Office space in London is likely to be even harder to source than in previous years due to a widely reported shortage throughout 2010. Yet London’s buoyant retail sector and general economic performance means that national and international companies still have a pressing need to occupy commercial property there. This article explains some of the features you should expect your letting agent to show you without hesitation to ensure that your commercial property offers the maximum value for money.

Seven Starting Features To Insist On:

1. Period features - without inaccessible price tags

Office space in London within period buildings can be a superb asset in terms of branding value but you shouldn’t expect to be charged as though they add a natural excessive ‘premium’ to the cost - the better agents offer these at genuinely competitive pricing.

2. Period features with modern facilities

If period buildings are poorly maintained you can lose their subtle branding value - expect to be shown clean, brightly lit, functional premises with a business like ambiance. Ignore any ‘justifications’ for poor maintenance - simply change to an agent with a better appraisal of today’s business needs.

3. A smart entrance directly onto a smart street

Whether your building is old or new it is likely that you will probably lose all credibility if your clients have to enter a shabby doorway via a dingy side street. A shabby entrance can also exert a subtle demotivational effect on staff.

4. Demand ‘Scaleability’ - you should always have adequate space

The better agents are used to dealing with all sizes of business, from sole traders right up to companies needing over 12,000 square feet of office space in London. It’s not necessary to compromise on space with a good agent.

5. Expect to see some defining and distinguished features

Whether that will be a gleaming glass frontage to catch the eye for a new building or a stunning original period feature, you should be offered some distinctive features. It really is a question of quality - the better agents often offer striking features as part of their ‘routine’ portfolio.

6. Expect to discuss parking space, storage space,and ‘secondary premises’

You may not need these right away but it is good to know that you would be able to swiftly source good quality parking facilities near your office. Likewise, consider storage space and even second, third or fourth offices. The better agents also hold property outside London, which you may find useful here, saving you time to identify, appraise and begin working with another unknown agent.

7. Expect to be shown quality residential property

Particularly for overseas companies, consider whether you also need to rent corporate quality residential accommodation to accommodate staff, visiting clients or delegates? An agent who offers a high standard for both will save you a lot of time.

2010 was a certainly a relatively good year for London, positioned outside the troubled eurozone with an economy robust enough to constantly attract local and international firms. Demand for commercial property and office space in London is likely to remain strong; choose a larger, longer established agent to avoid any compromise on quality. With the right agents there are still enough properties out there to meet your business needs.