Currently, one of the most debated topics in the world of freelancers and startups is whether renting private office spaces is still worth it, especially with the emergence of coworkings. Because yes, having your own space where you can work in peace is great. But what happens when you want to move to another area of the city, but your lease isn’t up until the end of the year? And when you have that all-important meeting with that new client, where will you have it?

Let’s have a closer look at the differences between renting a traditional private office and a coworking space. For both freelancers and startups.

Show me the money

First and foremost, we can’t ignore the economic factor, especially since there are more hidden costs than one might think. 

Monthly rent

The first comparison is the most straightforward: how much do you have to pay monthly for rent? For a small private office, it can range from €500 to €1,200, just for rent. Meanwhile, a coworking space in Barcelona ranges from €200 to €350, with all utilities included.

Initial set up

One of the great advantages of a private office is that you can make the space truly yours, whether through the layout of the space or the installation of the services you need. But all this takes time and money, unlike a coworking space, where you can move in instantly.

Fixed costs

In a private office, fixed costs, such as electricity and water, are normally the tenant’s responsibility. This isn’t the case in a coworking space, where everything is already included in the membership fee or office space rental. This eliminates one of the main responsibilities and worries, making it easier to fully dedicate yourself to the business or project.

Services

Coworking spaces offer their members all kinds of services, which also tend to be free or at reduced fees. These include photocopying services, a fully equipped kitchen, or soundproof conference booths.

In addition, most have different meeting and event rooms within the same space. These rooms offer free hours of use and reduced rates for coworkers. Ideal for client meetings or events such as conferences. All in your own workspace, facilitating preparation and planning, at a low cost where you only pay for what you need.

Adaptability and flexibility

Without a doubt, one of the main benefits of coworking spaces is the degree of flexibility, as they tend to offer different membership options, such as full-time and part-time memberships, as well as day and week passes.

Not only that, in a coworking space, you don’t have a long term commitment, as rentals tend to be month-to-month. This is unlike a more traditional office space, where rentals are made for long periods of time, offering stability yet rigidity. Ideal for more established companies.

As for startups and freelancers, there can be many ups and downs, so having the ability to downscale your number of spaces so easily and effectively is a huge plus. The high price and time commitment of a traditional office can put unnecessary pressure on new projects or freelancers who don’t yet have a stable financial situation or business model.

Your space: Corporate image

In a traditional office, the tenant has complete control over the space, allowing them to modify and customize it to suit the needs of their employees or clients.

Corporate image can be a very important element for freelancers and startups, especially depending on the clients and sectors they target. Complete control over a traditional office space provides the opportunity to create the perfect space adapted to any project or need, conveying a high degree of seriousness and stability as a business. At the same time, it showcases and reinforces the personal or corporate brand identity from the outset.

Networking

Coworking spaces offer unique opportunities to connect with people from all walks of life, share ideas, and form unique relationships. This helps you grow your network of contacts and even potential clients. Furthermore, coworking spaces tend to host events, fostering the creation of these relationships and collaboration between professionals.

None of this is the case in a private office, where at most you’re in contact with your colleagues or clients. This lack of connection not only affects lost business opportunities, but also a social element that makes workdays more enjoyable and dynamic.

Coworking Ravalora’t 

We are Ravalora’t, a social coworking space located in the heart of Raval, Barcelona. Right next to el Gato de Botero on the Rambla del Raval, at 38 Sant Rafael Street. And from the very beginning, we had the coworker in mind. Designing a space where all types of professionals can work comfortably, with all the services they could need, while also forming a community with which to share experiences and grow.

With a varied offering of spaces such as coworking areas, meeting rooms, multipurpose spaces and private offices, Ravalora’t is the right choice for young entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, and expats, as well as for associations, social projects, and cooperatives.

And because saying it is not the same as trying it, we want to offer you a free day at our coworking. Get in touch and reserve your spot!

And if you have a social project or are an entrepreneur in the neighborhood, we want to support you with a 25% discount on your coworking space. We want to get to know you and your project. Get in touch and let’s talk. Coffee is on us!