London commercial property is among the most diverse and expensive in the world — but if you know where to look, the right space at the right price is entirely achievable. Whether you need a prestigious City address for client meetings, a flexible Shoreditch desk for your growing team, or a serviced office in Canary Wharf for your fintech, this guide walks through London’s key commercial districts and what you can expect to pay. The SBA’s guide to choosing a business location covers the core factors every owner should weigh when evaluating real estate options.
CBRE London
The world’s largest commercial real estate services firm. Strong in leasing, investment, and occupier advisory across all London districts. CBRE’s London research team publishes detailed market data on all submarkets and is widely referenced by occupiers, investors, and lenders.
Great for: Office leasing, investment sales, large-scale occupier advisory across all London districts
Knight Frank
Knight Frank
Great for: Prime Central London offices, retail, high-value investment transactions
Savills London
One of the most respected names in UK commercial property. Savills has strong coverage across all London submarkets and is known for both occupier advisory and investment transactions. A good choice for businesses at all stages from early-stage lease negotiations to complex acquisitions.
Great for: All London submarkets, occupier advisory, first-time commercial tenants
Commercial real estate in London extends well beyond the Canary Wharf. Submarkets such as The Shoreditch, Sugar Land, North London, and Downtown London each offer distinct advantages depending on your business model and customer base. Entrepreneurs exploring the city more broadly may also find value in our Doing Business in London: A Complete Guide, which outlines economic trends and local business infrastructure.
The City of London (the Square Mile) is the historic financial core, home to the Bank of England, Lloyd’s of London, and the majority of the UK’s major financial institutions and law firms. Grade A office space commands the highest rents: typically £70-£100 per sq ft per year for premium space. Canary Wharf, the planned financial district in East London, offers more competitive rents at £45-£65/sq ft/yr and has worked hard to attract fintech and tech firms. Exceptionally well-connected via Jubilee line, DLR, and Elizabeth line.
The EC1/E1/N1 corridor around Old Street Roundabout — informally known as Silicon Roundabout or Tech City — is the heartland of London’s startup ecosystem. Office space runs £40-£60/sq ft/yr, with significant coworking and flexible office infrastructure. Landlords are generally more accommodating to shorter leases and smaller footprints. The culture is informal, the density of tech talent high, and the proximity to Shoreditch’s restaurants, bars, and event venues adds to the appeal for recruiting.
The most prestigious commercial addresses in London. Mayfair (W1) and St James’s are home to private equity firms, family offices, hedge funds, luxury brands, and the most established professional services firms. A W1 or SW1 address carries significant client-facing weight in certain sectors. Expect to pay £90-£140/sq ft/yr for the best space, with premium on the most sought-after streets (Berkeley Square, Grosvenor Square, Pall Mall).
The fastest-growing commercial district in Central London. The redevelopment of King’s Cross, anchored by Google’s UK headquarters, has drawn Universal Music, Publicis, and dozens of creative and tech companies. Rents of £55-£75/sq ft/yr are reasonable for the central location. Benefits from the Elizabeth line, Eurostar access at St Pancras, and the British Library. A strong choice for businesses that want a premium location without Mayfair prices. Other emerging districts worth watching: Stratford/Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Bermondsey, and Hammersmith.
For early-stage businesses or those needing flexibility, London’s serviced office and coworking market is the most developed in Europe.
Key commercial lease terms to understand when negotiating in London:
For most SMEs seeking office space, using a commercial property agent is standard practice — and they are typically paid by the landlord, not you. Here is what to look for when selecting an agent:
London’s submarkets are genuinely distinct. A strong agent understands the difference between the City, Midtown, West End, South Bank, and East London — pricing, lease flexibility, and landlord behaviour all differ significantly.
Office, retail, industrial, and flexible workspace each require different expertise. Make sure your agent specialises in the asset type and size of space you are seeking.
Commercial real estate decisions impact cash flow, operations, and staff wellbeing for years. Look for agents who have represented occupiers in similar situations to yours, not just landlords.
Commercial transactions involve multiple parties and long timelines. A reliable agent explains each stage clearly, keeps you informed on comparable deals in the market, and flags potential issues before they become problems.
UK commercial leases are governed by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954. A good agent understands planning use classes, permitted development rights, and which buildings have restrictions that could affect your business operations.
A knowledgeable London commercial agent can reduce risk, improve deal terms, and access off-market opportunities that never appear on public portals. For space over approximately 5,000 sq ft, using an agent is strongly recommended. JLL and Cushman & Wakefield also offer strong tenant advisory services for larger occupiers.
In addition to working with a commercial property agent, many business owners begin their search on public platforms. CoStar and EG Propertylink are the main professional databases. For smaller spaces, Rightmove Commercial, Zoopla Commercial, and Realla provide accessible search tools. For flexible and coworking spaces, platforms like Hubble and Instant Offices aggregate availability across London.
Some of the most compelling commercial property opportunities in London are never publicly listed. Established agents build long-term relationships with landlords and property companies, giving them advance knowledge of available space. For businesses with specific requirements (size, location, lease flexibility), briefing two or three agents creates healthy competition and increases your chances of finding the ideal space.
Commercial real estate decisions often shape a business’s trajectory for years. By understanding London’s submarkets, engaging the right agents, and negotiating key lease protections (break clauses, dilapidations caps, fit-out contributions), you can secure space that supports your growth without locking you into commitments you can’t sustain.
For a deeper look at how your real estate costs fit into overall business planning, see our guide on planning and executing a business relocation.
Join Hustler’s Library free to access our full London business guide and connect with entrepreneurs who know the market.