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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 rent (rates vary £50–£110/sq ft depending on submarket
  • Business rates and service charges
  • Fit-out, furnishings, and tech setup
  • Legal, relocation, and downtime costs
  • If considering flexible workplace options then consider the all in cost vs the above broken down cost for traditional lease.

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

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.
  • Managed offices: Customised space without the hassle of setting up suppliers. Suits scale teams and growth-led companies not looking to take on more admin.
  • Leasehold offices: Longer-term control and lower costs over 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 infrastructure.

South London

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

West London

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 additional phone booths and meeting rooms
  • 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

Cushman & Wakefield partners can audit connectivity levels as part of your shortlist.

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
  • 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 or sublet options
  • Multi-site support
  • Space to add or remove desks without moving again
  • Short-term overflow spaces or project pods

Flexible providers like Cushman & Wakefield help you stay nimble.

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 30+ districts, 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.

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 and meeting room credit
  • It packages

Cushman & Wakefield leverages market data to secure strong, fair deals.

15. Visit Shortlisted Locations in Person

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

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

Bring a checklist—or we’ll provide one.

Office Types for Businesses Moving to London

Serviced Offices

  • Fully furnished and ready-to-go
  • Fully inclusive rates
  • Rolling or short-term contracts
  • Ideal for speed and simplicity

Managed Offices

  • Bespoke layout and branding
  • Provider manages maintenance and services
  • Mid-length contracts (1–3 years)
  • Great for scale-ups and project teams

Coworking Spaces

  • Flexible desks, community culture
  • Ideal for freelancers, startups, or satellite teams
  • Located in buzzing hubs like King’s Cross or Shoreditch

Leasehold Offices

  • Traditional long-term lease (5–10 years)
  • Maximum control, lower TCO
  • Ideal for established businesses with stable headcount

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, and land smoothly, whether you’re a UK SME or a multinational expanding into Europe.

Let’s make your move a strategic one.

By Stuart Watkins (05/06/2025)