One office agent vs multiple agents – which is better for your office search?

When searching for office space, you might assume that working with multiple agents will give you more options and a better chance of finding the right property. However, the reality is that working with one office agent vs multiple can make a significant difference in how effective, efficient, and stress-free your search is.

In this guide, we’ll break down the advantages of using a single, experienced agent, highlight the risks of using multiple agents when you start your office search, and explain when it might make sense to engage more than one.

Why working with one office agent is the best approach

If you appoint a single, experienced office agent to conduct your search, they will:

• Have access to the entire market – A good agent will source every available office, including off-market opportunities.
• Be fully invested in your search – Knowing they will be paid for their efforts, they’ll be more committed to finding you the right space.
• Negotiate the best terms – A single agent can leverage multiple properties against each other to secure stronger commercial terms.
• Remain impartial – They don’t care which office you take, as long as it meets your needs, whereas multiple agents are more likely to push properties they introduced.
• Uncover hidden opportunities – They’ll speak to all active letting agents in the market to find spaces that haven’t yet been listed publicly.

The risks of working with multiple agents

While it may seem like using multiple agents will give you more options, it often leads to complications:

• Duplication of effort – Most good agents have access to the same listings, so you won’t actually see more properties.
• Lack of focus – Multiple agents know there’s only a chance they’ll be paid, so they may not prioritise your search.
• Weaker negotiating position – Agents will push you to take one of the spaces they introduce, rather than negotiating the best overall deal for you.

When does using multiple agents make sense?

There is one exception to the rule. Office agents tend to specialise in either serviced/flexible office space or conventional leased offices . If you’re exploring both markets, you may need two separate agents who can adequately resource each sector .

Final thought – one office agent vs multiple, what’s the best choice?

In most cases, working with one experienced agent will give you better results, stronger negotiations, and a more focused search . They will source all available options, act in your best interests, and ensure you get the best possible deal. However, if you need to consider both flexible and conventional office markets , it may be beneficial to engage two specialist agents to cover both sectors effectively.