Walk through almost any business district in London today and you’ll spot scaffolding, boarded-up buildings, and ‘under renovation’ signs. But this isn’t a downturn—it’s a transformation.

More and more London businesses are choosing to refurbish their office spaces instead of building from scratch, and the reasons are stacking up fast.

📈 A Sharp Rise in Refurbishment Demand

Despite a dip in new project starts across the capital, 45% of all office investment in London is now going directly into refurbishment. That’s nearly half the market, and it’s no coincidence.

According to data from Glenigan, London is currently facing a 7.56 million sq ft shortfall of high-quality office space. Rather than wait years for new developments to go up, savvy landlords and tenants are turning their attention to the buildings already standing. With the right approach, older spaces can be turned into modern, hybrid-ready work hubs that meet today’s evolving needs.

In short: it’s faster, cheaper, and smarter to upgrade what already exists.

🌿 It’s Not Just About Looks: It’s About Wellness, Sustainability and Flexibility

The demand isn’t just for any kind of refurb. Tenants today expect a lot more than just four walls and a reception desk. They’re looking for:

• Wellness-focused features like natural light, quiet zones and air purification

• Green building credentials and sustainable materials

• Spaces that support hybrid working, with a mix of breakout areas, private booths and tech-ready meeting rooms

A recent report from Savills revealed five key changes shaping what tenants want from office spaces, including a massive shift toward wellbeing, sustainability and flexible layouts. It's no longer enough for offices to be functional—they have to inspire, support, and energise.

🛠️ Refurbishment Offers the Best of Both Worlds

For property owners, office refurbishment is a golden opportunity to re-enter the premium market—without the cost and time associated with new construction. You get to retain the building’s original structure (which often saves carbon emissions), while transforming its interior into a high-spec, desirable workplace.

At Barry Turner & Son, we’ve seen this first-hand. Many of our clients across South London and the South-east are asking for:

• Open-plan layouts with smart partitioning

• Improved indoor air quality and ventilation

• LED lighting, soundproof meeting pods and ergonomic workstations

• Touch-free entry systems and sensor lighting for a post-COVID world

And because so many employees now expect a better work environment—or they simply won’t come back to the office—landlords are under pressure to deliver spaces that attract and retain talent.

👷 Our Role in the Shift

We’ve helped dozens of businesses in London overhaul their workspaces—bringing tired offices up to today’s standards. Whether it’s a full strip-out and fit-out, or a phased upgrade across several floors, our team has the experience and adaptability to deliver premium results with minimal disruption.

And it’s not just about the building—it’s about the people who use it.

“There’s a reason why flexible workspace demand jumped by 40% earlier this year,” says a recent Glenigan market review. “Businesses want adaptable spaces that support new ways of working.”

💬 Final Thoughts: Time to Rethink Your Office?

If you own or lease office space in London, now is the time to act. With a growing shortage of modern office stock and tenants prioritising quality over quantity, refurbishment isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a competitive advantage.

At Barry Turner & Son, we specialise in office refurbishments that elevate both form and function. Whether you’re refreshing a single floor or transforming an entire building, we can help you design and build a workspace that ticks all the boxes.

👉 Learn more about our commercial refurbishment services