London is one of the world’s most dynamic hubs for freelancers, start-ups, and remote professionals, offering endless opportunities for collaboration and business growth. With its fast-paced environment, finding the right desk space in London is essential – not just for productivity, but also for networking and long-term success.
In this quick guide, we break down the two most popular options available: hot desking and dedicated desks. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which setup best suits your working style and business needs.
Explore more: A Guide to Office Space for Startups in London
Most common options of desk spaces in London
London’s workspace market is diverse, offering professionals plenty of ways to find the ideal desk space, ranging from fully private setups to flexible shared environments, providing solutions for every working style and business need.
Private offices
Private offices in London provide a secure, enclosed workspace ideal for teams that value privacy, concentration, and a consistent place to work each day. These spaces usually come fully furnished, offer 24/7 access, and are well-suited to businesses handling sensitive information.
- In a corporate setting, a private office is a dedicated room with a door, typically used by an individual who needs privacy, focus, or manages confidential tasks.
- In coworking spaces, a private office is a self-contained, lockable room rented within a shared coworking building, giving teams the benefits of both privacy and flexible workspace amenities.
Serviced offices
A serviced office is a fully equipped, ready-to-use office space that you can rent on flexible terms. It’s managed by a third-party operator, so you don’t need to handle setup, renovation, or maintenance. These spaces usually include furniture, high-speed internet, cleaning, and reception support, making it easy to move in and start working immediately.
Coworking spaces
A coworking space is a flexible, communal environment where individuals and companies can work alongside. It is ideal for freelancers, remote workers, and small teams seeking professional autonomy. These co-working spaces typically offer:
- Hot-desking: Offers access to shared desks on a first-come, first-served basis, ideal for those who prefer flexibility and affordability.
- Dedicated desk: Provides a permanent workstation within a shared environment, giving users consistency, security, and a stable daily setup.
- Included other offerings like private offices, discounted meeting rooms, phone booths, refreshment, breakout space, and lockable storage, printing, scanning and fax with a small fee, etc.
What is hot desking?
Hot desking is a flexible workspace arrangement where individuals use any available desk on a first-come, first-served basis rather than having a fixed workstation. It’s a popular choice in London’s coworking environments, offering an affordable and adaptable solution for professionals who don’t require a permanent desk.
Hot desking is particularly suited to freelancers, remote workers, and short-term project teams who value mobility and the freedom to work from different locations without long-term commitments.
Pros
- Cost-effective option for accessing professional desk space in London
- Encourages networking and collaboration with diverse professionals
- Support a remote/hybrid work culture employees can choose when and where to work
- Flexible access, often available across multiple coworking locations
- Reduces overheads compared to renting a private office
Cons
- Lack of personal workspace with no personalised desk setup.
- Shared desks might mean potential hygiene issues.
- Team cohesion can be impacted as people may sit separately, making it harder for teams to stay aligned.
- No guarantee of finding your preferred desk during busy hours
- Lack of a consistent workstation may affect personal comfort or workflow
- Limited ability to leave equipment or documents overnight
- Can feel less private due to shared, open-plan layouts
- Potential distractions in popular or high-traffic coworking spaces
What are dedicated desks?
Dedicated desks are fixed workstations within a shared coworking environment, offering professionals a permanent place to work each day. Unlike hot desking, your desk is reserved exclusively for you, allowing you to leave equipment, personal items, and documents securely.
This setup is ideal for small teams, long-term freelancers, and growing businesses that need consistency without the cost of a private office. Dedicated desks provide a balance between stability and the collaborative atmosphere of a shared workspace.
Pros
- Offers a consistent workstation, improving routine, and productivity
- Ability to leave monitors, equipment, and personal belongings securely
- More affordable than private offices while still providing stability
- Access to coworking perks such as meeting rooms, events, and communal amenities
Cons
- Higher cost compared to hot desking options in London
- Less privacy than private or enclosed office spaces
- Availability can be limited in popular coworking hubs
- May feel crowded during peak hours, depending on the workspace layout
What are the key differences between hot desking and dedicated desks?
While both options offer flexible workspace solutions, hot desking and dedicated desks differ in cost, consistency, privacy, and suitability for different working styles.
| Factor | Hot Desking | Dedicated Desk |
| Best for | Freelancers, remote workers, and part-time professionals | Regular commuters, small business owners, and full-time workers |
| Flexibility | High flexibility | Moderate flexibility |
| Commitment level | Usually short-term or pay-as-you-go plans. | Monthly or longer-term membership or lease. |
| Privacy & personalisation | Minimal, open-plan setting. | Minimal, open-plan setting. |
| Networking opportunities | Excellent for meeting new professionals daily. | Good, but a more consistent group of neighbours. |
| Availability in London | Widely available across coworking spaces and serviced offices. | More limited, often sold out in high-demand central postcodes. |
| Cost | Lower, budget-friendly option. | Lower, budget-friendly option |
How to choose the right desk space in London
Selecting the right desk space in London depends on how you work, what you need day-to-day, and how much flexibility your schedule requires. Consider these factors to ensure you choose a workspace that supports productivity and long-term value:
- Evaluate your work habits and needs: Understanding whether you work best with routine or flexibility helps determine if hot desking or a dedicated desk is more suitable. Your workflow, equipment requirements, and need for privacy all play a role.
- Budget planning: Comparing different pricing structures ensures you choose an option that fits your financial plan without compromising the facilities or stability you need.
- Check for amenities: Reliable amenities significantly impact your daily efficiency. Strong internet, accessible meeting rooms, and practical facilities like kitchens and round-the-clock entry create a smoother working experience.
- Importance of location and commute: Choosing a workspace close to transport links or within a manageable commute helps reduce stress and save time. A well-located desk space also makes attending meetings and connecting with clients much easier.
Gilmoora House – A premium desk space option in London
Located in the heart of Fitzrovia, Gilmoora House offers a professional yet welcoming environment for anyone seeking premium desk space in London. Positioned in high-quality facilities with flexible workspace options, it’s an excellent choice for freelancers, teams, and growing businesses.
- Prime central location: Situated in Fitzrovia, with easy access to multiple Underground lines and nearby business districts.
- Premium work environment: Modern, ergonomic furniture and high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Comprehensive facilities: Access to meeting rooms, breakout lounges, 24/7 building access, on-site management, and reception support.
- Flexible workspace options: Dedicated desks, virtual, flexible, and private office suites available.
FAQ
What’s the average cost of desk space in London?
The average cost of desk space in London varies significantly by type and location.
- For a flexible hot desk, between £200 and £450 per month, while a dedicated desk usually costs between £350 and £750.
- Private serviced office, averaging £600 to £900 per desk in standard business districts like the City, but often exceeding £1,400 in premium areas like Mayfair.
- Conversely, moving slightly further out to areas like Canary Wharf or Stratford can drop these costs to around £300–£500 per month.
Are there hidden costs when choosing desk space in London?
Most coworking providers include essentials in the advertised price, but additional fees may apply for meeting rooms, postal services, printing, lockers, or premium amenities. Always review the full contract to avoid surprises.
Can I upgrade the desk space if my team grows?
Yes. Many London workspace providers allow seamless upgrades, offering dedicated desks or private offices as your team expands. Flexible contracts ensure you can scale your workspace without disruption.
