Should I use an office broker or go direct?
A broker is free to you and handles the search and negotiation. The operator pays them, usually about 10% of the first year. Going direct means dealing with the operator yourself and hearing their own price. Spacebly lets you search listed buildings and enquire with operators directly, free, and every tenant who signs gets cashback.
Last updated 8 October 2026.
| Office broker | Direct with the operator | Spacebly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost to you | Nothing directly | Nothing extra | Nothing |
| Who pays whom | Operator pays the broker, usually about 10% of the first 12 months [1][2] | No one in the middle | Operator pays Spacebly a 10% success fee on signed deals, or a flat monthly subscription with 0% commission |
| Who you deal with | The broker, then the operator | The operator | The operator, directly |
| Which buildings you see | The broker's shortlist | One operator's buildings at a time | Every building listed on Spacebly, with prices |
| Who negotiates | The broker, for you | You | You |
| Cashback when you sign | Ask the broker | No | Yes, every tenant who signs gets Cashback by Spacebly |
When a broker makes sense
If your requirement is large or complex, spans several cities, or you'd simply rather someone else ran the process, a broker can save you time. Ask how they're paid on each option.
When going direct makes sense
If you'd like to see prices yourself, speak to operators directly and move at your own pace, go direct. You can rent office space direct from the landlord or operator, and on Spacebly you can compare buildings and enquire with each operator in one place.
Operators choose how to pay: list free and pay a 10% success fee only when a tenant signs, or pay a flat monthly subscription and keep 100% of every deal. Tenants never pay, and every tenant who signs gets Cashback by Spacebly.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use an office broker or go direct?
A broker is free to you and handles the search and negotiation. The operator pays them, usually about 10% of the first year. Going direct means dealing with the operator yourself and hearing their own price. Spacebly lets you search listed buildings and enquire with operators directly, free, and every tenant who signs gets cashback.
Is an office broker free for tenants?
Usually, yes. Office brokers are normally paid by the operator or landlord when a deal completes, typically about 10% of the first year's fee on flexible office deals. Ask any broker how they're paid before you start.
Is Spacebly free for tenants?
Operators choose how to pay: list free and pay a 10% success fee only when a tenant signs, or pay a flat monthly subscription and keep 100% of every deal. Tenants never pay, and every tenant who signs gets Cashback by Spacebly.
Will I get a better price if I go direct?
Not automatically. Operators set their own prices and good brokers negotiate well. Going direct means you hear the operator's price first-hand and negotiate it yourself. On Spacebly you also get Cashback by Spacebly when you sign.
When is a broker the better choice?
If you have a large or complex requirement, need offices in several cities at once, or simply want someone else to run the process, a broker can save you time. If you'd rather see prices yourself and speak to operators directly, go direct.
Can I rent office space directly from the landlord?
Yes. You don't need an agent to rent an office in the UK. See our guide to renting office space direct from the landlord.
Sources
- IWG, Broker Policy. https://work.iwgplc.com/BrokerReferralTerms
- Fora (The Office Group), Broker Agreement Terms. https://www.foraspace.com/broker-agreement-terms
- My New HQ, "Is your service really free?" (FAQ). https://mynewhq.com/