It’s common for businesses to start as very small, home-based operations. Not everybody has a shining idea and the money to instantly jump into a full-time office. For most, growth is gradual, and the formal lease comes later. For some, a home base is combined with remote routines.

Others take advantage of super flexible leasing arrangements and are lucky enough to grab a top spot early on. No matter where you are right now – be it a home office, a coworking space, or a private rental – it’s important for the environment to fulfil your needs.

This article explores the best ways to find a top office in central Singapore. Visit www.servcorp.com.sg/en/ for inspiration on key features and resources.

Do You Need a Full-time Office?

It’s important not to commit to a costly lease just because it feels like the only option. This isn’t the case. There are lots of different leasing arrangements designed to fit businesses all shapes and sizes. For instance, coworking spaces are great for tiny teams. They see members share a fully stocked, fully furnished corporate workspace with other tenants.

Is There Room to Grow and Expand?

Even if you’re a young business, just starting out in the Singapore market, it’s a good idea to think about the future. Growth is something that must be planned and controlled. It requires a certain amount of foresight, so you’re never too new to consider it.

Ideally, you need an office space that has a flexible lease and no consequences for terminating early. This is necessary because it means the freedom to choose stays with you. The office vendor cannot charge penalty fees or try and trap you in an unsuitable arrangement.

Is the Location a Good Fit?

You’re also advised to think about location when searching for an office space. Specifically, what does the chosen address say about your business? It’s worth spending a little more to secure a spot that looks and sounds impressive. This is the type of thing investors adore.

The office should be reasonably close to transport links if you are in charge of a team. Employees should find it relatively easy to make it into work, whether they drive or take public transport. It is true offices outside of the CBD are cheaper. However, they don’t provide the same reputation boost as a prestigious neighbourhood.

Is There Any Onsite Support?

It is really up to you to decide how much support you’d like. Then again, if it comes included in the monthly fee – as it does with serviced and virtual offices – there is no downside to accepting it. Keep an eye out for IT support, teach teams, web developers, and marketers.

They are a chance to improve your company without paying the usual price. The help of third-party consultants is usually very expensive. So, take the opportunity to have a full back office in your building. It’s also advisable to ask for laser printers, copiers, scanners, and direct-dial VoIP phones.

Where to Look for a Premium Office Space in Singapore

It’s not uncommon for serviced and virtual offices to be part of the same facility. So, if you’re unsure about which lease is best, you may be able to tour both. Start your search in and around the retail and financial districts of central Singapore.

The Marina Bay Financial Centre, the PSA Building, and the skyscraper at Six Battery Road are home to world-class office spaces with flexible terms. As the contracts for both are normally kept open – they roll over each month – you can always switch if you pick an office and end up feeling unsatisfied.