Flexible office space in Espoo for small businesses: A comprehensive guide
Finding the right premises is an important step for a small company in its growth phase. The Espoo area offers a wide range of options for companies looking for flexible and cost-effective solutions. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the types of premises available in Espoo, how a flexible lease agreement can support your business, and what factors you should consider when choosing premises.
Why is flexibility important for a small business?
For small businesses and startups, flexibility in office solutions is often a key factor for success. In the early stages of a business or during growth, needs can change quickly—the team may grow or shrink, or the nature of the business may evolve in unexpected ways.
Traditional long-term leases with a commitment period of several years can pose a significant risk and financial burden. If the business does not develop as planned or the company quickly needs larger premises, a rigid contract can prevent the necessary changes from being made.
A flexible lease typically means:
Shorter notice periods (e.g., 2–3 months)
The option to move to smaller or larger premises as needed
Clear pricing with no hidden costs
No hefty initial fees or guarantees
Agreements valid until further notice without a mandatory minimum rental period
This flexibility gives the company the freedom to focus on developing its business instead of worrying about premises or contract compliance.
Office hotel solutions in Espoo
Office hotels have become a very popular option for small businesses looking for ready-to-use and flexible office space. In an office hotel, a company rents a ready-made office space with all the necessary services and infrastructure already in place.
Advantages of an office hotel
The greatest strength of office hotels is that the premises are immediately ready for use. This means:
Furnished or unfurnished spaces without large initial investments
Ready-made meeting rooms and shared spaces
Fast electronic locking systems and 24/7 access
Kitchen and café services
High-speed internet and IT infrastructure
Often also mail handling services
Office hotels in Espoo are mainly located in central areas such as Leppävaara, Tapiola, Keilaniemi, and Matinkylä. These locations offer excellent accessibility by both public transport and car, which makes it easy for teams to get around and meet with clients.
Pricing and cost efficiency
Office hotels often offer transparent pricing, with the monthly rent already covering a significant portion of the office-related expenses. Typically, the rent includes:
Electricity, water, and heating
Internet connection and WiFi
Cleaning services in common areas
Use of meeting rooms
Coffee and kitchen services
This makes budgeting simple, as fixed costs are known in advance with no surprises. In Espoo, office hotel prices typically start at €199–400 per month for the smallest single-person offices, depending on location and size.
The Boffice concept: A simple solution in Espoo
If you are looking for cost-effective and flexible office space in Espoo, Boffice offers a clear alternative to traditional office solutions. The concept is based on the idea that small businesses primarily need functional and tidy office space without unnecessary additional services that drive up the price.
Key points of the Boffice concept:
Key locations: Offices in Espoo's most important hubs, such as Iso Omena in Matinkylä and Leppävaara, close to metro or train stations.
Clear pricing: Transparent prices starting at €199 per month, no hidden costs
Flexible contract: Two months' notice period, contract valid until further notice
Essential services: Meeting rooms, common areas, kitchens, and 24/7 access included
Scalability: The ability to move to a larger or smaller office as needs change
Minimalist model: No unnecessary extras such as staff, expensive coffee machines, or mandatory events
This model is particularly suitable for small teams of 1–4 people who need a professional office for client meetings but want to keep costs under control and avoid committing to long-term contracts.
—> Discover Boffice's office hotel offerings in Espoo.
What do the different areas of Espoo have to offer?
Espoo is a large city, and different areas offer different advantages in terms of business premises. Here is an overview of the most important areas:
Leppävaara
Leppävaara is one of Espoo's liveliest centers and offers an excellent alternative for office space. Strengths of the area:
The train station offers fast connections to Helsinki and other parts of the capital region.
Wide range of services: Sello shopping center, restaurants, and cafés
A wide range of office solutions regardless of size
Reasonable rents compared to central Helsinki
Leppävaara offers both serviced offices and traditional office space, giving companies a choice of solutions to suit their budget and needs.
Tapiola and Keilaniemi
Tapiola and Keilaniemi form the core of Espoo's business center. The area is known for:
Headquarters of large companies and consulting firms
High-quality, modern office buildings
Excellent metro connection
A professional and representative image
These areas are suitable for companies that want to be close to important business partners and customers. Rent levels are typically higher than elsewhere in Espoo, but there is also a wide range of high-quality properties available.
Matinkylä (Big Apple)
The Matinkylä and Iso Omenen area has grown into a significant business hub, particularly with the arrival of the metro connection:
The metro will take you to central Helsinki in about 15 minutes.
The Iso Omenen shopping center offers comprehensive services
A growing number of office spaces at competitive prices
A youthful and dynamic region
Matinkylä is particularly suitable for start-ups and small offices that value a modern environment, good connections, and reasonable costs.
Otaniemi
Otaniemi is Finland's most significant innovation hub, centered around the Aalto University campus:
Proximity to the university and research environment
Startup and technology company ecosystem
Networking opportunities with other innovative companies
Office hotel services provided by Teknopolis (such as HUB Otaniemi)
Otaniemi is an ideal location for technology companies seeking connections to the academic world and wanting to be part of a vibrant innovation community.
Key elements of a flexible lease agreement
When evaluating different office space options, pay attention to the following elements of the agreement that affect flexibility:
Notice period
The notice period is one of the most important factors in terms of flexibility. In traditional office leases, the notice period can be 6–12 months or even longer. For a small business, this is a significant commitment.
In flexible solutions, such as office hotels, the notice period is typically 1–3 months. For example, a two-month notice period allows a company to react quickly to changing circumstances without having to pay for months of empty space.
Minimum rental period
Many traditional commercial leases require a minimum lease term, for example 1–3 years. This can be an obstacle for small businesses that are unwilling or unable to commit to a long-term lease.
Agreements valid until further notice without a minimum rental period offer maximum flexibility. You can try out the space and decide whether to continue after a short trial period.
Guarantee amounts and advance payments
Traditional agreements may require:
A security deposit equivalent to 3–6 months' rent
Advance payment for several months
Start-up fees or connection fees
These can represent a significant initial investment, tying up the company's cash flow. With flexible solutions, the guarantee amounts are typically lower, and there may be no initial fees at all.
Possibility to change rooms
Ideally, the lease agreement allows for a move to smaller or larger premises within the same provider without cumbersome administrative processes or additional fees. This is particularly valuable for a growing company that may need additional space quickly to accommodate new employees.
What should be included in the rent?
Carefully compare what the monthly rent includes in the different options. This has a significant impact on the total cost.
Basic services
These should always be included in the rent or clearly priced:
Electricity, water, and heating: Often included in the rent at serviced offices
Internet connection: WiFi connection with a minimum speed of 100 Mbit/s
Cleaning: Regular cleaning of common areas
Waste management: Emptying and recycling of waste containers
Additional services
Consider which additional services are important to your business:
Meeting rooms: Is usage unlimited or hourly?
Mailbox and mail handling: Important if you receive a lot of mail
Parking spaces: How many spaces are there, and is there a separate charge for them?
Kitchen services: Coffee, tea, and basic tableware
Furniture: Tables, chairs, cabinets – are they included or rented separately?
Find out exactly which services are mandatory and which are optional. This will help you avoid paying for unnecessary services.
Budgeting and cost accounting
Premises costs are often one of the biggest expenses for a small business, so careful budgeting is important.
Typical monthly costs in Espoo
Office rental prices in Espoo vary depending on location, size, and service level:
Smallest offices (1–2 people):
Office hotels: €199–450/month
Traditional offices: €300–600/month + expenses
Medium-sized offices (3–5 people):
Office hotels: €450–900/month
Traditional offices: €600–1,200/month + expenses
Larger offices (6–10 people):
Office hotels: €900–1,800/month
Traditional offices: €1,200–2,500/month + expenses
Please note that traditional offices often have additional costs such as maintenance fees, electricity, water, internet, and cleaning, which can increase the total cost by 20–40%.
Avoiding hidden costs
Be aware of the following potential hidden costs:
Personal payments per employee
Restricted use of meeting rooms and additional charges for exceeding the limit
Expensive printing services
Purchase of mandatory additional services
Annual increases without prior notice
Always ask about the total cost and read the contract carefully before signing.
Tips for choosing office space
When you start looking for business premises, keep these practical tips in mind:
1. Clearly define your needs
Before you start applying, write down:
How many workstations do you need now and in a year's time?
How often do you arrange customer meetings?
Do you need storage space or a warehouse?
Which locations are best for the team in terms of transport?
What is your realistic monthly budget?
2. Utilize multiple search channels
Do not rely on just one source. Use:
Commercial property portals (Oikotie, Toimitilat.fi, Kauppalehti)
Service providers' own websites
Social media and networking
Broker services (often free of charge for the searcher)
3. Visit the premises on site
Photos and descriptions tell part of the story, but always visit the space in person. Pay attention to:
Overall cleanliness and condition of the premises
The atmosphere in the common areas and other tenants
Noise level and possibility of working in peace
Lighting and ventilation
Transport connections and parking facilities
4. Ask existing tenants
If possible, talk to other people working in the office. They can give you honest feedback:
Is the service provider reliable?
Have the agreed services been adhered to?
Are other companies satisfied?
Is there anything that isn't mentioned in the marketing materials?
5. Negotiate boldly
Do not automatically accept the first offer. In many cases, there is room for negotiation:
Rental price, especially with a longer commitment
Guarantee amounts and advance payments
Inclusion of additional services in the rent
Notice periods and flexibility
Summary: How to find the right business premises in Espoo
The Espoo area offers a wide range of flexible office solutions for small businesses. Key points to remember:
Flexibility is your company's competitive advantage: Short notice periods and open-ended contracts give you the freedom to respond to changing circumstances.
Office hotels offer a quick start: Ready-made facilities, services, and infrastructure allow you to focus on your business from day one.
Location is important, but it's not the only factor: evaluate the whole package – price, services, community, and accessibility together.
Compare total costs: Don't just focus on the rent, but calculate all expenses.
Transparency and honesty are key: Choose a service provider that is open about its pricing and terms and conditions.
When looking for flexible office space in Espoo, it is a good idea to start by assessing your needs and budget. Then systematically explore the different options – both office hotels and more traditional office spaces. Visit the premises in person and feel free to ask any questions you may have before making a decision.
The right office space supports your company's growth and helps create a professional image for your customers – without placing an unreasonable strain on your cash flow or tying up too many resources. Flexible solutions, such as those offered by Boffice in central locations in Espoo, allow your company to focus on what matters most: developing your business and serving your customers.
