How to Choose the Right Workspace When Expanding Into a New Country

Your business is expanding into a new market. The strategy is set, the budget is approved, and your team is ready. Now you need to find a workspace, and this step is often more complicated than it seems.

When looking for the right office in a new market, you will need to deal with different property rules, pricing, contract types, and local customs. This guide will help you make the right choices.

Start with your requirements, not the market

Before you look at listings or speak with local agents, take time to figure out what you really need. How many people will be there on day one? What about in a year? Will you need space for meeting clients? What technology is a must-have? Also, consider your budget. Is it based on UK standards that might not fit the local market?

The best workspace searches begin with a clear brief. Include details like how many people you need to accommodate, your expected growth, what your team needs to work well, your company culture, and your budget. Use this brief to compare all your options.

Understand the local landscape.

Each market has its own workspace ecosystem. In London, the serviced office market is well established and highly competitive, with hundreds of operators. In cities like Riyadh or Lagos, the situation is different. There are fewer operators, service expectations vary, and pricing structures do not follow a consistent pattern.

It is important to understand the local landscape before you begin shortlisting options. What are the usual contract terms? What does the quoted price include? What is the standard notice period? How do local providers handle fit-out and furnishing? These factors can vary widely from one market to another and may surprise businesses that expect the same standards everywhere.

Choose the right workspace type.

Expanding internationally doesn’t always require a traditional lease. For many businesses entering a new market, choosing a flexible or managed office is often a better option. This approach lets you set up quickly, try out the market, and grow without making a long-term commitment.

Serviced offices are a good fit for small teams of 1-15 people. They are quick to set up, easy to use, and carry little risk. Managed offices are better for larger teams that want their own branded space but avoid the costs and hassle of a traditional office setup. Once your business is established and you know your long-term needs, a conventional lease can be the right choice.

The best option depends on where you are in your expansion, how much you expect to grow, and how much risk you’re willing to take in a new market.

Don't rely on a single source.

A common mistake businesses make when looking for international office space is relying on a single agent, operator, or online platform. Each only shows part of the market. For example, an agent might work with only certain buildings, an operator might offer only their own spaces, and online searches often highlight options with the best digital marketing.

Businesses that find the best office spaces internationally are the ones that look at the whole market. They consider every operator, every building, and every option, so they can make decisions with all the information they need.

Get independent advice

Choosing international workspaces involves significant financial and risk considerations. If you overpay, pick the wrong location, or agree to unsuitable terms, it can hurt your plans to expand.

Getting advice from someone who knows the local market, has no ties to specific operators or buildings, and can guide you from your search to moving in is extremely valuable.

This is exactly what we offer at Global Office Partners. We help clients find and choose workspaces in over 120 countries, making sure they have all the information they need, not just what one source provides.

Planning an international expansion? Let's talk about your workspace needs.