The main difference is what you contract and what you have to take care of. With a traditional lease, you contract a space and, normally, your company is responsible for fitting it out and managing the services. With a flexible office, you contract a space that is ready to work in, with furniture, services and management included in a single fee.
Put simply: with a traditional lease, you are responsible for getting the office up and running and keeping it going. With a flexible office, the operator does all of that work.
What does renting a traditional office involve?
When you rent an office the traditional way, you pay rent to use the property under a long-term contract that requires you to put down a deposit and a bank guarantee covering a set number of months. Depending on the condition of the space, you will also have to deal with things like:
- Fitting out the office and carrying out the necessary works.
- Buying the furniture.
- Contracting internet, utilities and cleaning.
- Coordinating maintenance and resolving incidents.
- Covering any additional costs that fall to you under the contract.
This model lets you manage the space directly, but it also demands time, budget and people to do so.
What is a flexible office?
A flexible office is a workspace contracted with services and management included, for a period ranging from one month to whatever you need, with no long-term commitments. You also get a private office for your company, with access to all the common areas of the center, such as meeting rooms, a dining area, phone booths, lounge areas, plug-and-work areas, a coffee point and more.
Instead of contracting and coordinating each service separately, you have an operator who takes care of the day-to-day running of everything.
This model already carries significant weight in the market: flex operators leased 40,000 m² in Madrid and Barcelona during 2025, 5% of total office take-up, according to JLL’s report on the coworking and flexible office sector in Spain.
At First Workplaces, the fee for private offices includes furniture, internet connection, cleaning, utilities, maintenance, company registered address, mail and parcel reception, and personalized attention. It also includes 24-hour access, use of common areas, coffee, water and an allowance of meeting room hours.
Traditional lease and flexible office: key differences at a glance
| Aspect | Traditional lease | Flexible office |
|---|---|---|
| Setting up | May require works, equipment and contracting of services. | The space is delivered ready, with everything as agreed. |
| Initial investment | In fit-out and furniture purchase. | No initial investment needed. |
| Monthly costs | The rent for the space and all the utilities and services needed day to day. | Everything included in a single, fixed monthly fee. |
| Day-to-day management | Handled by your company or the suppliers it contracts. | The operator takes care of everything. |
| Adapting the space | Changes depend on the property and the contract. | Offers options to adjust the space, subject to availability and conditions. |
| Contract length | Long-term commitments. | From one month to whatever you need. |
What are the advantages of a flexible office for your company?
1. Start working with fewer preparations
You get the space with furniture, internet connection and all the services you need to start working right away.
2. Spend no investment on the office
You avoid works and equipment purchases, so you can put your resources into the real priorities of the business, such as hiring talent or developing new projects.
3. Have a clearer idea of what it costs
A fixed fee with all services included makes it easier to plan and control costs. To compare fairly against a traditional lease, you need to include everything the latter involves, not just the office rent.
4. Adapt when your team changes
If your company grows or needs to reorganize, you can look at other options within the operator’s offering, without always having to start the search for an office from scratch.
5. Take day-to-day tasks off your plate
Coordinating cleaning, fixing an internet issue or managing maintenance takes time. Having a team that looks after the office lets yours focus on its work.
Frequently asked questions
Is a flexible office a shared office?
No. You have your own private office for the exclusive use of your company, and you share the common areas of the center.
Is a flexible office cheaper than a traditional lease?
It depends on the space, the location, the size of the team and how long you will use it. The useful comparison is between total costs: rent, fit-out, furniture, services, maintenance and management. Comparing only the traditional rent with the fee for a flexible office leaves part of the expense out.
Are flexible offices only for freelancers and small companies?
No. They can also host teams from large companies and corporate headquarters. First Workplaces offers everything from executive offices for 2 people to large corporate offices tailor-made for up to 100 people.
Does a flexible office have a minimum commitment?
It depends on the contract and on what you need. You can sign from one month up to 12 or 24 months. The longer the commitment, the better the offer.
Your office, with a team that takes care of it
At First Workplaces we offer private offices in prime locations in Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga, with services included and personalized attention.
Tell us how many of you there are, where you want to work and when you need to start. We will help you find an office that fits your team.
Would you like to find out more about our coworking spaces?
Let us know what you need. We will provide the best information and services for your business. And if you prefer to visit us in person, please feel free – we look forward to meeting you!
