Serviced offices or a conventional office lease?

Serviced offices versus an office lease: the arrangement.

A serviced-office proposal combines a workspace with a defined service package. A conventional office lease may leave more of the setup and day-to-day arrangements to the occupier. Neither label tells you everything: read what the particular proposal includes.

For both, identify the exclusive office area in sqft, its boundary and any shared facilities. Then establish who provides furniture, connectivity, cleaning and maintenance. Existing fittings do not necessarily mean those services are included.

Compare office rental costs on the same basis.

Put the price beside the actual space, package and term. Note separately chargeable services and any setup work your team would need. A starting rate alone cannot tell you which arrangement suits the way you work.

Ask whether utilities, internet and cleaning are included or separately billed. Clarify deposits, one-off charges and the treatment of applicable taxes. Keep estimates separate from quoted figures; do not turn an undecided cost into a promised saving.

For Figment Work Studios, enquire for pricing for the house and office you are considering. The enquiry can cover the office plan, what is yours and shared, the service package and the price.

Follow a normal working day.

Imagine arriving, concentrating, making calls, meeting a visitor and leaving. Check the relevant entrances, access arrangements and shared-room use. Decide which activities need a dedicated area and which can work in shared facilities.

Ask who handles an internet fault, cleaning issue or repair. A package is useful when the practical responsibilities are clear, not merely when its inclusion list is long.

Read the terms alongside the package.

Compare the actual term, deposit, notice, renewal and change arrangements. Ask what happens if your requirements change, and what the move-in and move-out processes involve. Do not assume a serviced office is monthly or flexible unless the proposal says so.

Make a shortlist your team can use.

• Exact exclusive area in sqft, plus the shared-space plan.
• Furniture and setup work for the particular office.
• Included services and optional or separately billed items.
• Access, calls, visitors and responsibility for everyday issues.
• Quoted price, deposit, term, notice and change arrangements.

For a shophouse setting, explore Club House in Geylang and Kongsi House in Jalan Besar. If you are also considering a shared workplace, read our coworking and serviced-office comparison.