For technology companies, property requirements are as much about flexibility and infrastructure as location. Whether establishing a new headquarters, negotiating serviced office space, or securing data centre facilities, property arrangements must align with the business’s operational model, growth trajectory and risk profile.
As hybrid and remote working become the norm, many technology businesses are rethinking their physical footprints - moving from traditional long-term leases to scalable and service-based occupancy models. At the same time, data-driven operations demand secure and compliant facilities, particularly where server hosting or co-location services are involved.
Legal and Commercial Framework
Property arrangements for technology businesses are governed by landlord and tenant law, contract law, and, in some cases, regulatory frameworks relating to data hosting or environmental compliance.
Key considerations include:
- Lease terms - rent, break clauses, service charges and renewal rights;
- Fit-out and facilities obligations, including network and power requirements;
- Data centre contracts, covering service levels, uptime guarantees and security;
- Shared and serviced offices, ensuring flexibility and clarity over rights of occupation;
- Environmental and sustainability clauses, aligning with ESG commitments;
- Exit and relocation planning, particularly for scaling or consolidating businesses.
For data-heavy operations, additional focus must be placed on information security, business continuity and compliance with data protection laws regarding physical storage and access controls.
Typical Issues and Considerations
Common challenges for technology companies include:
- Inflexible lease terms that restrict growth or downsizing;
- Hidden liabilities in shared or serviced workspace agreements;
- Insufficient contractual protection in data centre hosting arrangements;
- Disputes over maintenance, service levels or property condition;
- Unforeseen and punishing dilapidations liabilities at the end of a lease;
- Compliance gaps in facilities handling sensitive or regulated data.
Technology businesses must balance cost-efficiency with resilience, ensuring that property commitments support innovation, security and scalability.
How We Can Help
Culbert Ellis advises technology businesses, investors, and operators on a wide range of property-related matters, offering:
- Drafting and negotiation of leases, licences and serviced office agreements.
- Advising on data centre and co-location contracts, including SLAs and security obligations.
- Due diligence and risk assessment for relocations, expansions and acquisitions.
- Dispute resolution relating to property occupation, rent or service provision.
- Strategic advice on aligning real estate commitments with business and ESG goals.
Our lawyers combine property expertise with sector-specific understanding of technology infrastructure, helping clients secure the space and flexibility needed to thrive in a changing business environment.
Free Initial Discussion
If you require advice on commercial property or data centre arrangements for your technology business, contact us for a confidential discussion with one of our technology law specialists.
