A law firm, an accounting firm and a creative agency can have the same number of employees and still need completely different premises. The industry determines how much of the space needs to be enclosed, how representative the reception should be and how long a lease it makes sense to commit to. Here we bring together what five industries should look for when renting office space in Oslo, with links to a dedicated guide for each.
Why your industry should shape the search
We regularly see companies start their office search with two questions: how many are we, and what can we afford? Both matter, but neither says anything about how the space will actually be used. That is where industry makes the difference.
Four factors vary most between industries. The first is how much confidentiality and soundproofing the work requires. The second is how often clients and customers visit. The third is how many employees are actually in the office at the same time. The fourth is how much flexibility is needed, both in space and in lease length. Together, these determine the layout, the location and how much space you need per employee. We explain how layout affects space in our guide to how many square metres of office space you need per employee.
In short, the industries sit along a scale. At one end is the law firm, where representation and confidentiality weigh most and leases tend to be long. At the other end is the tech startup, where flexibility and community matter most and short agreements are the norm. Accounting firms, consultancies and creative agencies fall somewhere in between, each with its own needs.
Law firms: representation and confidentiality
For a law firm, the office is part of the service. Clients should be received in a reception and meeting room that inspire confidence, and conversations must not be overheard. Lawyers have a strict duty of confidentiality towards their clients, which makes soundproofing and a clearly separated client zone more important here than in most other industries. Cellular offices are still common, although several firms have moved to open layouts with good quiet rooms. The largest firms in Oslo are clustered along the waterfront between Tjuvholmen and Rådhusplassen, and many commit to long leases.
Read the full guide: Offices for law firms in Oslo. See also available offices in Aker Brygge and the city centre.
Accounting and audit firms: quiet, security and predictable costs
Accounting and audit firms have almost the opposite needs of a law firm. Clients visit less often, and the work requires concentration and secure handling of client data. Both the Norwegian Accountants Act and the Auditors Act impose a duty of confidentiality regarding clients' affairs, which affects how the premises should be laid out. Deadlines throughout the year create clear seasonal peaks, so it pays to size the office for normal operations and handle the peaks with flexible desks or optional expansion space. Because representation matters less, many firms get far more for their money outside the most expensive areas.
Read the full guide: Offices for accounting and audit firms in Oslo.
Consulting and advisory firms: fewer desks, better meeting rooms
Consultants spend much of the week at client sites, which leaves fixed desks empty a large part of the time. Many consultancies therefore plan for fewer desks than employees and use the space saved on more meeting rooms of a normal size. The location should be central and easy to reach by public transport, both for employees and for clients. For smaller firms, a serviced office or coworking space can be a good option while growth is still uncertain.
Read the full guide: Offices for consulting and advisory firms in Oslo. See also available offices in the city centre and at Skøyen.
Creative agencies: the office is part of the brand
For advertising, design and communications agencies, the office says something about who the agency is. Many look for premises with character, often in older industrial buildings, with open workspaces, rooms for focused work and a place to present work to clients. Acoustics are often the biggest challenge in such buildings and should be assessed during the viewing. Many creative businesses have settled along the Akerselva river, where rents are lower than in the city core and terms are often more flexible.
Read the full guide: Offices for creative agencies in Oslo. See also available offices in Grünerløkka and at Tøyen.
Tech startups: flexibility and the right community
An early stage tech company rarely knows how many people it will be in a year's time. Short agreements, room to grow without moving and a community of other founders and investors therefore often matter more than the price per square metre. The tech hubs in central Oslo often offer short agreements and room to grow within the same building. Once the company has found its footing, a dedicated office in a more affordable area can give a better overall cost.
Read the full guide: Offices for tech startups in Oslo. If you are unsure whether to choose a dedicated office or a flexible solution, our comparison of serviced offices, coworking and traditional offices can help. See also available offices in the city centre and in Nydalen.
What applies regardless of industry
Although needs differ, some steps are the same for everyone. Start with a needs analysis before you look at specific premises, so you know how many workstations, meeting rooms and zones you actually need.
Compare the total cost and not just the price per square metre, since service charges and fit-out can make up a significant part of the bill. Our overview of the total cost of office space in Oslo is a good place to start.
Finally, read the lease carefully, paying particular attention to the lease term, options and CPI adjustment, which normally adjusts the rent annually in line with the consumer price index.
Can't find your industry?
Many companies don't fit neatly into one of these five profiles. It might be a tech company that has outgrown coworking, or a growing company that needs expansion space in the same building. The principles above still apply, and the most important thing is to start with your needs rather than the listings.
How we can help
At Spacefinder, we help tenants in all of these industries find the right premises, from the first needs analysis to a signed lease. The service is completely free for tenants. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation needs analysis, or start by mapping your needs in two minutes.
