Private office or coworking membership? How small teams in Cebu decide

When a small business, a startup or a remote team in Cebu City outgrows the kitchen table, the usual next step is to look at office space for rent. A traditional lease means deposits, fit-out, furniture, internet installation and utility bills before anyone sits down. For teams of one to five, a serviced private office or a coworking membership is often simpler and cheaper.

The three options

• A traditional lease. Your own unit, your own rules, but usually a long contract and setup costs you pay up front.
• A private office in a coworking space. A lockable room for your team, with internet, furniture, coffee and meeting rooms already there.
• Coworking memberships. A desk for each person in a shared space, with 24-hour access.

What it costs at Nest

• Private Office, ₱20,000 a month for 2 people. Each additional person is ₱5,500 a month. Offices fit 1 to 3 people.
• Private Office Premium, ₱25,000 a month for 2 people.
• Private Booth, ₱20,000 a month for 2 people. Booths fit 2 to 4.
• Hotdesk Membership, ₱5,500 a month per person, any open desk.

Offices and booths have a ₱5,000 security deposit. Office and booth members get the same perks as every membership, and every rate includes the internet, coffee and parking. See the full list on the coworking page.

Choose a private office if

• You're on calls most of the day, or handle client information that needs a closed door.
• You want to leave monitors, files and equipment set up.
• You want the space to feel like yours. At Nest you can bring your own furniture and decorate with our approval, as long as nothing damages the walls.

Choose coworking memberships if

• Your team is often out, or comes in on different days.
• You're one or two people and want to keep costs low while you grow.
• You like working around other people, and the events and introductions that come with a community.

What both give you

• 24-hour access with your own keycard
• 3 hours of meeting room use every month, for client meetings and interviews
• Monthly prints and 6 guest hours
• 300 Mbps internet, unlimited coffee, tea and water, and free parking
• A central address on Gen. Maxilom Ave, Cebu City

Start small, move up

Many teams start on hotdesks and move into an office when they grow. Because there's no long lease, changing setup is a conversation with the front desk. Find your space asks how many people are coming and how often, and recommends a setup. Or book a tour and see the offices in person.