Virtual Office vs Registered Address in London: What You Need and What It Costs (2026)

Choosing a business address sounds simple until you see the different names for it. Virtual office, registered office, business address, service address: they overlap, and the right choice depends on what you need the address to do. As the founder of SSV Suites, I talk this through with new business owners every week, so here is the plain-English version, with our 2026 prices so you can budget clearly.

The short answer: if you only want a professional address for your website and marketing, a virtual business address is enough. If you run a limited company and want to keep your home address off Companies House, you need an address that is permitted as a registered office.

What is a virtual office address?

A virtual office gives your business a professional address without renting a desk. You can put it on your website, your Google listing, your invoices and your marketing materials, and your mail is sorted for you.

It is the simplest way to look established from day one. It also keeps your home address private when customers, suppliers and search engines look you up. For sole traders, freelancers and online businesses who do not need a Companies House address, a virtual office is often all they need.

At SSV Suites, our Virtual Business Address costs £20/month at 708A High Road, London N12 9QL. That makes it one of the cheapest virtual office options in London. It is for marketing use only and cannot be used at Companies House, so if you run a limited company, read on.

What is a registered office address?

Every limited company in England and Wales must have a registered office address. It appears on the public register at Companies House, and official letters are sent there. Many founders register their company at home at first, then realise that their home address is now visible to anyone who searches for the company.

A registered office address service lets you use a professional address instead. Our three physical office address plans all include a Companies House registered office at our North Finchley branch:

• Basic, £90/month: physical office address and agreement, unlimited mail accepted, no packages.
• Standard, £250/month: physical office address and agreement, unlimited mail, 20 packages per month, workspace available at £50 per day subject to demand on the day, and free tea and coffee.
• Premium, £300/month: physical office address and agreement, unlimited packages and mail, workspace and private office available at £25 per day subject to demand on the day, free tea and coffee, and a logo plaque on the door.

Basic is the most affordable way to get a Companies House registered address in London with us, from £90 a month.

Virtual office vs registered address: which do you need?

Start with the job you need the address to do.

If you are a sole trader building an online presence, the £20 virtual address is a sensible start. If you have formed a limited company, or plan to soon, go straight to Basic or above so you can change your registered office once and keep it.

If you also want to know about using the address for HMRC correspondence or as a director’s service address, ask our team. We will confirm what your chosen plan covers before you buy, so there are no surprises.

What does a London business address cost in 2026?

Prices across London vary widely, from very low introductory offers to central addresses with premium price tags. When you compare, look at the whole monthly cost rather than the headline figure:

1. Is Companies House use included? Some low prices are for marketing use only, like our £20 plan. Check before you register.
2. How is mail handled? Look at how many letters and packages are accepted, and what scanning or forwarding costs.
3. Is there an agreement? A physical office address plan with a written agreement gives you clarity about what you are paying for.
4. Can you use a desk? If you sometimes need to meet a client or work away from home, day workspace can be useful.
5. What are the notice terms? Ask how cancellation works before you sign.

With SSV Suites, the maths is simple: £20/month for a marketing address, £90/month for a registered office, £250 or £300 if you want packages and workspace, and £5/month for letter scanning on any plan.

Practical tips before you buy

A few habits make the switch smooth:

• Update your registered office at Companies House as soon as your plan is active, then update your website, email signature and Google Business Profile so your address is consistent everywhere.
• Tell your bank, accountant and key suppliers about the new address.
• Add letter scanning if you travel or work remotely, so you can see important post quickly.
• Keep a note of your plan’s package allowance if you order stock or samples to the address.

Quick checklist

• Decide whether you need Companies House use.
• Pick your plan: Virtual £20, Basic £90, Standard £250 or Premium £300.
• Decide on letter scanning at £5/month.
• Buy online and receive your agreement and payment link.
• Update Companies House and your public listings.

Get your London address today

If you want one of the cheapest virtual office and registered address options in London, our North Finchley address is ready for you. Compare every plan on our virtual office prices page, or go straight to buy your address online. If you would rather talk it through first, send us an enquiry and our team will help you choose.

Starting a practice as well as a company? Our Start & Grow guide to sole trader or limited company status and our rooms to rent across North London are a good next step.