For a small team, a premium office can feel out of reach. With the quoted lease rate making up just one part of the cost, furniture, IT setup and other expenses can quickly turn the final price tag into a staggering one.
But high-quality workspace doesn’t always require a traditional lease. Shared office space for small business teams can provide private offices in prime locations, with professional amenities included in a single monthly fee.
This guide explains how shared offices compare with conventional leases, what small teams should look for and when a traditional lease may still make more sense.
Why Premium Conventional Offices Price Out Small Teams
It’s important to remember that the advertised lease rate is only part of the cost of a conventional office. Before your team even moves in, there are several upfront expenses that can significantly increase the total investment.
For example, most traditional leases require a hefty security deposit before you get the keys. You’ll also need to budget for IT setup, equipment and any fit-out costs not covered by a tenant improvement (TI) allowance.
Once you’re up and running, CAM, utilities, cleaning and insurance all add to the ongoing cost of occupying the space.
If you’re looking for an office for five to 10 people, that can be a huge investment before you’ve even started using the office. In premium buildings, those costs sit on top of higher lease rates, making the total cost of occupancy much higher than the advertised rent suggests.
And since conventional leases typically run for three to five years — often with annual rent escalators and restrictions on subleasing — that level of commitment can become difficult to justify.
How Shared Office Space for Small Business Delivers Premium Quality at a Lower Rate
With a shared office, many of the costs you’d normally manage yourself are wrapped into a single monthly fee. All your day-to-day essentials, like desks, Wi-Fi, cleaning and reception services are included from the moment you move in.
By sharing operating costs across multiple businesses, providers make premium workspace more affordable for smaller teams. That makes businesses of five to 10 people access to a small team office in Class A buildings and prime business locations without the same upfront investment.
| Cost Component | Conventional Office | Shared Office |
| Monthly occupancy costs | Base rent plus CAM, utilities and other operating costs | One monthly fee covering workspace and core services |
| Upfront costs | Security deposit, fit-out and furniture before moving in | Lower upfront costs with little or no fit-out required |
| Building services | Cleaning, reception and shared facilities managed and paid for separately | Cleaning, reception, mail handling and kitchen facilities included |
| Office setup | Furniture, internet and office setup arranged separately | Furniture, internet and IT included |
| Commitment | 3–5 year lease with annual rent escalators | Flexible agreements with shorter commitments |
Providers such as WeWork or Spaces include different services depending on the building and membership, so it’s worth checking exactly what’s covered before comparing prices. A lower monthly fee can quickly lose its appeal if you’re paying extra for meeting rooms, mail handling or other services your team uses every day!
What Small Teams Should Look For in a Shared Office
Every shared office is different, so it’s worth taking the time to compare what’s on offer. Think about how much space your team needs, which amenities you’ll use, where you want to be based and how much flexibility you’ll need in the future.
Do: Choose the right amount of space
Look for a private office that comfortably fits your current team without paying for desks you don’t need. If you’re planning to hire, check how easy it is to move into a larger office within the same building rather than starting from scratch again.
Do: Prioritize the amenities you’ll actually use
Included services are one of the biggest advantages of a shared office, but they vary between providers. Reliable internet bandwidth, bookable meeting rooms and well-equipped kitchen facilities are standard in most buildings.
Premium amenities, such as gyms or roof terraces, can make the office a more enjoyable place to work and encourage employees to spend more time there. Prioritize the facilities that will have the biggest impact on your team’s day-to-day experience.
Do: Make sure the agreement fits your business
A flexible office should make it easier to adapt as your business changes, not harder. Check notice periods, expansion options and whether you can move into a larger or smaller office without unnecessary disruption.
Don’t: Overlook the location
Your office is often the first impression clients, partners and candidates have of your business. A well-connected address in a recognized business district can strengthen your brand while making it easier for your team to get to work.
Is a shared office right for your team?
Before making a decision, ask yourself:
- Does the office comfortably fit our team today, with room to grow?
- Are the services we rely on every day included in the monthly fee?
- Will the location work for both our team and our clients?
- Can we expand or downsize without moving to a new office?
- Does the overall package offer better value than signing a traditional lease?
- Are there any additional costs we should budget for?
When a Conventional Lease Still Makes Sense
Shared office space works well for many small businesses, but it isn’t the right fit for every organization.
If your team is larger, your headcount is stable and you expect to stay in the same location for years, a conventional lease can provide greater long-term certainty. It also gives you complete control over how your office is designed, furnished and managed.
That level of control can be important for businesses with specialist fit-out requirements, dedicated technical infrastructure or unique operational needs that are difficult to accommodate in a shared office.
The same applies to organizations in regulated industries. If your premises must meet strict security, compliance or operational standards, managing your own workspace may make those requirements easier to achieve.
The right choice depends on how your business operates. For many small businesses, shared office space offers the flexibility, professional environment and lower upfront costs they need to grow. For others, the greater control of a conventional lease can justify the additional investment and longer commitment.
Finding the Right Shared Office With Hubble
Once you’ve narrowed down what matters most to your team, the next step is comparing available offices.
Hubble lets you search shared office space across the U.S. and filter listings by team size, location and the amenities that matter most to your business. That makes it easier to compare options on a like-for-like basis and find a workspace that fits both your current needs and future plans.
- Real listings — Our marketplace covers 100% of available offices, updated in real-time. No outdated, unavailable or fake listings.
- Fully transparent pricing and listing info — Our platform doesn’t hide pricing and details behind contact forms, sales calls or gatekeepers.
- Best price guarantee — With Hubble, you’ll get the best deals compared to going going direct. Our experts negotiate for you at no extra cost.
- Spam free zone — We won’t share your contact details with third parties, so you’ll never be flooded with unwanted calls or emails.
- Free zero-pressure advice — Recommendations and help with negotiations, for free. Our experts are always on hand for help whenever needed.
If you’re ready to start your search, browse Hubble’s private offices to compare available spaces and find the right fit for your team.
