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Guide to Office Spaces in Singapore

2024.05.13

This guide breaks down the different types of office spaces available in Singapore to help you find the right fit for your business.The types of office buildings in Singapore include:

  • Virtual Offices: Business address without a physical space
  • Coworking Spaces: Shared desks and amenities in a flexible, collaborative setting
  • Serviced Offices: Private, fully furnished spaces
  • Enterprise Suites: Customisable office units for growing teams
  • Shophouse Offices: Boutique spaces with heritage charm 
  • Business Parks: Large, mixed-use campuses outside the CBD
  • Industrial Office Space (B1/B2): Offices with light industrial or storage use

What is an Office Space

An office space in Singapore is a dedicated environment designed for desk-based work. It includes essentials like WiFi, printing, meeting rooms, and other workplace amenities. Businesses use office spaces to bring teams together in a shared, productive setting.

As hybrid and remote work become the norm, the meaning of “office space” is evolving. It’s no longer just about a fixed location, it’s about choosing a space that supports how, when, and where people work best.

From private suites to open-plan coworking areas, today’s office spaces are designed with flexibility in mind, making it easier for teams to stay connected, productive, and engaged, whether they’re in the office every day or just a few times a week.

Different Types of Office Spaces in Singapore

Singapore offers a wide variety of office setups like traditional offices, coworking spaces, serviced offices, virtual offices, industrial work spaces, and more.

Here’s a detailed look at the most common types:

Traditional Office Spaces

These are fixed, long-term leased offices, usually in commercial buildings. Tenants typically handle their own furnishing, fit-outs, and utilities. Suited for established businesses that need full control over their space, brand identity, and operations.

Coworking Spaces

Shared workspaces with hot desks, dedicated desks, and access to communal amenities like lounges and meeting rooms. Some types of coworking spaces like JustCo are popular among startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small teams looking for flexibility, networking, and lower overheads.

Serviced Offices

Fully furnished and move-in ready, serviced offices offer flexible lease terms, reception services, high-speed internet, and meeting rooms. Great for companies that want the convenience of a private space without managing the logistics.

Virtual Offices

Ideal for remote businesses, virtual offices offer a professional business address, mail handling, and optional access to meeting rooms, without the need for a physical office presence.

Hybrid Workspaces

A growing trend, these types of work spaces support part-time office use and remote work setups. Businesses can scale up or down depending on their hybrid work policy, keeping overheads low while staying connected.

Private Offices

Located within coworking environments, private offices from providers like JustCo give teams a dedicated, enclosed space while still enjoying shared amenities and flexible lease terms.

Enterprise Suites

Customisable large-scale offices within flexible workspace settings. These are tailored for growing teams that need privacy, branding opportunities, and access to shared amenities.

Shophouse Offices

Restored heritage buildings in central locations, offering charm and character. These unique spaces appeal to creative industries and boutique businesses seeking a distinctive setting.

Business Parks

Spacious campuses outside the CBD, blending office and light industrial use. Often found in suburban hubs, business parks are ideal for R&D, logistics, and manufacturing-related firms.

B1/B2 Industrial Office Spaces

Hybrid spaces for businesses needing both administrative and light industrial functions. Typically more affordable, but subject to URA zoning restrictions. Suitable for e-commerce, warehousing, and tech hardware companies.

Different Types of Office Buildings in Singapore

From sleek skyscrapers to heritage shophouses, Singapore’s office buildings cater to every kind of business, whether you’re a multinational, a creative startup, or a logistics player.

Grade A, B, and C Office Buildings

  • Grade A buildings are modern, centrally located, and come with premium finishes and amenities, ideal for corporates seeking prestige. Some examples include Marina One, OCBC Centre, and Marina Square.
  • Grade B buildings are slightly older but still well-maintained, offering mid-tier rental rates in fringe CBD areas.
  • Grade C buildings are budget-friendly, often located in older developments, and suit SMEs or businesses prioritising cost.

Business Parks and Hubs

Purpose-built for R&D, tech, and light industrial sectors, these offer larger floor plates and integrated facilities at lower rents than CBD offices. 

Key locations include One-North, Changi Business Park, International Business Park (Jurong), and Seletar Aerospace Park.

Shophouse Offices

Housed in conserved heritage buildings, these types of work spaces blend character with functionality—popular among creative agencies, boutique firms, and startups. Hot spots include Tanjong Pagar, Telok Ayer, Amoy Street, and Joo Chiat.

Industrial/Commercial Hybrid Units

These mixed-use spaces combine office and light industrial functions under one roof. Found in areas like Ubi, Tai Seng, and Bukit Batok, they’re ideal for e-commerce, logistics, and product-based businesses needing both admin and storage/workshop space.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Office Space in Singapore

Choosing the right office space means finding one that works for your team now and in the future. It should support daily operations, reflect your company culture, and be flexible enough to grow with your business. Here are the key factors to consider when deciding.

1. Budget

Your budget will determine not just where you can set up, but also the kind of space, services, and flexibility you can access.

  • Rental Cost: Monthly fees vary widely based on location, building grade, and amenities.
  • Upfront Expenses: Look out for deposits, fit-out costs, and potential reinstatement fees.
  • Operating Costs: Consider utilities, internet, maintenance, and cleaning services.

2. Location

Your office’s address affects your brand perception, employee convenience, and client accessibility.

  • Connectivity: Prioritise areas like Robinson Road with strong MRT and bus access for easy commuting.
  • Nearby Amenities: Food options, gyms, banks, and childcare facilities can make a big difference in daily convenience.
  • Client Access: Central or well-known locations make in-person meetings and deliveries more efficient.

3. Team Size

The type of office space you choose should comfortably support your team today and adapt as your needs shift.

  • Headcount Fit: Ensure desks, meeting rooms, and breakout areas match your team’s size and workflow.
  • Collaboration Zones: Open areas or project rooms encourage teamwork and agile setups.
  • Future Expansion: Look for spaces that can scale with your growth—or contract if needed.

4. Flexibility

Today’s businesses need spaces that flex with changing workstyles and goals.

  • Lease Terms: Short-term or monthly options reduce long-term commitment and risk.
  • Workspace Agility: Hot desks, dedicated desks, and common areas give teams more choice.
  • Multi-location Access: Providers like JustCo offer access to workspaces across the city or region.

5. Scalability

As your business evolves, your space should support, not hinder your momentum.

  • Modular Layouts: Choose spaces you can reconfigure or expand easily.
  • Business Support Services: Facilities like IT helpdesks, reception, and mail handling reduce admin burdens,

Coworking vs Traditional Office: Which Is Right for You?

When deciding between different types of coworking spaces and traditional offices, it helps to compare key features side by side. The table below highlights the main differences to guide your choice based on your business needs, budget, and work style.

Coworking SpacesTraditional Offices
  • Flexible membership and lease terms
  • Long-term lease agreements
  • Access to shared amenities and facilities
  • Dedicated, private office space
  • Ideal for freelancers, startups, and SMEs
  • Best for established businesses with stable teams
  • Encourages networking and community
  • More control over office layout and branding
  • Lower upfront costs and operational hassle
  • Higher setup and maintenance costs
  • Suitable for hybrid or flexible work models
  • Fixed location supports consistent routines
  • Often includes 24/7 access to home centre
  • Usually standard business hours
  • Minimal responsibility for office management
  • Full responsibility for upkeep and utilities

Top Locations in Singapore for Office Spaces

Singapore’s diverse business districts each offer unique office space options suited to different industries, budgets, and work styles. From the bustling financial hubs to creative precincts, here are the key areas and what you can expect to find:

  • Raffles Place & Shenton Way: Home to Grade A office towers and enterprise suites, ideal for financial institutions, multinational corporations, and professional services seeking prestige and centrality.
  • Orchard Road: Known for premium retail and office spaces, popular with luxury brands, marketing agencies, and design firms looking for a stylish address.
  • Bugis & Bras Basah: Creative and tech-focused coworking spaces and different office space types, favored by startups, freelancers, and SMEs.
  • One-North: Business parks and innovation hubs with hybrid industrial-office units, perfect for tech companies, R&D, and startups.
  • Tampines & Changi: Business parks and serviced offices that cater to logistics, light industrial, and corporate branches seeking affordability outside the city core.
  • Central Business District (CBD): A mix of traditional leased offices, coworking spaces, and serviced offices for businesses valuing proximity to government agencies and corporate clients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Office Space Types in Singapore

What are the main types of office spaces in Singapore?

The main types include traditional leased offices, coworking spaces, serviced offices, virtual offices, hybrid workspaces, shophouse offices, business parks, and industrial/commercial hybrid units. Each caters to different business sizes, budgets, and needs.

Are serviced offices suitable for startups?

Yes, serviced offices offer flexible lease terms, furnished workspaces, and included amenities, making them ideal for startups needing quick, hassle-free setups without long commitments.

How much does office space cost in Singapore?

Costs vary widely depending on location, office type, and size. Prime central locations like Raffles Place command higher rents per square foot, while suburban areas like Tampines or Changi offer more affordable options.

JustCo coworking offices in Raffles Place and Marina Bay districts for example start at SGD 700, while our offices in Asia Green and Changi Airport T3 start from about SGD 500.

What is the standard office space requirement in Singapore?

The typical space allocation is about 100 to 150 square feet per employee, factoring in workstations, meeting rooms, and communal areas. Requirements may vary based on business type and office layout.

How to budget for office space?

A good guide when budgeting for office space would be to consider rent, utilities, fit-out costs, furniture, technology, and ongoing maintenance. Align your budget with business goals and team size to ensure sustainable expenses.

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