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Virtual Address or Office Space? Choosing a UK Business Address

A guide for start-ups and overseas founders deciding between a virtual address and a real office.

Virtual Address or Office Space? Choosing a UK Business Address Commercial Property & Office Space

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Commercial · Start-ups

Virtual address, serviced office or your own space?

Virtualmail & registered office
Serviceddesks & offices
Leasedyour own space
Comparecosts
In short: A virtual address gives your business a UK address for post and for Companies House, without renting an office. Since March 2024, a company's registered office must be an "appropriate address" where post can be delivered and acknowledged, so a P.O. box alone won't do. A virtual address is cheap, but it has no desk, no meeting room and no space to grow. When your team needs a place to work, Fraser Bond can help you find serviced, shared or leased offices in London. We do not provide virtual address services ourselves.

Compare your options

OptionWhat you getBest for
Virtual addressAddress for post and company registration, mail handlingSole traders, start-ups, overseas founders
CoworkingA desk in a shared space, often with meeting roomsSmall teams that need flexibility
Serviced officeA private, furnished office with bills includedGrowing teams on short terms
Leased officeYour own space on a lease, fitted out your wayEstablished teams planning for years

UK business address options

Monthly cost comparison
Virtual address–
Coworking–
Serviced office–

Enter quotes from providers. Prices vary widely by location and service level.

Choosing a virtual address provider

Ready for a real office?

  • Search for serviced, shared or leased offices in London
  • Help comparing costs, terms and locations
  • Negotiation of heads of terms
  • Shops and studios for growing brands

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a virtual address for Companies House?

Usually yes, if it is an appropriate address where post can be delivered and acknowledged. A P.O. box cannot be your registered office.

Does Fraser Bond offer virtual addresses?

No. We help businesses find and lease real office, retail and studio space.

When should I move into an office?

When you regularly need space to work, meet clients or hire, a desk or office usually pays for itself.

Outgrowing a virtual address?

Tell us your team size and budget and we'll find office options in London.

Send your requirementsCommercial property

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