London Commercial Property Agents: find the right company for your office space

The reach and remit of London’s commercial agents vary. Global full-service firms, such as CBRE, JLL, Knight Frank and Savills, deal in major non-residential properties on an international scale. National players, such as Carter Jonas, Lambert Smith Hampton and Vail Williams, focus on UK properties, while smaller niche agencies specialise in local real estate only. 

What is a commercial property agent?

A commercial property agent is a professional who helps businesses buy, sell, lease or manage commercial real estate – for example, offices, retail units, industrial sites and warehouses. 

There are different types of commercial agents. Leasing agents oversee rental arrangements, while investment agents advise on the purchase of office or retail assets. Development agents source land and advise on planning. And occupier advisors represent tenants during relocations, renewals and workplace strategy development. 

Within their specialist areas, commercial property agents provide a range of services, including market research and valuation, marketing and listings, and negotiation of lease terms and sale prices. They also arrange property viewings and inspections. 

What is the role of a London commercial property agent?

A London commercial property agent helps landlords, tenants and investors navigate one of the world’s most competitive real estate markets. Their role blends market intelligence, negotiation and strategic guidance tailored to London’s fast‑moving office, retail, industrial and mixed‑use sectors. 

Part broker, part strategist and part market analyst, a London commercial property agent enables clients to make informed decisions in a city where location, timing and positioning are key. In particular, they offer services aligned to London’s uniquely clustered, regulated and complex property environment. 

How to find the right commercial property agent in London

Finding the right commercial property agent isn’t about luck; it’s about identifying the select few who can add genuine value. And in order to do that, there are a few key steps you need to take: 

Refine your requirement

Before you speak to an agent, you need to define and refine your requirement. For example, you need to think about which location will best suit your business. In London, key sectors tend to occupy specific districts and areas – for instance, the City and Canary Wharf for commercial and finance; Covent Garden for marketing; and Old Street/Shoreditch for creative and tech. Do you want to be located among your industry peers, or would you rather strike out somewhere new? 

You also need to consider the size of the space you require. How big is your workforce? Is your business growing? Do you need additional space to support innovation and creativity? Does your workspace need to flex in the future to accommodate additional talent inflows?  

Finally, you have to decide whether you want to buy or lease your workspace and, crucially, define your available budget, which will ultimately determine the scope of your workplace ambitions.  

To answer these questions, you should undertake a workplace analysis exercise, which is a structured activity designed to help people understand how work gets done within an organisation. By focusing on the tasks, behaviours, systems, bottlenecks and cultural patterns that shape performance, an analysis exercise helps you map key dynamics to improve overall workplace effectiveness. As part of this process, you will most likely address issues relating to location, operational focus and spatial requirements. 

Do your research

It’s essential you do your research on the different types of commercial property agent out there, focusing specifically on those that will best suit your needs.  

A bigger agency will have access to a greater range of properties, but there might be cost and client service implications to consider. Some of the larger firms may target higher-end commercial real estate, which will have a greater rental price tag. Client volume may also mean they can’t give you the time and attention you need.   

Talk to a specialist

A lot of agents ‘do a bit of everything’, offering a broad range of services without having the qualifications or experience to fully advise on the legal complexities for each aspect of your commercial property requirement.

It’s therefore important you speak to a specialist who can deal specifically with commercial leases, VAT, rates, rents and service charges. A specialist will be better qualified to negotiate more successfully with landlords and investors to secure you the best possible deal.

Check their credentials

In the UK, commercial property agents aren’t tightly regulated, which means credentials matter. When scoping out a potential agent, look for confirmation of membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). RICS membership is evidence an agent has met rigorous professional standards and assessment, giving you both reassurance and protection if anything goes wrong.

Prioritise local market knowledge

The best agents will know your target area well. To understand the extent of their local knowledge, ask about deals they have completed recently for both landlords and tenants in the area.  

Local market expertise matters because commercial property is hyper‑local: values, demand, incentives and even negotiation norms can shift from one street or area to the next. A commercial agent who truly understands the local market can secure better terms, avoid missteps and spot opportunities you might otherwise overlook, helping you with pricing, valuation and off-market deals.  

Don’t base decisions purely on fees

No one wants to be paying over the odds for a commercial agent’s services. However, be wary of those offering cheaper rates; they often negotiate poorly to push through quicker deals, which means they invariably miss opportunities for their clients.  

A better agent, meanwhile, might cost you more in fees, but will be more rigorous and considered in their work. They will secure you improved deals, which ultimately results in enhanced workplace performance and success, saving you money over time.

Consider communication

Good communication is critical to developing a successful relationship with your commercial property agent. You may find that some larger firms deploy more junior staff in day-to-day client communications. If you want a more senior agent or surveyor, you should think about a smaller agency; this way, you’re likely to find someone who responds quickly, gives regular updates and explains things clearly.

Remember, you’ll be working with your commercial property agent for months; so smooth and fluent communication is essential. 

Types of commercial office space  

There are four main types of commercial space you need to be aware of today. These are: 

Traditional leased office 

In commercial property terms, the traditional leased office is the ‘classic setup’. Under this arrangement, you rent an office on a lease, with a typical term being between three and ten years. Before you move in, you have control over your office fitout, branding and operational setup. 

Traditional spaces are often located in multi-let commercial buildings. They can comprise whole-floor lease arrangements, dedicated square-footage or standalone units. Often requiring upfront capital and longer-term lease commitment, traditional spaces may be better suited for established or growing businesses. 

Serviced office

Serviced commercial space is fully furnished, ready-to-use office space that’s typically offered on a flexible rental basis. Tenants tend to share communal areas and amenities, reducing operational overheads, while pricing is usually all-inclusive, covering utilities, internet, cleaning, reception and other services. 

The management and day-to-day operations of serviced spaces are handled by the provider, making this an ideal option for smaller businesses or start-ups seeking agility, speed and ease-of-use. 

Coworking space

Coworking commercial space comprises shared, flexible work environments, where businesses and individuals rent desks or private offices within a communal setting. 

Designed to foster collaboration, creativity and convenience, coworking spaces enable companies and freelancers to work side by side, with a choice of hot desks, dedicated desk space and offices. 

Rental arrangements are flexible, usually available on a monthly or daily basis, while amenities – such as Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, breakout space, kitchens – are typically all-inclusive. Plug-and-play setup ensures maximum agility and minimum fuss.  

Managed office space

Managed office space is a hybrid of leased and serviced space, providing a private office customised to your needs. While the provider takes care of the initial setup and services, the cost are covered through rent, meaning your monthly costs are invariably higher. Despite the increased overheads, this remains an attractive option for growing companies keen to prioritise branding and convenience.  

Commercial property agents in London

Here we profile 21 commercial property agents in London you should have on your radar.  

Bray Fox Smith 

Bray Fox Smith is a multidisciplined commercial property consultancy. The firm focuses on delivering high-quality projects across commercial, capital markets, occupier services and residential. With expertise in leasing, investment and development, Bray Fox Smith works closely with clients to understand their needs and objectives. The team’s breadth and depth of knowledge ensures successful execution, delivering innovative and dynamic real estate solutions across the UK.

• Founded: 2009
• London office location: Mayfair (HQ)
• Number of employees: 30
• Operational focus: London and UK
• Website: : www.brayfoxsmith.com 

Bureau Office 

Bureau is a boutique property agency known for sourcing and negotiating flexible and conventional office space in the leased, managed and serviced office sectors. Bureau takes a highly personalised, hands-on approach to occupier representation, helping clients navigate the complexities of the London office market. It focuses on saving clients time, money and stress by managing the entire property search and lease journey. Offering friendly, transparent service and deep market knowledge, Bureau is a trusted partner for startups, scale-ups and established firms alike. 

• Founded: 2021
• London office location: Holborn
• Number of employees: 10+
• Operational focus: Central and Greater London
• Website:  www.bureauoffice.co.uk

CBRE

CBRE is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm. Headquartered in Dallas, CBRE offers integrated services across property leasing, investment sales, facilities management, valuation, workplace strategy and ESG advisory. In the UK, CBRE is a dominant force in office, retail, logistics and alternative sectors, advising landlords, occupiers and investors on complex real estate decisions. Known for its data-driven insights, CBRE supports clients through every stage of the property lifecycle, from acquisition and development to operations and portfolio optimisation. 

• Founded: 1906
• London office location: Marylebone (HQ)
• Number of employees: approx. 140,000
• Operational focus: London, UK & Global
• Website: www.cbre.co.uk 

Colliers

Colliers is a global commercial real estate services and investment management firm. In the UK, Colliers operates across the office, industrial and retail sectors, providing expert advice and support in leasing, capital markets, valuation, project management and occupier strategy. With its enterprising culture and client-oriented approach, Colliers combines deep market intelligence with innovative real estate solutions. The firm is also a leader in ESG advisory and workplace transformation, helping businesses align real estate with sustainability and performance goals. 

• Founded: 1976
• London office location: The City & West End 
• Number of employees: 19,000+
• Operational focus: London, UK and Global 
• Website: www.colliers.com/en-gb 

Compton

Compton is a commercial property agency specialising in office leasing, investment and occupier services across Central London. Blending deep market knowledge with creative flair, Compton offers curated workspace solutions, focused on tenant representation, landlord leasing, strategic marketing and business rates advisory. Through platforms like Compton TV and Compton Studio, the agency has redefined how real estate engages with culture and community. Their vibrant storytelling and immersive viewings help clients find spaces that inspire.

• Founded: 2021
• London office location: Clerkenwell
• Number of employees: 25
• Operational focus: Central London, esp. the Eastern City Fringe
• Website: www.compton.london

Crossland Otter Hunt

Crossland Otter Hunt specialises in Central London office space, offering investment, leasing and relocation services. It is a long‑established agency recognised for its deep market knowledge, measured advice and strong professional integrity. Working across London’s commercial property market, the firm supports landlords, occupiers and developers with strategic insight and meticulous execution. Known for its calm, experienced approach and commitment to client relationships, Crossland Otter Hunt helps organisations navigate London’s evolving property landscape with clarity and confidence. 

• Founded: 1988
• London office location: Marylebone
• Number of employees: 14
• Operational focus: Central London
• Website: www.coh.eu 

Farebrother

Farebrother are experienced, independent real estate advisors delivering tailored commercial property solutions across the capital. Farebrother’s team of trusted, experienced advisors works with landlords, occupiers, investors and developers to provide strategic, evidence-based advice that drives value and performance. Their service scope spans office and retail agency, investment and development opportunities, lease advisory, occupier consultancy, valuation and business rates. Fostering strong client relationships, Farebrother’s expertise is underpinned by deep experience combined with rigorous market research.  

• Founded: 1799
• London office location: Holborn
• Number of employees: 17
• Operational focus: Central London
• Website: www.farebrother.com 

Hanover Green 

Focused on the office and industrial sectors, Hanover Green has a proven track record for utilising market-leading expertise and knowledge to support landlords and occupiers. With clients spanning institutional funds, property companies, corporate occupiers and private individuals, the team has a comprehensive understanding of the full spectrum of opportunities and challenges presented by the market. They provide expert advice on letting, investment, development, rent review and lease restructuring. 

• Founded: 2009
• London office location: West End
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Operational focus: Central London
• Website: www.hanovergreen.co.uk/ 

Ingleby Trice

Ingleby Trice is an independent, established and experienced practice advising on all aspects of the London office market. Leveraging innovative, data-backed intelligence, the team provides owners, occupiers and investors with the insight and advice they need to achieve their goals. Believing that property is a people business, Ingleby Trice works closely with clients, offering bespoke guidance on their potential for occupancy, ownership, investment or disposal – and negotiating the most favourable terms on their behalf. 

• Founded: 1966
• London office location: Square Mile 
• Number of employees: 11-20
• Operational focus: Central London
• Website: www.inglebytrice.co.uk 

JLL

JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) is a global real estate services firm operating in over 80 countries. JLL delivers integrated solutions across leasing, investment, valuation, project management, workplace strategy and sustainability. In the UK, JLL is a leading advisor in the commercial, retail and residential sectors, among others, providing services to landlords, occupiers and investors. JLL has a reputation for leveraging its strong ESG advisory and PropTech innovation to support resilient, high-performing real estate portfolios. 

• Founded: 1783
• London office location: Soho (HQ)
• Number of employees: 100,000+
• Operational focus: London, UK and Global
• Website: www.jll.com 

Newmark

Kinney Green are an independent firm of Chartered Surveyors and property consultants. Specialising in the London property market, Kinney Green have built up an enviable reputation of providing both professional, commercial and management advice to occupiers and owners across central London. Giving clients partner-level contact on all instructions, the firm is committed to service excellence and the highest delivery standards. Kinney Green is Regulated by the RICS and as a member is governed by its rules of conduct and regulation. 

• Founded: 1972
• Location: Square Mile
• Number of employees: 21
• Operational focus: London
• Website: www.nmrk.com

Newton Perkins

Newton Perkins is a specialist commercial property consultancy focused exclusively on the City of London. The firm offers expert advice across leasing, acquisition, investment, rent reviews, lease restructuring and property management. Known for its deep market knowledge and strategic insight, Newton Perkins represents both landlords and occupiers, with clients ranging from global insurers to tech startups. The firm has recently advised clients on commercial space transactions in The Gherkin, 40 Leadenhall and 125 Old Broad Street.

• Founded: 1916
• Location: Eastcheap
• Number of employees: 11+
• Operational focus: City of London
• Website: www.newtonperkins.com 

Knight Frank

Knight Frank is one of the world’s leading independent real estate consultancies. The UK firm plays an integral part in bringing together a network of experts to provide personalised, clear and considered advice across all areas of property. Through a deep understanding of key markets and sectors – both emerging and established – the firm is dedicated to meeting clients’ property goals. It promotes a culture of high performance and genuine passion, providing a service that’s locally expert and globally informed to enhance people’s lives and environments.   

• Founded: 1896
• London office location: Marylebone (London HQ)
• Number of employees: 20,000+
• Operational focus: London, UK and global
• Website: www.knightfrank.co.uk 

Lambert Smith Hampton

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) is one of the UK and Ireland’s leading commercial property consultancies. Serving both public and private sector clients, LSH offers real estate services across investment, leasing, valuation, development and asset management. Now part of the Connells Group, LSH has expanded its footprint and strengthened its presence in Scotland and the South East. It is known for its progressive approach, helping clients unlock value across the property lifecycle while championing sustainability, innovation and community impact. 

• Founded: 1988
• London office location: West End
• Number of employees: 1,000+
• Operational focus: London and UK
• Website: www.lsh.co.uk 

Making Moves

Making Moves is a London-based, tenant-only property consultancy that helps businesses find, secure and design office space tailored to their needs. The firm offers end-to-end services across office search, lease negotiation, workplace strategy and fit-out project management. Focused on transparency, flexibility and client advocacy, Making Moves supports startups, scale-ups and established firms, with an in-house design-and-build team ensuring seamless delivery from brief to move-in. Making Moves also integrates sustainability and social impact into its operations. .

• Founded: 2015
• London office location: Bishopsgate
• Number of employees: 31
• Operational focus: London
• Website: www.makingmoveslondon.co.uk 

Newsteer

Newsteer is a multidisciplinary real estate advisory firm offering strategic support across planning, development, regeneration and occupier services. Blending technical excellence with commercial acumen, Newsteer delivers tailored solutions in sectors including retail, commercial, industrial, healthcare and infrastructure. Known for its collaborative ethos, the firm prioritises client partnerships and ESG impact. It operates UK-wide, delivering value to clients through agile, insight-led real estate strategies. 

• Founded: 2019
• London office location: Farringdon
• Number of employees: 40+
• Operational focus: London and UK
• Website: www.newsteer.co.uk 

Noble Harris

Noble Harris is a boutique commercial property agency specialising in office leasing, acquisition and strategic advisory. With a client-first ethos and reputation for discretion, the firm represents both occupiers and landlords, offering tailored solutions from flexible workspace sourcing to leasehold disposal and asset management. Its portfolio spans high-profile addresses in Covent Garden, Fitzrovia, Marylebone and the City. Noble Harris combines market insight with a dedicated approach, building long-term trust with clients including private equity firms and global brands.  

• Founded: 1996
• London office location: Marylebone
• Number of employees: approx. 15
• Operational focus: Central London
• Website: www.nobleharris.co.uk 

RX London

RX London is a boutique advisory business specialising in office leasing, lease consultancy and investment across central London. Offering innovative advice, grounded in experience, RX London provides expertise across multiple disciplines. Its team is comprised of former leaders from major firms and rising stars, combining big-firm experience with the agility of an independent business. Based around its core values of frank advice, proactive teamwork and creativity, RK London is committed to delivering sustained levels of excellence for its clients.  

• Founded: 2021
• London office location: Soho & Square Mile
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Operational focus: Central London
• Website: www.rx.london 

Savills

Savills is a global real estate services provider, offering comprehensive advisory across residential, commercial, rural and mixed-use property. In the UK, Savills is a market leader in office leasing, investment, development consultancy, valuation and property management. The firm combines deep sector expertise with a strong client focus, advising landlords, occupiers, investors and developers on complex real estate strategies. An established leader in sustainable, data-driven property decision-making across urban and regional markets. 

• Founded: 1855
• London office location: West End (HQ)
• Number of employees: 40,000+
• Operational focus: London, UK and Global 
• Website: www.savills.com 

The Workplace Company

The Workplace Company is a modern, forward-thinking commercial agency with a focus on providing exceptional service and market-leading insight. Providing expert real estate advisory for occupiers and landlords, The Workplace Company adopts a professional but friendly approach to office agency. It can advise on all aspects of an office move, drawing on a consortium of talent from every sector (legal, surveying, fitout, IT and more) to manage the process smoothly from start to finish.  

• Founded: 2012
• London office location: Farringdon
• Number of employees: 11-50
• Operational focus: Central London
• Website: www.theworkplacecompany.co.uk 

Vail Williams

Vail Williams is a full-service property consultancy offering expert advice across commercial and residential real estate. The firm works with occupiers, landlords, developers and investors, providing services in agency, valuation, planning, lease advisory, investment, property asset management and business rates. Known for its regional insight and partner-led approach, Vail Williams has a strong track record supporting clients in sectors such as industrial, office, retail and healthcare. 

• Founded: 1988
• London office location: Soho
• Number of employees: 32
• Operational focus: London and UK
• Website: www.vailwilliams.com

London’s most active office acquisition agents (per sq ft)

Here we profile London’s most active office acquisition agents, based on the number of deals executed, acquisitions made and square footage covered. 

Final thoughts

Finding a London commercial agent that’s right for your property search can seem daunting. Remember, think carefully about your needs as a business, your search criteria and priorities. You might want the reassurance of a big global player with a London presence. Or you might feel more at home with a boutique agency that focuses exclusively on the local market. 

There are also different types of workspace to consider, which you will need to include in your property search criteria. 

So, which London agent will help you find the commercial space you need? 

If you require guidance on finding the perfect commercial property agent or would like to discuss your office space search options, get in touch with us. 

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