As the coworking capital of Europe, London’s thriving coworking sector has seen a sharp rise in cost-conscious professionals looking for low-cost shared workspaces.
Simply search the phrase “cheap London coworking space” on Google and you’ll find hundreds of results listing prices as low as £10 a day.
But not all coworking spaces are created equal. What may seem to be a savvy financial decision may actually hinder business growth, productivity, and professional credibility.
In this article, we will reveal the hidden costs of the £ 10-a-day coworking space and why it may end up being your most expensive mistake.
Alternatively, we will also shed light on how “pricer” coworking spaces may prove to be the most affordable workspace solution for your business.
Why “Cheap” Can Be Costly in the Long Run
At first glance, low-cost coworking spaces may seem like a budget-friendly option for small businesses, freelancers and entrepreneurs, especially when every cent counts. On the surface, these workspaces provide the same benefits that other workspaces do.
But the reality is that cutting corners on workspace can come with hidden trade-offs that affect far more than your budget.
Below are some of the most common and costly compromises that come with choosing the cheapest coworking offices.
Lack of privacy or soundproofing
Inexpensive coworking spaces often cut costs by forgoing essential acoustic design.
Without private phone booths or soundproofed areas, every phone call, Zoom meeting, or casual conversation becomes a distraction to everyone in the shared workspace.
This absence of privacy isn’t just annoying; it can also compromise completing sensitive discussions and limit your productivity.
No reception or admin support
One of the biggest advantages of coworking spaces is their receptionist and administration support services, which are missing in low fee coworking spaces.
While it may seem like no big deal at first, this may end up being one of the most detrimental mistakes your business can make in the long term, costing both thousands of pounds and your sanity.
Reception and admin services in coworking spaces are a crucial lifeline for businesses that can’t afford to waste time and energy managing the mundane tasks of call and mail management, printing and scanning just to name a few.
These valuable inclusions in higher end coworking offices not only allow your team to be more productive, it also ensures that nothing gets missed in the busyness of the day-to-day.
Frequent overcrowding or limited seating
One of the most cited downsides of more affordable coworking spaces is their tendency to overbook their spaces, leading to a crowded and chaotic work environment.
While many coworking workspaces offer a mix of dedicated desk and hot desk options, budget offices rely solely on hot desking, which when combined with overbooking can make seating options limited.
Arriving to find every desk taken disrupts your workflow and diminishes the sense of routine and stability that a workspace should provide, making it harder to start working and stay focused.
Poor IT infrastructure or Wi-Fi issues
Reliable internet is non-negotiable in any workspace but in cheap coworking setups, it’s often one of the first things to suffer.
To keep costs low for their members, some coworking providers tend to go with residential broadband setups rather than a business one, reducing the internet speeds, reliability and security. Lagging video calls, unstable connections, and limited tech support can damage your professional reputation and cause real delays in client communications or project delivery.
Limited access to meeting rooms / No on-demand offices
Easy access to meeting rooms, event spaces and private offices are one of the most well-known benefits of flexible workspaces and critical to many freelancers and entrepreneurs who otherwise wouldn’t be able to conduct meetings.
Cheap coworking workspaces frequently have very few meeting spaces or private office pods, forcing members to compete for limited availability or pay steep hourly rates.
This creates logistical headaches and can leave you scrambling for a quiet, professional space to host clients or team meetings, undermining your image and efficiency.
When Cheap Hurts Your Business Image
First impressions carry weight, especially in a competitive city like London, where professionalism is often judged in an instant.
Your workspace becomes a part of your brand, and when that space feels chaotic, cheap, or unpolished, it reflects directly on how clients perceive you.
Think about it: would you trust a law firm working out of a coffee shop-style space with wobbly tables, background noise, and nowhere private to talk?
Probably not. The same applies to any business that relies on credibility, trust, or discretion.
Investing in a more professional space doesn’t just improve your day-to-day, it reinforces confidence in your work.
And in London’s fast-paced business landscape, that perception can be the difference between a deal and a missed opportunity.
Choosing a Coworking Space That Actually Supports Your Growth
The best coworking spaces are the ones that supports your business every step of the way, offering many other perks beyond the price tag.
Rather than settling for the least expensive option, we recommend getting to choose a coworking space where you can get the most value out of your membership, saving costs over a longer term.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a coworking space that helps you grow:
Transparent and flexible pricing with no hidden fees
Avoid surprises by choosing a space that’s upfront about costs. Clear, predictable pricing, without extra charges for Wi-Fi, printing, or meeting room use, makes it easier to manage your budget and plan for growth.
All-inclusive amenities: receptionist, meeting rooms, tech support
To get the most out of your workspace, it should come equipped with the essentials.
Look for environments that offer staffed reception, reliable tech support, and well-equipped meeting rooms included in your plan. Not only will this reduce overhead costs, it will also make the lives of your team easier.
Other features you should also look for in a coworking space include kitchen facilities, free coffee and tea, bike storage, recreation areas and day passes to other coworking locations.
For example, at Servcorp, even coworking members benefit from a dedicated receptionist and access to boardrooms in prime London locations.
Access to private offices or call-handling when needed
Even if you don’t need a private office full-time, having access when it matters, along with services like call handling or mail forwarding, adds a layer of professionalism and flexibility that cheap spaces often lack.
Reputable business addresses in London
A strong business address can enhance credibility, especially in a city like London.
While most low-budget providers are located in less strategic areas, providers like Servcorp offer prestigious locations adding polish and trust to your brand without the premium office costs.
A community of professionals
The right coworking space connects you with more than just desks, it connects you with opportunity by placing you in the same room as other professionals.
From curated networking events to informal chats over coffee, surrounding yourself with motivated, like-minded individuals can spark new ideas, collaborations, and even clients.
Cheap Isn’t Always Smart — Choose Wisely
Opting for the cheapest coworking space might feel like a win—until unreliable Wi-Fi, noisy surroundings, and lack of support start holding you back.
In the long run, saving a few pounds a month isn’t worth sacrificing your productivity, your reputation, or your room to grow.
Choose a workspace that adds value and works as hard as you do.
Explore Servcorp’s premium yet flexible coworking options in London
Frequently Asked Questions
