Fraser Bond, a leading London property consultancy, presents this expert guide for entrepreneurs, retailers, landlords, and commercial investors looking to rent shop space in Covent Garden Market, WC2. With its historic charm, elite retail status, and continuous footfall, the Covent Garden area remains one of the capital’s most desirable locations for retail leases.
Covent Garden Market offers a blend of permanent shops, short-term retail units, and flexible leases inside and around the Piazza. Shop units vary in size and frontage, including:
Heritage boutiques within the Market Building
Flagship-style shops on James Street, Floral Street, and King Street
Smaller high-turnover units inside Jubilee Market Hall
Seasonal/pop-up leasing options during holiday trading periods
Recent listings show:
Shop units from 250 to 2,500+ sq ft
Rental prices from £80,000 to £350,000+ per annum, depending on location, frontage, and footfall
Flexible lease structures, typically 5–15 years, often Full Repairing and Insuring (FRI)
This prime retail location is managed with precision, often by institutional landlords or long-term commercial estates.
Shops to rent in Covent Garden Market often come with:
Full Repairing & Insuring lease (FRI)
Upward-only rent reviews every 5 years
Security deposits or personal guarantees
Restrictions on use class and alterations due to conservation status
Prime locations near the Piazza: £200–£300 per sq ft
Secondary locations or interior stalls: £120–£180 per sq ft
Service charges and business rates in Westminster are among the highest in London
Fit-out contributions or incentives are rarely offered in core units
As a historic and Grade II–listed area, many shopfronts require:
Listed Building Consent for signage or internal works
Westminster planning approvals
Compliance with accessibility, fire safety, and conservation area standards
Fraser Bond supports retailers with full compliance reviews and architectural coordination where required.
Footfall: One of London’s busiest shopping and cultural destinations
Brand adjacency: Neighbours include Apple, Chanel, Burberry, Mulberry, and high-end F&B tenants
Transport access: Covent Garden, Leicester Square, and Charing Cross within minutes
Market flexibility: Options for permanent, semi-permanent, or seasonal trading
Whether you're a global brand or an independent concept, positioning in this location elevates visibility and commercial value.
Fraser Bond works with commercial tenants and landlords across Central London. Our services include:
Live access to on-market and off-market retail units in Covent Garden WC2
Rental appraisal and negotiation support to secure favourable terms
Guidance on fit-out compliance, heritage restrictions, and licensing
Advisory for international retail brands entering the London market
Post-lease management support for repairs, renewals, and expansion
To schedule a retail premises viewing or receive a tailored lease strategy for Covent Garden Market, visit FraserBond.com/covent-garden
