrase “it’s just rent, right?” comes up more often than you’d think. And on the surface, we get it. You pay one monthly fee, and you get an office. Simple.
But that assumption usually comes from experience with traditional leases - and anyone who has signed one knows rent is only the beginning. The real cost of an office is hidden in the admin, the add-ons, and the constant drip of things that need sorting once you’ve got the keys.
That’s where serviced offices quietly change the game.
With a traditional lease, you’re responsible for almost everything beyond the walls themselves. There’s the admin of course; someone has to greet visitors, deal with post, organise cleaners, and keep the whole thing ticking over. But perhaps the bigger issue is the associated hidden costs. If you’re considering a traditional office lease for the first time, these are the top 8 biggest hidden costs to consider:
Business rates
Utilities (electric, water, heating - all variable)
WiFi contracts and installation delays
Cleaning and maintenance
Furniture, printers, coffee machines
Reception cover and post handling
Meeting room hire elsewhere
And yes… endless admin
In a serviced workspace, your office comes ready to work from day one. WiFi is already live. The printers work. Meeting rooms are there when you need them. Front-of-house teams welcome guests, handle deliveries, and keep things running smoothly. Tea and coffee are always on hand - unlimited, because creativity and caffeine tend to go hand in hand. Business rates, cleaning, and the everyday operational details are all wrapped into one predictable monthly cost.
That “everything included” part isn’t a gimmick. It’s about giving teams clarity. You know exactly what your office costs each month, without surprise invoices or last-minute supplier calls. And just as importantly, you’re not spending your working week managing an office instead of growing your business.
Serviced offices work particularly well for teams who want private space but don’t want to be locked into something rigid. Whether you’re a growing team of five, a scaling business of twenty, or something closer to fifty, the flexibility matters. You can move quickly, expand when you need to, and stay focused on what you do best.
There’s also the human side of it. DeskLodge offices come with built-in community, from socials and events to the everyday moments that happen around shared spaces. It’s not forced networking, it’s just being in a building where interesting people work and conversations happen naturally.
Budget-wise, serviced offices tend to be far simpler than people expect. Instead of juggling separate costs for utilities, rates, internet, cleaning, furniture, and maintenance, you’re working with one clear figure. That makes planning easier and removes the need to pad budgets “just in case”.
Despite the myth, serviced doesn’t mean sterile or generic. One of the biggest advantages is how much freedom teams have to make their space their own. Offices can be customised with artwork, branded murals, drinks fridges, or layouts that actually match how your team works. Some businesses request creative zones or labs; others keep things calm and minimal. The infrastructure is handled, the personality is yours.
DeskLodge also offers uniquely flexible contract terms, so your office can grow with your team. Gone are the days of being locked into a 36-month lease and then finding your needs have changed.
