12 Questions you need to ask when visiting a Serviced Office in Hong Kong

What are the perks of being in a newer building?

The address is one thing, but what is inside matters too. Check the lifts are well maintained, the ground floor lobby is in good condition and the washrooms are clean.

How lunch break friendly is the district?

The address is one thing, but the area around it matters too. Check what lunch options your team will have nearby.

How do you access the building?

Think about building access first. If clients often meet you in your office, pick a building on a main road that is easy to reach by taxi or public transport. If clients never visit, a quieter location can save you money. In Central, a client-facing business may want Queen's Road Central or Des Voeux Road Central. An online business may be fine on Pottinger Street or Wyndham Street.

When can I access my office?

Most serviced offices give tenants 24/7 access. Double-check with the operator, as some limit access at weekends.

How does the reception work?

Each serviced office has its own reception and house rules. Some receptions are staffed all day (9 am to 6 pm). Others have no receptionist at lunchtime. Ask about reception hours, so a lunchtime client does not get stuck at the main entrance.

Can I have my branding within the space?

Some clients ask to display their company name and logo on the ground floor directory, at the main entrance, in the office corridor or on their door. Each serviced office has its own policy, and it can be negotiated.

What is the minimum contract length? Can I get an option to renew?

Operators are flexible on this. They want you to sign the longest contract possible (12 to 24 months). But they can start you on as little as 3 months, and sometimes a monthly rolling contract. The longer you commit, the bigger the discount. Some operators include an option to renew. Ask whether the renewal price is based on your current discounted price or the original quoted price.

What are the benefits included in the package?

Most centres include free amenities for tenants. A private office usually comes with meeting room credits, free use of the common areas, the pantry (tea, coffee, water, snacks), high-speed Wi-Fi, 24/7 access, reception services, mail handling and cleaning.

Can you use other locations within the same brand?

It is a plus if you can host clients and work from different locations. Some providers let you use all their locations in the city, the country or the world. You sit in the common area or lounge and use their meeting rooms.

Can serviced office operators cater to my IT requirements?

Most serviced office operators offer a wide range of IT services: fixed IP line, server rack, SFC approved server cabinets, projector, video conferencing system, telephone line. Name it, they probably have it. But ask for the price list, because added IT services will raise your monthly bill.

Do I get only 1 invoice per month?

Yes. Your monthly rent plus all additional costs (IT, meeting rooms and so on) are listed on your end-of-month invoice.

For how long has the serviced office been leasing the office?

This question matters a lot. Ask the salesperson how long the operator has run in the building, and how many months or years are left on its lease with the landlord. It happens, rarely, that an operator closes a site. Most operators will offer relocation options within the same district, but the client still has to move.

At Nextspace, we do not need to ask these questions anymore. We already know the answers. We work with operators daily, so our clients get the best office rental package possible. We make sourcing, gathering quotations, arranging viewings and negotiating painless for all our clients. We make sure they have all the information they need to make the right decision. Talk to us about your next office requirement.

Bastien Cuny