How do you choose between coworking and renting office space as a small business?

As a small business, you face an important choice: do you go for the flexibility of coworking, or do you rent your own office space? Coworking offers low entry costs and networking opportunities, while your own office space guarantees privacy and professionalism. The best choice depends on your team size, budget, work style, and growth plans.

In this article, we answer the five most frequently asked questions about this choice, so you can make an informed decision that fits your business.

What is the difference between coworking and renting office space?

Coworking means you share a workspace with other professionals in an open space, while renting office space gives you your own, lockable room. With coworking, you usually pay per day or per month for access to shared facilities; with office rental, you sign a long-term contract for a private space.

In coworking, you work in an open environment with flexible workstations. You have access to shared meeting rooms, a kitchen, and often also to a community of other entrepreneurs. Most coworking spaces offer various subscriptions: from a few days per month to unlimited access.

Renting office space, on the other hand, gives you complete control over your workspace. You have your own space where you can close the door, determine your own interior design, and where your team can work undisturbed. This can range from a small office for 2-3 people to larger units for entire teams.

How much does coworking cost versus renting office space for a small business?

Coworking costs an average of €200-400 per person per month for unlimited access, while your own office space starts from €1,000-1,500 per month for a small unit of 25-30 m². For teams of 3-4 people, the costs are often comparable.

With coworking, you pay per person. A flexible workspace usually costs €15-25 per day, a fixed desk €250-350 per month, and unlimited access €300-450 per month. These prices are exclusive of VAT, and often additional costs for meeting rooms or extra services are added.

Your own office space is usually calculated per square meter. In Amstelveen and surrounding areas, you pay an average of €40-60 per m² per month, depending on location and amenities. A workplace in Amstelveen of 25 m² therefore costs approximately €1,000-1,500 per month. Service costs for cleaning, security, and maintenance are often added to this.

What advantages does coworking offer for small entrepreneurs?

Coworking offers low entry costs, maximum flexibility, and natural networking opportunities. You can start small, scale up when needed, and benefit from the energy and knowledge of other entrepreneurs around you.

The biggest advantage is the low threshold. You don’t have to make a large investment and can start quickly. Most coworking spaces have monthly contracts, so you’re not tied down anywhere for long. Perfect if you’re just starting out or have seasonal work.

Additionally, you get access to a community of like-minded professionals. This can lead to collaborations, new customers, or just inspiration. Many coworking spaces also organize events and workshops that help you expand your network.

The facilities are usually excellent: fast wifi, professional meeting rooms, good coffee, and often reception service as well. Everything is arranged for you, from cleaning to IT support.

Why do small businesses choose their own office space?

Small businesses choose their own office space because of privacy, professionalism, and control. Your own office provides peace to work concentrated, space for confidential conversations, and a professional appearance to customers.

Privacy is often the deciding factor. In a coworking space, you can’t always speak freely about sensitive topics. With your own office space, you can close the door for important conversations or when your team needs to concentrate on a deadline.

Your own office also radiates more professionalism. Customers take you more seriously when you can receive them in your own space. You can furnish your office as you want and express your company culture.

Moreover, you have complete control over your workspace. You determine the temperature, the music, the interior design, and who enters. For teams that collaborate a lot or regularly have video calls, this is often essential for productivity.

How do you determine which option best fits your business?

The best choice depends on your team size, budget, work style, and growth plans. Teams of 1-2 people are often better off with coworking, while teams of 3 or more people usually get more value from their own office space.

Choose coworking if:

You work alone or have a small team (1-2 people)
You find flexibility more important than privacy
Your budget is limited and you don’t want long-term commitments
You want to network and seek inspiration from other entrepreneurs
You don’t regularly receive customers at the office

Choose your own office space if:

You have a team of 3 or more people
Privacy and peace are important for your work
You regularly receive customers
You work with confidential information
You want a professional appearance to customers and partners

Also think about your growth plans. If you expect to expand in the coming years, an office with expansion possibilities may be smarter than having to move repeatedly.

How Kronenburg Offices helps with choosing office space

We understand that the choice between coworking and your own office space can be difficult. That’s why we offer various solutions that grow with you:

Turn-key office units from 25 to 85 m² – fully furnished and immediately available
All-inclusive service – fiber optic internet, cleaning, reception, and meeting rooms included
Flexible contracts – minimum 12 months, then terminable with a notice period of 3 months
Personal guidance – from viewing to daily management, one fixed point of contact
Expansion possibilities – grow within the same location without forced relocation

Want to know more about our approach and how we have helped other entrepreneurs? Read more about us or schedule a viewing directly to experience why entrepreneurs choose the no-nonsense approach of Kronenburg Offices.