How Long Does it Take to Find and Move Into a New Office?

One of the most common questions we hear from businesses starting an office search is how long the whole process will take. The honest answer depends significantly on the type of office you are looking for - but here is a realistic timeline for each.

Serviced Offices - as little as one to two weeks

Serviced offices are the fastest option by a significant margin. Because the space is ready to use and the contracts are relatively straightforward, the process from starting your search to moving in can be as short as one to two weeks in most cases.

A typical serviced office timeline looks like this: two to three days to shortlist options and arrange viewings, one week to complete viewings and make a decision, a few days to agree terms and sign the licence agreement, and then you can move in almost immediately - often within 24 to 48 hours of signing.

For businesses with urgent requirements, a serviced office is almost always the right choice.

Managed Offices - typically two to four months

Managed offices take longer because there is more involved. The space needs to be fitted out and configured to your specification, which takes time even when the provider is managing the process on your behalf.

A realistic managed office timeline runs roughly as follows: one to three weeks for the search and viewing process, two to three weeks to negotiate terms and agree the licence or lease, and then four to eight weeks for fit-out and configuration before you can move in. In total, plan for two to four months from starting your search to being operational. However, we have started seeing a few managed provider operating a licence model which provides the same speed as a serviced office deal but having the benefit of a self contained managed office.

Leased Offices - four to twelve months

Traditional leased offices involve the longest and most complex process. Legal due diligence, lease negotiation, planning permissions for fit-out works and the fit-out itself all take time. For a conventional lease on a shell and core space, a timeline of six to twelve months from starting your search to moving in is not unusual.

Even for a fitted leased space - where the previous tenant has left a fit-out in place - the legal and negotiation process typically takes three to six months.

What can slow the process down?

Indecision is the biggest cause of delays on any office search. The best spaces - particularly in competitive markets like Central London - do not stay available for long. Businesses that take weeks to make a decision after viewings frequently lose their preferred option to another party.

Having clear requirements from the start also speeds things up significantly. Knowing your must-haves, your budget and your preferred areas before you begin means your search is focused and efficient from day one.

Getting started

At Scope Office Search we typically come back with a shortlist of options within 24 hours of your initial enquiry. We then manage the whole process through to completion, keeping things moving and ensuring you do not lose your preferred space to a slower-moving competitor. Our service is completely free - get in touch today.