In short: farm offices are workspaces in converted barns, stables and farm buildings. They suit small firms and remote workers who want parking, a quieter setting and lower costs than town centre offices. The things that matter most are broadband speed and mobile signal, heating and insulation, toilets and kitchen facilities, and access for staff and visitors. Check that the total cost includes rates, utilities and any service charge.
Who rents rural offices?
- Professional firms such as accountants, surveyors, architects, solicitors and land agents.
- Creative and digital businesses: designers, developers, marketers and video producers.
- Remote and hybrid workers who want a workplace away from home.
- Rural and agricultural businesses such as agronomists, consultants and agricultural suppliers.
- Therapists and practitioners needing a quiet, private room.
Types of farm office
- A self-contained converted building with its own entrance, kitchen and toilets.
- An office suite within a larger converted range shared with other businesses.
- A single room or desk in a shared rural workspace.
- An office with workshop or storage space attached, which is useful for businesses that make or hold stock.
What to check before you rent
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Broadband | Ask what connection is installed and test the speed during your viewing. |
| Mobile signal | Rural signal varies widely; check it on your own network. |
| Heating and insulation | Converted barns can be cold. Ask how the building is heated and what it costs. |
| Energy performance certificate | Heated offices usually need an EPC; most lettings in England and Wales need a rating of E or better. |
| Facilities | Toilets, kitchen, meeting space, accessible entrance and bike storage. |
| Parking and access | Spaces for staff and visitors, a surfaced route and lighting in winter. |
| Security | Alarm, locks and who else has access to the building. |
| Shared services | What the service charge covers, such as cleaning, internet, bins and grounds. |
What does a farm office cost?
Office rents are usually higher per square foot than storage or workshop space, because converted offices need more investment. Rents vary widely by region and specification. Many rural offices are let on an inclusive basis covering utilities and broadband, which makes budgeting simple. Ask for a breakdown of rent, service charge and business rates. A small office may qualify for small business rate relief, and VAT applies only if the owner has opted to tax the building.
Visit before you decide
Make the journey at the times you would normally travel, and in poor weather if you can. Check how visitors will find the site, whether farm traffic crosses the access, and how the building feels on a cold morning. Our viewing checklist covers the rest.
Have office space on your farm?
Converted farm buildings can make excellent offices. To attract tenants, make sure the broadband is good and the space is warm, and describe the facilities clearly. Include photographs of the interior in daylight, the parking and the approach. Read could your unused farm space suit a local business? and list your office free.
Frequently asked questions
Is rural broadband good enough for an office?
It depends on the location. Many farms now have full-fibre or other fast connections, but some still rely on slower services. Ask the owner what is installed and test the speed yourself during a viewing.
Do farm offices need an EPC?
Usually. Heated offices generally need an energy performance certificate before they are let. In England and Wales most lettings need a rating of at least E, and the government has dropped plans to raise this to C by 2027.
Are farm offices cheaper than town offices?
Often, especially once parking is taken into account, but well-converted rural offices can be priced close to town rates. Compare the total monthly cost, including service charges and rates.
Can I rent a single desk on a farm?
Some farms run shared rural workspaces with desks or small rooms on flexible terms. Search FarmUnits for offices near you, or save an alert to hear when one is listed.
Photo credits
Photographs are reproduced under Creative Commons licences and have been resized and cropped.
- Barn conversion at Hatch Farm, Sindlesham by Simon Mortimer, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
- Interior of Camille Pissarro s studio at Éragny-sur-Epte by AlexDS05, dedicated to the public domain (CC0)
