What’s Best for Your Business?
Deciding between an office refurbishment in London and a complete relocation is a pivotal choice that can shape your company’s future. There is no universal answer, so the best route depends on your business objectives, growth plans, budget, and workspace requirements. Whether you want to breathe new life into your existing space or explore a new office location, each option presents unique advantages and challenges.
Refurbishing Your Existing Office in London
An office refurbishment is a smart way to revitalise your current space, boosting morale, productivity, and functionality without the costs and disruption of relocation. A refurbishment can align your office with your brand image and operational goals, whether it’s a minor interior redesign or a full-scale upgrade involving new finishes, M&E services, and furniture changes.
Benefits of Office Refurbishment
- Cost Savings: It avoids legal, moving, and dilapidation costs. Existing fixtures and furniture can often be reused, reducing spending.
- Minimal Disruption: Staying put allows for business continuity. Hybrid working or phased refurbishment reduces operational downtime.
- Boost in Morale & Retention: Employees feel valued when working in refreshed, well-thought-out spaces.
- Improved Layout & Efficiency: Redesigning your layout can overcome inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
- Sustainability: Refurbishment reduces waste by reusing resources and allows for the integration of energy-efficient systems.
Considerations and Drawbacks
- Space Constraints: Refurbishment may only be a short-term fix if your current building can’t support future growth.
- Building Limitations: Ageing infrastructure or landlord restrictions could limit your options.
- Temporary Disruption: Some disruption is unavoidable, even with phased works.
Relocating Your Office in London
Moving to a new space in London presents an opportunity to design a custom workspace from a clean slate. It’s a chance to rethink your location, layout, and facilities to better suit your team and future plans.
Benefits of Relocation
- Future-Proofing: Accommodate team growth and adapt to new work models.
- Brand Reinvention: A new space can act as a launchpad for refreshed branding and company culture.
- Strategic Advantage: Choose a more accessible, high-profile, or cost-effective location.
- Modern Features: Benefit from newer buildings with better amenities and smarter infrastructure.
Drawbacks to Consider
- High Initial Investment: Legal, fit-out, and relocation costs can add up quickly.
- Disruption to Business: Project management is time-consuming and may impact productivity.
- Impact on Employees: New commute times and unfamiliar surroundings can affect morale.
Cost Comparison: Refurbishment vs Relocation in London
| Specification | Refurbishment (per sq ft) | Relocation Fit-Out (per sq ft) |
| Low-Spec | £25–£35 | £40–£50 |
| Mid-Range | £36–£55 | £51–£75 |
| High-Spec | £56–£90+ | £76–£100+ |
Additional relocation costs include:
- Moving fees: £1,500–£25,000+ depending on size and location
- Legal & Dilapidation fees: £2,000–£20,000+
- New IT Setup: Variable based on needs
- Stamp Duty, Surveys & Hidden Costs
So, Refurbish or Relocate?
Ask yourself:
- Can my existing space be optimised to meet growth and functionality needs?
- Is our current location still strategic for talent and clients?
- Are there limitations in our building that hold us back?
- What is our realistic budget for improvements or relocation?
- How can either option support our business performance and culture?
Refurbishment is often more cost-effective and quicker to implement if you can achieve your workplace goals within your current office footprint. However, if your long-term strategy requires a significant shift, a well-planned relocation could catalyse growth.
Get Expert Advice for Your Office Transformation
At Fusion Office Design, we specialise in office refurbishments and relocations across London. Our design team and project managers bring decades of experience to every project, offering strategic insight and tailored solutions. Whether you want to optimise your existing workspace or explore opportunities in a new office space, we’ll help you make the right move.
Contact us today for a consultation and discover how we can bring your client’s vision to life, on time, on budget, and with maximum impact.
