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When a freelancer becomes a small team, the first instinct is often to rent an office. It feels like the “serious” next step. But the monthly rent is only one part of what an office really costs. Here’s what to weigh up before signing a lease.
The costs of renting an office
When you rent your own space, you usually pay for much more than the rent itself:
- Advance rent and security deposit, often several months upfront
- Furniture — desks, chairs, storage, a meeting table
- Internet installation and a monthly business connection
- Power backup — a UPS or generator, plus fuel and maintenance
- Air conditioning units and the electricity to run them
- Electricity, water and maintenance bills
- Cleaning and tea service
- Security
- Your time setting it all up and managing it
Most leases also tie you in for a fixed period. If your team shrinks, grows, or your plans change, you’re still paying.
The cost of coworking
With coworking, all of that is bundled into one monthly price. At The WorkNest Space:
- Hot Desk: Rs. 10000 / month
- Dedicated Desk: Rs. 12000 / month
- Day Pass: Rs. 2,000 / day
Each plan includes WiFi, power backup, air conditioning, tea and coffee, printing and security. There’s nothing to install and nothing to maintain. See the full plan details.
When renting an office makes sense
An office can be the right choice if you have a large team that needs a private, branded space all day, or if you need to store a lot of equipment. If that’s you, it’s worth the investment.
When coworking makes more sense
For freelancers, remote workers and small teams, coworking is usually the smarter move:
- You only pay for the desks you need
- You can add or remove desks as your team changes
- You can start the same day, with no setup
- You’re surrounded by other professionals instead of four empty walls
Questions to ask before signing an office lease
- How many months of advance rent and deposit are required?
- What is the minimum lease period, and what happens if you leave early?
- Who pays for repairs and maintenance?
- Is there power backup, and who pays for the fuel or batteries?
- What internet options are available in the building?
- Is the building secure at night and on weekends?
- Can you grow into a bigger space later without breaking the lease?
If the answers add up to a long commitment and a lot of setup, coworking is likely the better first step.
A middle path: start in coworking, move later
Many growing teams start with a few desks in a coworking space and only move to their own office once the team is large and stable. This keeps costs predictable while the business finds its feet, and it means you only take on a lease when you’re sure you need one.
Frequently asked questions
Can a small team work together in a coworking space?
Yes. Several people can take desks in the same space. Contact us with the size of your team and we’ll suggest a plan.
Is coworking professional enough to meet clients?
A well-run coworking space gives you a professional, organised setting, which is often better than a home or a small rented room.
Do the maths for your team
Write down every cost on the list above for the office you’re considering, divide by the number of people, and compare it to a monthly desk. Then factor in the time you’d spend managing the space.
If you’d like to see the space before you compare, book a free visit or WhatsApp us for a quote for your team.
Come see The WorkNest Space
Free 15-minute visit · Open 24 hours, Mon–Sat · Day Pass Rs. 2,000
