When should you start your office search? How long does the process take?

Think you can always find an office at the last minute? Think again.

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make when searching for office space is underestimating how long the process takes. The right timing depends on the type of office you need – some can be secured in weeks, while others take months to finalise.

So, how long should you plan for? Here’s what you need to know.

Quick answer: how long does the process take?

• Leased office (open-plan shell): 9–12 months
• Leased office (fitted & furnished): 6–9 months
• Serviced office: 2–3 months (or even faster in some cases)

Leased offices: why you should start a year in advance

If you’re planning to move into a standard leased office, you should start at least a year ahead. Here’s how the process typically breaks down:

• Q1 – Planning: Define your location, office size, and type of space. Conduct staff consultations. Appoint an agent.
• Q2 – Search & Negotiation: Explore the market, arrange viewings, negotiate, and agree on terms.
• Q3 – Legal Process: Instruct solicitors, conduct due diligence, and complete the lease agreement.
• Q4 – Fit-out & Move-In: Customise the space before moving in.

Already know exactly what you want? You can skip the planning phase and complete the process in about 9 months.

Leased offices (fitted and furnished): a faster alternative

Some landlords offer fully fitted and furnished office spaces, eliminating the need for a tenant-led fit-out. This shortens the timeline:

• Q1 – Planning (optional): If you know what you need, this phase can be skipped.
• Q2 – Search & Negotiation: Find the right space and finalize terms.
• Q3 – Legal Process: Instruct solicitors and complete the deal.
• Move-in Ready: Since the space is already fitted, there’s no need for additional work.

With this approach, you can move in within 6–9 months, or even 6 months if you’re prepared.

Serviced offices: the fastest and most flexible option – when last minute can work

If you need flexibility and speed, serviced offices are the way to go. The typical process takes 2–3 months from search to move-in.
While our earlier warning still stands, serviced offices can sometimes be the exception. In the right circumstances, you really can find an office at the last minute. However, this timeline can vary:

• Some businesses secure a serviced office in just a few days, almost like checking into a hotel.
• Others take longer, depending on specific needs and availability.

Final thoughts – start early to avoid stress

The earlier you start your search, the more options you’ll have—and the smoother the process will be. If you need office space quickly, serviced offices offer the fastest solution, while leased offices require careful planning.