FAQs
About Albie
We help businesses find, negotiate, and secure the right office space. That includes understanding your requirements, sourcing suitable options (often including off-market opportunities), arranging viewings, and negotiating the best commercial terms on your behalf.
We act primarily on behalf of occupiers (tenants), ensuring our advice is aligned with your interests. If we ever act for a landlord, we will make this clear from the outset.
In most cases, our fees are covered by the landlord as part of the transaction. We’ll always be transparent about how we’re paid before you engage us.
Yes. We have relationships across the market and can often source off-market or upcoming opportunities that aren’t widely advertised.
We’re based in London, but we work across the globe, worldwide from London!
Yes, we have relationships across the market, our staff are multilingual and work in partnership with many companies looking after their global property needs.
Get in touch! We’ll start with a short consultation to understand your needs, timeline, budget and then we’ll begin sourcing options tailored to you.
Finding the Right Office
We consider your team’s commute, client access, budget, and business goals. For example, city-centre locations offer prestige and connectivity, while out-of-town offices may offer better value and parking.
This varies hugely between companies and depends on variables; how you use your office, available communal spaces, and your layout (open-plan vs private offices). We’ll help you plan for both current needs and future growth.
Serviced offices: Flexible, all-inclusive pricing, shorter commitments, perfect for companies who foresee a quick expansion.
Managed Offices: Flexible, all-inclusive pricing, mid-term commitment for companies who are ready to have their own space but not ready for a long-term commitment.
Leased offices: Longer-term agreements, more control, perfect for established stable teams.
We’ll help you decide which suits your business best.
It can take anywhere from a day if you need to move quickly (for flexible spaces) to several months (for leased offices), depending on your requirements and decision-making timeline.
Get in touch! We’ll start with a short consultation to understand your needs, timeline, budget and then we’ll begin sourcing options tailored to you.
Costs & Budgeting
Most of our offices are fully inclusive but we will always provide a full cost breakdown before you commit.
Yes, most office rents are negotiable, and we work for you to secure incentives such as rent-free periods, reduced rates, or other benefits.
Typically for a flexible space 2-months deposit is the norm, some companies will ask for 3 and occasionally no deposit is required.
For managed and leased offices, between 3–6 months’ rent, depending on the strength of your covenant (financial position).
Lease & Legal
A commercial lease is a legally binding agreement between you and the landlord, setting out terms such as rent, lease length, repair obligations, and your rights to use the space. If you don’t already have a property solicitor, we are happy to introduce you to a trusted one.
Leases commonly range from 3 to 10 years, but shorter or more flexible terms are increasingly available. We’ll help you balance flexibility with cost savings.
A break clause allows you to terminate your lease early, subject to certain conditions. It’s an important flexibility tool that we aim to negotiate wherever possible.
Can I renew my lease at the end?
In many cases, yes, depending on whether your lease includes security of tenure under UK law. We’ll guide you through your rights.
Responsibilities & Risks
For flexible and managed spaces, the landlord/operator is usually responsible allowing for fair wear and tear.
For leased properties it’s dependent on the terms of the lease. Many UK leases are “full repairing and insuring” (FRI), meaning tenants are responsible for most repairs. We’ll help you understand and, where possible, limit your exposure.
Dilapidations are costs associated with returning the property to its original condition at lease end. These can be significant, so we help you plan ahead and negotiate favourable terms.
Options may include:
- Exercising a break clause
- Assigning the lease to another tenant
- Subletting the space
We’ll advise on the best route based on
your lease terms.
Fit-Out & Office Setup
Yes, but most alterations require landlord consent. We’ll help you negotiate flexibility for fit-out works upfront.
This varies. Landlords often provide contributions or rent-free periods to offset costs, especially on longer leases.
Costs vary widely, but a general range is £40–£100+ per sq ft depending on the quality and complexity. We can also introduce you to specialist fit-out firms who will bespoke plan your office for you.
Flexibility & Future Planning
We look to build flexibility into your lease such as break clauses, expansion options, or access to additional space in the same building.
Often yes, particularly in multi-let buildings or flexible offices. We’ll explore these options during your search.
Compliance & Modern Office Needs
By law, most offices must have a minimum EPC rating of E to be let, with stricter standards expected in the future.
Many businesses now prioritise:
- Flexible layouts
- Collaboration space
- Shorter lease commitments
We help you find offices that support modern working patterns and that reflects your company culture.
Getting Started
No! Consultations and viewings are without obligation.
Get in touch! We’ll start with a short consultation to understand your needs, timeline, budget and then we’ll begin sourcing options tailored to you.