How much does office space cost in 2026? All prices and smart ways to save
If you’re looking for office space in 2026, you’ll soon notice one thing: the price you see is rarely the price you end up paying.
And that’s where things often go wrong.
On paper, office space can sometimes look surprisingly affordable. But once all the extra costs are added, the difference can quickly rise to thousands of euros’ per year.
So what does office space really cost now, and how do you make sure you don’t end up paying too much?
The 3 types of office space (and prices)
1. Traditional office space.
At first glance, this seems like the most logical option.
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€150 – €400 per m² per year
But this amount doesn’t tell the whole story.
As soon as you actually start using the space, additional costs come into play for fit-out, internet, cleaning and maintenance. In practice, the total costs are therefore often 30–50% higher than expected.
2. Flexible office space (flex office)
Flexible office space works slightly differently.
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€300 – €1.200 per month per workstation
You move into a space that is already fully fitted out and ready to use.
3. Coworking spaces
Coworking is often the most accessible option:
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€150 – €400 per month
It’s flexible and easy to get started with, but it also has its limitations. Less privacy, more shared spaces, and not always ideal if you regularly host clients.
THE HIDDEN COSTS THAT MANY BUSINESSES MISJUDGE
This is where the difference is made.
When business owners say office space is “expensive”, it rarely comes down to rent alone. It’s actually in everything around it.
Costs that are often underestimated:
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Fit-out: €300 – €800 per m²
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Internet and IT
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Cleaning and maintenance
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Service charges
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Empty desks or unused space
WHY MORE AND MORE BUSINESSES ARE LOOKING AT OFFICE SPACE DIFFERENTLY
The way we work has changed.
With hybrid working, changing team sizes and faster growth cycles, one thing is becoming increasingly important: flexibility.
That’s why more and more companies are choosing:
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shorter commitments
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spaces that can grow with you
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predictable monthly costs
Not necessarily because it always seems cheaper, but because in practice it works better.
HOW CAN YOU SAVE SMARTLY ON OFFICE SPACE?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but these are choices that often work out well:
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Choose all-in solutions
So you stay in control and avoid unexpected costs. -
Avoid major upfront investments
Especially if your situation could still change. -
Keep flexibility in your contract
In the long run, this often saves you more than a lower rent price. -
Think in terms of growth, not square metres
The cheapest option isn’t always the best if it slows down your growth.
Conclusion
Office space isn’t just a cost item; it’s a decision that affects how your business operates and grows.
And the difference between the right and the wrong choice is often bigger than you think.
Are you unsure what works best for your situation? Then it’s wise not to look only at the rent, but at the full picture.
Want to see what flexible renting looks like in practice? You’re always welcome to get in touch with Nexpace or drop by.
