If you're in tech, your headcount — and your space needs — will keep changing. To future-proof your lease, negotiate a +/–10% buffer on your footprint, secure a ‘give-back’ clause, and include expansion rights (ROFR) so you’re never boxed in. Choose buildings with shared coworking zones, fit out your space with modular layouts, and consider hybrid-friendly models like 3-2-1 anchor days to make in-office time more purposeful. And don’t forget sustainability - green certifications like NABERS, WELL, and Green Star should be part of your real estate strategy.
Read on for the full breakdown.
Navigating office space in tech is never simple. One minute you’re onboarding a new team to scale your AI capabilities, and the next you’re rethinking headcount due to market shifts.
I’ve spent over 15 years advising commercial tenants across Europe and APAC, and in the last few years I’ve worked closely with tech companies like Cisco, TikTok, and Nvidia. What I’ve learned? Real estate decisions can’t just be about square metres. For tech tenants, it’s about flexibility, speed, and staying ready for change.
Here’s how smart tech firms are structuring leases that grow with them.
During lease negotiations, push for a +/–10% buffer on your total space requirements in the Heads of Agreement. This lets you fine-tune your final footprint right before signing - a huge win when team size and space needs are still evolving.
This gives you the option to expand into neighbouring space before it’s offered to others. It's ideal for fast-growing firms who don’t want to be boxed in (or out) of their building.
Lock in the ability to return part of your space after 2-3 years. This protects you if growth slows or hybrid models reduce your space needs.
These clauses let you offload or repurpose space mid-lease with minimal penalties. Whether you’re scaling back, pivoting teams, or exiting early, these terms give you options without locking you into expensive commitments.
Think beyond your own four walls. Some buildings offer shared meeting rooms or hot desks that you can book when needed. Perfect for visiting teams or project surges, just without the overhead of extra permanent space.
Movable partitions, flexible workstations, and shared zones give you space that adapts with your team. It also helps reduce future refit costs if your needs change.
Three days in-office, two remote, one “anchor” day when everyone comes in. It keeps teams connected while respecting flexibility and gives structure to your return-to-office plan.
Today’s tech offices aren’t just functional - they’re a drawcard. That might mean better connected buildings, upgraded amenities, or meaningful on-site events. Bonus: this can help you attract and retain top talent without adding cost.
It’s tempting to chase the “Google office” vibe, but in reality, staff value flexibility, purpose, and wellness more than anything.
Sometimes, outsourcing perks to the neighbourhood (i.e. gym/wellness chains, cafes) makes more sense than building them in.
Tech companies have a major role to play in reducing carbon footprints and office space is a powerful lever. It’s not just about ESG reporting - factoring sustainability into your office strategy can also drive down long-term efficiencies, improve employee wellbeing, and future-proof your lease.
Buildings with high sustainability ratings often come with more efficient systems, lower energy bills, and better indoor environmental quality. All of this contributes to happier, healthier teams.
So, look for buildings with certifications like:
These certifications don’t just look good on paper. They signal to staff, partners, and clients that you're serious about impact and innovation. So ask the right questions when inspecting office spaces and make sure what’s promised by a landlord is actually delivered.
If you're scaling up (or back) or navigating a return-to-office rollout, don’t leave negotiating your lease and ironing out your office strategy to the last minute. Baking in flexibility into your lease takes time and is a strategic advantage for your business and over your competitors.
Let’s talk about how to build an office lease that moves at the speed of tech:
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work. Our offices are located on the land of the Gadigal peoples of the Eora Nation and the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge their continued connection and contribution to land, water and community, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace, where diversity in all its forms are valued and every member of our team is encouraged to bring their whole self to work.
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