Moving Your Business to London – Our 2025 Guide + 15 Steps for Success

Why Businesses Are Relocating to London in 2025

London remains the UK’s commercial heart—and Europe’s business powerhouse. In 2025, companies continue to relocate to the capital to access:

• A rich talent pool from world-class universities
• Prestigious addresses to attract top clients and investors
• Fast transport links across the UK and Europe
• An unrivalled ecosystem for tech, finance, legal, creative, and science-led sectors

With hybrid working now embedded, businesses aren’t bound to a single location—but many still choose London for its brand equity, global access, and diverse workforce.

Step-by-Step Guide to Moving Your Business to London

1. Define Your Relocation Objectives

Start with a clear purpose. Consider:

• Growth strategy or market access?
• Attracting and retaining talent?
• Aligning workspace with a new hybrid policy?
• Defining what success looks like will shape everything, from location to lease type.

2. Set a Budget for the Move and Ongoing Costs

Plan for both one-off and recurring expenses:

• Office rents vary depending on the submarket, building amenities and current state of the space
• Business rates and service charges
• Fit-out, furnishings, and tech setup
• Legal, relocation, and downtime costs
• Flexible workspace will deliver inclusive pricing based on points 1, 2, & 3

Cushman & Wakefield’s advisors can help model the total occupancy cost (TCO) across different scenarios and real estate solutions.

3. Decide on Leasehold, Managed, or Serviced Space

Each model suits different business phases:

• Serviced offices: Ideal for speed and flexibility. Fully fitted and all-inclusive costs. Ultimate flexibility on terms and space expansion scenarios.
• Managed offices: Customised space without the hassle of setting up suppliers. Medium term length commitments.
• Leasehold offices: Longer-term control and lower costs over extended time. Best for businesses with a 5–10 year vision.

4. Explore London’s Top Business Districts

Each area has strengths depending on sector, size, and team culture:

Central London

• City of London – Financial and legal firms
• West End – Dynamic hub for a diverse array of businesses across various sectors
• Midtown – Legal, property, media and professional services

North London

• King’s Cross & Camden – Tech, media, and scale-ups. Great transport and amenities.

East London

• Shoreditch, Old Street – Digital-first firms and coworking communities.
• Stratford – Value-driven with strong transport infrastructure.

South London

• London Bridge, Waterloo – Central feel with Southbank culture and major transport links.

West London

• Paddington, White City, Hammersmith – Media, life sciences, and international HQs.

5. Assess Transport and Connectivity

Staff satisfaction and client convenience often hinge on this. Look for:

• Tube and Overground stations (ideally 2–3 lines nearby)
• Fast access to Heathrow or Eurostar (Paddington, King’s Cross and Farringdon)
• Cycling routes, parking, and step-free access

Use TfL’s Journey Planner to map realistic commute times.

6. Choose a Workspace That Supports Your Culture

Look beyond square footage. Think:

• Natural light and breakout spaces
• Quiet zones vs. collaboration zones
• Branding opportunities
• Layouts that reflect your ways of working
• Access to phone booths, meeting rooms, event spaces and even other sites to use
• Gyms and wellness options are trending

Modern businesses increasingly seek workspaces that enhance wellbeing and performance.

7. Plan for Digital Infrastructure and Remote Needs

Digital capability is no longer optional. Prioritise:

• Fibre internet with gigabit speeds
• Backup power and secure networks
• Video conferencing and remote collaboration tools
• Tech support on-site or on-call

8. Align with ESG and Sustainability Goals

In 2025, ESG matters to investors, staff, and stakeholders. Choose offices that offer:

• BREEAM Excellent or LEED Gold ratings
• Energy-efficient heating, cooling, and lighting
• Secure cycle storage and shower facilities
• Close proximity to green transport links

Sustainable offices tend to attract and retain talent better too.

9. Shortlist the Amenities Your Team Needs

Surrounding amenities support productivity and morale. Look for:

• Cafés, lunch spots, and wellness venues
• Gyms and outside spaces
• Dry cleaners and post services
• On-site meeting rooms and event spaces

Our team can help map what’s within a 5-minute walk of each site.

10. Prepare for Scaling or Restructuring

The perfect space today might not fit in 12 months. Look for:

• Flexible contracts and sublet options
• Multi-site access to deliver hybrid working
• Space to add or remove desks without moving again
• Short-term overflow spaces or project pods

Flexible workspaces can support to keep costs sensible and deliver optimal office solutions

11. Understand Legal and Compliance Requirements

Work with your legal team or a property solicitor to review:

• Lease duration and break clauses
• Repair, reinstatement, or dilapidation clauses
• Deposit or rent guarantees
• Restrictions on branding or fit-out

Cushman & Wakefield offers unbiased, clear guidance throughout the legal process.

12. Factor in Taxes and Business Rates

Rates vary by borough and building. Clarify:

• What’s included in your rent
• Rateable value (RV) of the property
• Whether you qualify for small business relief

An advisor will calculate your likely liabilities upfront—no surprises.

13. Engage a Commercial Real Estate Advisor

With 1,000s of spaces across multiple submarkets, having expert support matters. Cushman & Wakefield helps you:

• Define your brief
• Shortlist suitable spaces (including off-market options)
• Negotiate favourable terms
• Manage compliance, legal, and fit-out logistics

The result? Less stress, better outcomes and time saved.

14. Compare Offers and Negotiate Terms

There’s more to negotiate than just rent:

• Rent-free periods or fit-out contributions
• Service charge caps
• Early access for fit-out or brand install
• Exit flexibility
• Event, meeting room and multi-site credit allowances
• IT service packages

Cushman & Wakefield leverages market data to secure favourable terms

15. Visit Shortlisted Locations in Person

Virtual tours are helpful, but don’t skip the walk-through. Assess:

• General upkeep, air quality, and lighting
• Noise levels and lift wait times
• Neighbours and overall atmosphere
• Reception staff and security

We will help you with the checklist an point out red flags in the debrief

Office Types for Businesses Moving to London

Leasehold Offices

• Perfect for established businesses with stable headcounts
• Long-term lease (5–10 years)
• Maximum control and branding ability
• Lower TCO transparency
• Align third parties to design, reconfigure, deliver operational functions

Serviced Offices

• Great for startups, projects, and headquarters
• Fully furnished, ready-to-go and can be customised
• Private offices, floors or an entire building
• Inclusive monthly pricing
• Quick move in, easy exit, and flexible contract term lengths
• Access to mass amenities, meeting rooms and event spaces

Managed Offices

• Great for the next phase HQ from serviced offices and a simple alternative to leasehold
• Bespoke layout, branding, and furnished
• Services to suit with business requirements
• A remote operations team to support with facilities management
• Mid-length contracts (18 months – 3 years)

Coworking Spaces

• Flexible desks, community culture, and mass access
• Ideal for freelancers, startups, or satellite teams up to 10 people in one place
• Located in buzzing hubs like King’s Cross, City Core or Shoreditch
• Quick to start, easy exit, and contracts form 1 month

Final Thoughts: Make Your Move with Confidence

Relocating to London is a bold step—and one that can transform your company’s trajectory. With the right partner, you can avoid delays, reduce costs, and secure a workspace that supports your next chapter.

Cushman & Wakefield offers complimentary consultations to help you plan with clarity, compare the best spaces, deliver entire market exposure, and land smoothly, whether you’re a UK SME or a multinational expanding across EMEA.

Let’s make your move a strategic one!