How Much Does Office Space in Brighton and Sussex Cost?

Finding the right office space in Sussex can be tricky, especially for SMEs.

With Brighton’s bustling business scene, Shoreham’s coastal affordability, Crawley’s strategic Gatwick links and Horsham’s understated charm, the costs of workspace vary widely – and knowing where you’ll get the most value matters. As a provider of serviced office space in Sussex we wanted to unpack the numbers behind the cost of office space in Brighton and beyond to understand the landscape and what tenants can expect depending on their choices.

We’ll be looking at:

• How Brighton’s costs compare to other Sussex hubs
• Where SMEs can find the best value for money
• How private office space can mean different things for different businesses

Let’s dive into the details and see what the data reveals.

Why Office Space Costs Matter for SMEs

For small and medium-sized enterprises, office costs are more than just a line item on the balance sheet, they’re a strategic decision. The price you pay for your workspace influences cash flow, staff satisfaction and even your ability to attract clients in some cases.

In West or East Sussex, where options range from premium city-centre offices in Brighton to more affordable hubs in Shoreham, Crawley and Horsham, the differences in cost can add up quickly. For SMEs that are often juggling growth ambitions with tight budgets, every pound spent on office rent is a pound not spent on talent, marketing or product/service development.

At the same time, office location matters. A Brighton address may carry prestige and access to talent, while Shoreham or Horsham can deliver meaningful savings that free up resources for reinvestment. The challenge for SMEs is balancing cost, location and flexibility to find the sweet spot that supports their growth journey.

Viewed against London, Sussex as a whole represents good value. Prime office rents in central London can exceed £200 per square foot per year or psf (£2,153 per sq m or psm), more than four times the cost to rent in Brighton where grade A office space peaks at about £45 psf (£484 psm). Even within the UK, Brighton’s office space is priced slightly above cities like Cardiff or Newcastle but remains broadly competitive with the likes of Birmingham and Bristol, as per data from Oktra. This makes Sussex an attractive alternative for companies that want access to talent and transport without paying London premiums.

The key challenge for SMEs is balancing cost, location and flexibility to find the sweet spot that supports their growth journey.

Brighton: The Premium Coastal Hub

Brighton is the beating heart of Sussex’s business scene. Its creative energy, skilled workforce and strong transport links make it one of the most in-demand locations for office space on the south coast. That popularity comes at a price.

For traditional leased space, Grade A offices in Brighton average around £36 psf (£388 psm), while Grade B space sits closer to £26 psf (£280 psm). In prime city centre locations, some deals reach up to £45 psf which places Brighton at the top end of the Sussex market and on par with major regional cities like Bristol or Birmingham. Of course this varies by location within the city boundaries and premises at Brighton Marina will be considerably cheaper than in the bustling North Laine, a stone’s throw from the mainline railway station.

Serviced offices in Brighton average about £350 per desk per month according to our own research. This equates to roughly £42 per square foot annually if you assume 100 square feet per person. It’s comparable to leased Grade A rates, but with the benefit of all-inclusive services like utilities, internet and meeting room access and without the long term commitment required to guarantee your leased space rate.

Coworking memberships add another layer of choice. Limited hours hot desking in Brighton starts from around £99 per month whilst dedicated desks in shared spaces can be found from £300 per month. Day passes in city coworking hubs can vary between £20 to £40, highlighting Brighton’s premium compared with nearby towns. Take a look at our post on Brighton coworking options to learn more.

The draw is clear: a Brighton address carries prestige and gives businesses access to one of the most dynamic talent pools in the region. The trade-off is cost, which can be 25–50% higher than other Sussex towns.

Shoreham: Affordable and Well-Connected

Just a few miles west of Brighton, Shoreham-by-Sea offers a more affordable entry point into the Sussex office market. While smaller in scale than Brighton or Crawley, Shoreham is growing in popularity with businesses that want lower overheads without losing access to the coast and good transport links, including both a port and an airport.

Average asking rents in Shoreham are around £14 per square foot per year. That’s less than a third of the price of some prime Brighton space, making it particularly attractive for cost-conscious SMEs.

Serviced options are limited compared with Brighton, but where available they represent strong value. Serviced offices in Shoreham start from about £150 per desk per month, with small private suites priced around £380 per month per our research. Coworking memberships are also available in the town, with hot desks from £109 per month and dedicated desks starting at £139. Though there are cheaper coworking memberships to be found in Brighton where competition is greater, the cost for dedicated desks in these Shoreham spaces is considerably lower.

For small businesses, Shoreham’s appeal lies in its balance of cost and convenience. The town benefits from a mainline railway station and quick access to the A27, making it a practical base for teams with regional clients or staff commuting from Brighton and Worthing.

The main drawback is supply. Shoreham has fewer dedicated coworking and flexible office spaces than larger towns, so businesses may find less choice of style or amenities. For those who prioritise affordability, though, it’s one of the most competitive markets in Sussex and the ideal location for seafront surroundings without the premium price tag.

Crawley: Strategic Gateway Near Gatwick

Crawley sits at the heart of Sussex’s corporate economy, driven in large part by its proximity to the county’s cash cow Gatwick Airport. This location advantage has made it a magnet for international companies, particularly in aviation, technology and pharmaceuticals. For SMEs, Crawley offers both opportunity and choice, with a wide range of office stock from Grade A business parks to more modest secondary space.

Leased office rents reflect that variety. Grade A space typically costs between £28 and £32 psf for refurbished space, with more premium properties tipping £40 psf. Grade B options are more affordable, generally between £15 and £20 per square foot, reflecting an abundance of supply.

Serviced offices in Crawley range from £115 to £225 per desk per month, though the lower prices tend to require long term commitment. Dedicated desks in shared spaces are available from about £199 per month, making Crawley cheaper than Brighton for flexible space but more expensive than Shoreham. Hot desking meanwhile is competitively priced, with day rates around £20 to £35 and monthly memberships starting at £139. This is on par with Brighton though the market for coworking space is less developed than on the south coast, with Crawley’s focus on larger scale developments in dedicated office parks less suited to the coworking model.

The advantages are clear for SMEs needing connectivity. Crawley’s transport links are unrivalled in the region, with fast rail to London, easy access to the M23 and the country’s second busiest airport next door. The trade-off is that prime rents are edging toward Brighton levels, particularly in newer developments, which may put pressure on smaller businesses with tighter budgets. Additionally the town’s spread out nature means a lot of bigger developments are out of the centre and less easy to reach for those relying on public transport. Great for drivers, but less ideal for train and bus users, which can also impact access to the local talent pool.

Horsham: The Underrated Option

Horsham doesn’t have the profile of Brighton or Crawley, yet it has steadily grown into a respected business hub in West Sussex. With a thriving local economy, strong amenities and good transport links to London, it offers a balance of affordability and quality of life that appeals to many SMEs.

Average office rents in Horsham are around £13 per square foot per year. That makes it the cheapest of the four locations reviewed and significantly lower than Brighton or Crawley. For businesses seeking to keep overheads lean, Horsham represents clear value. Though of course the best prices do tend to come with long term leases and fewer facilities than might be expected of spaces in Brighton or Crawley.

Flexible workspace is available, though in smaller volumes compared with larger towns. Private offices in serviced centres can be found from about £205 per month though more modern spaces command a premium and we found instances of single desk offices going for over £500 per month. While the overall choice is more limited, these prices are still competitive given the town’s attractive setting and commuter links.

The main strengths of Horsham are its affordability, lifestyle appeal and accessibility. The drawbacks are fewer options for coworking or serviced space and a smaller business community than Brighton or Crawley. Still, for SMEs looking to balance cost with a pleasant environment for staff, Horsham deserves consideration.

Comparing Value Across Sussex

Looking at Sussex as a whole, it’s clear that different towns cater to different priorities. Brighton is the premium option, Crawley sits in the middle as a corporate hub and has the most available space, while Shoreham and Horsham provide cost-effective alternatives in areas with fewer local amenities and shopping facilities.

Leased space: Brighton commands the highest rents, with Grade A offices hovering around £36 per square foot and prime deals hitting £45. Crawley follows closely at £28 – £32 for Grade A and £15 – £20 for Grade B. Shoreham and Horsham offer the most affordable leased space at £14 and £13 psf respectively.

Serviced and coworking: Brighton’s serviced offices average £350 per desk per month whilst Crawley offers wider choice and more competitive prices, with serviced offices starting at £115 per desk. Shoreham is cheaper still, with private suites available costing just £200 per desk per month, whilst Horsham sits at the budget end, with private offices available for the lowest rates of all locations studied.

Use case fit:

• Brighton (and Hove) suits businesses that need prestige, talent access and a vibrant setting, but budgets need to stretch further.
• Crawley works for firms needing transport connectivity and a corporate environment, particularly those linked to Gatwick.
• Shoreham is a strong option for SMEs prioritising affordability and coastal convenience.
• Horsham offers the lowest costs and lifestyle benefits for those happy with a smaller market.

Across Sussex, the best value depends on what an SME needs most: profile, connectivity or affordability.

The JetSpace Sweet Spot

When you stack JetSpace’s pricing against the Sussex market averages, the value is clear.

In Brighton, serviced offices typically cost around £350 per desk per month, equivalent to roughly £42 per square foot per year. JetSpace Brighton, by contrast, comes in at an average of £3.18 per square foot per month plus VAT, which works out to about £38 per square foot per year. On the surface, that looks on par with leased Grade A office, but remember that JetSpace’s price is all-inclusive – covering utilities, internet, maintenance and flexibility – while traditional leases add extra costs as well as requiring long term commitment to lock in those prices (for example Regus leased offices have a minimum term of 24 months). Compared with serviced office space averages, JetSpace sits in a competitive position while offering a prime Brighton location close to the seafront and city centre buzz.

In Shoreham, JetSpace’s advantage is just as pronounced. The town’s average leased space is £14 per square foot and serviced options are limited. JetSpace Shoreham offers serviced offices at £2.67 per square foot per month plus VAT, or around £32 per square foot per year. That’s highly competitive when you factor in the all-inclusive package and the town’s excellent transport links, coastal charm and growing community of SMEs.

What sets JetSpace apart is not just the competitive pricing but the balance it strikes between affordability, location and flexibility. SMEs get modern, secure and well-managed space without the hidden extras of a traditional lease, plus the benefit of being embedded in supportive local business communities in both Brighton and Shoreham.

Summary

Office space costs in Sussex vary widely, with Brighton commanding the highest rents, Crawley offering the greatest volume of leased space and Shoreham and Horsham providing cost-effective alternatives. For SMEs, the right choice depends on whether prestige, connectivity or affordability is the top priority.

From this comparison, three clear takeaways stand out:

• Brighton delivers prestige but at a premium cost compared with other Sussex towns
• Shoreham and Horsham represent excellent value for SMEs focused on affordability
• JetSpace’s serviced offices in Brighton and Shoreham offer cost-effective, flexible options to suit businesses of all varieties

If you’re weighing up your next office move, JetSpace provides the balance growing and established SMEs are looking for: modern space, flexible terms and prime locations at prices that stack up well against both national operators and local alternatives.

A natural next step is to explore what a serviced office can do for your business. If flexibility, cost-effectiveness and location are high on your list, JetSpace’s serviced offices in Brighton and Shoreham may be the perfect fit. Just get in touch with us to find out more.

Office Space Costs in Brighton & Sussex – At a Glance

Location	Office-Type	Metric	Price	Currency	Notes / Source
Brighton	Leased – Grade A	£/sq ft/year	36	GBP	Average; peaks at £45 psf in prime spots
Brighton	Leased – Grade B	£/sq ft/year	26	GBP
Brighton	Serviced	£/desk/month	350	GBP	All-inclusive, no long-term commitment
Brighton	Coworking – Hot Desk (limited)	£/month	99	GBP	Entry-level
Brighton	Coworking – Dedicated Desk	£/month	300	GBP
Brighton	Day Pass	£/pass	20-40	GBP
Shoreham	Leased – Average	£/sq ft/year	14	GBP
Shoreham	Serviced – Private Suite	£/desk/month	200	GBP	Small suite, limited serviced stock
Shoreham	Coworking – Hot Desk	£/month	109	GBP
Shoreham	Coworking – Dedicated Desk	£/month	139	GBP
Crawley	Leased – Grade A (refurb)	£/sq ft/year	28-32	GBP
Crawley	Leased – Grade A (premium)	£/sq ft/year	40	GBP	Top-end new builds
Crawley	Leased – Grade B	£/sq ft/year	15-20	GBP
Crawley	Serviced	£/desk/month	115-225	GBP	Lower end needs 12-24 month commitment
Crawley	Coworking – Dedicated Desk	£/month	199	GBP
Crawley	Coworking – Day Pass	£/pass	20-35	GBP
Horsham	Leased – Average	£/sq ft/year	13	GBP	Cheapest average of all locations studied
Horsham	Serviced – Private Office	£/month	205	GBP	Entry-level
Horsham	Serviced – Single Desk Office	£/month	500+	GBP	Limited supply
Brighton	JetSpace Serviced	£/sq ft/year	38	GBP	All-inclusive, £3.18 psf/month + VAT
Shoreham	JetSpace Serviced	£/sq ft/year	32	GBP	All-inclusive, £2.67 psf/month + VAT

Note: all figures above are indicative and actual prices will depend on specific property, exact location, property grade, contract terms and availability. Averages have been sourced from the most recently available data at the time of writing (August 2025) using figures provided by local commercial agents and workspace providers.