With so many office listings online and countless brokers competing for attention, how to choose the best office agent for your business can feel overwhelming. But make the right choice, and you’ll gain a trusted advisor who knows the market inside out and helps you secure the best deal. Make the wrong one, and you risk wasting time, overpaying, or ending up in the wrong space.
So, how do you know who to trust?
Not all agents are created equal
There’s a big difference between agents who genuinely advise and those who simply generate leads to pass on to a third party. Many online platforms are run like call centres – they’re good at capturing interest but often lack real property expertise. Their focus is to monetise leads, not to guide you through the nuances of the office search or negotiation process.
The best office agent, on the other hand, acts as your advocate. They have:
- Up-to-date knowledge of what’s really available (including off-market opportunities)
- Experience negotiating commercial lease terms
- A strong understanding of what makes a good office deal for your specific needs
For serviced offices, good advice costs nothing
If you’re looking for serviced or flexible office space, working with an experienced agent won’t cost you anything. The providers pay the agent’s fee, not you. So, your real choice is:
- Pay nothing and get no advice, or
- Pay nothing and get someone to guide you, show you options, and advise you on what a fair deal looks like.
Seems like a no-brainer.
For leased offices, an advisor is an investment
When it comes to traditional leased office space, there is usually a fee to pay for professional advice. But that cost should be seen as an investment.
In most cases:
Hiring an advisor = a fee = a rent saving.
Even if they don’t end up saving you money, the good office agents work out the best available options for you and bring reassurance that the deal you’re doing is sound and market-appropriate. It’s about peace of mind as much as it is about financial return.
How to find and assess the right office agent
Here are some practical steps to help you choose the best office agent for your business:
- Start with research: Look online, ask for recommendations, and check who is active in the areas you’re targeting. Agents who represent landlords often also help tenants.
- Look for tenant-focused agents: Some agents specialise in helping businesses like yours (as opposed to acting primarily for landlords). Seek them out.
- Test them: Ask for case studies. See how they’ve helped other clients: Did they take ownership of the requirement? Were they proactive? Did they negotiate well? Did they make the process easier?
- Dig deeper: If their answers feel vague or salesy, ask for more detail. A good agent will welcome the chance to show their experience and value.
Thinking of hiring more than one office agent? Read our thoughts on that here.
Final thought – the right agent makes all the difference
Choosing the best office agent for your business isn’t about who shouts loudest. It’s about finding someone with the experience, market knowledge, and motivation to act in your best interest from start to finish.
This is just one piece of the puzzle. We’re constantly answering the most important office search questions. See what else we’ve covered and what’s coming next.
For more essential tips and advice, have a look at The Knowledge - and for answers to your questions about London office space, check out our FAQs.
Michael Fraser
Michael started in the London property market in 1970. He has an extensive knowledge of the locations, owners & rental values within the office market hub.
