The Challenges of Sourcing Lab Space

For science SMEs and corporations, securing the right lab space is one of the most critical business decisions they’ll make. Property is often their second-largest expense after staffing, and lengthy lease commitments mean that getting it wrong can be costly.

Labs can come with highly specialised requirements across broad but essential criteria. Whether it’s ventilation systems, environmental controls, waste disposal, specialist equipment or fit-outs, science occupiers face a complex search process that demands careful due diligence. Oversights in early selection can lead to costly delays in becoming operational, impacting research timelines, client contracts, and investor expectations.

For early-stage and venture-backed businesses, the challenge can be even greater. Many require high-specification lab space but are unable to commit to long leases, making flexibility and fitted spaces essential requirements. Identifying the right space – one that meets technical and commercial needs – requires deep market knowledge and a strategic approach.

Searching for lab space on your own can be time consuming, frustrating and it can be difficult to find and validate suitable options. Significant risks:

Overlooking critical requirements: Not all lab spaces are capable of meeting all occupier requirements across areas such as industry-specific regulations, accreditations, environmental controls or operational needs. Validating this during initial searches can be difficult. Missing these details can cause operational issues down the line.
Negotiation pitfalls: Without commercial property expertise, science occupiers may not identify key risks or liabilities in their lease contract terms, or understand if they’re getting value for money.
Time and resource drain: Searching and vetting properties, and then negotiating a lease is time-consuming. Doing it alone can be a significant distraction from the daily running of your business, meeting clients’ needs or advancing your research.

How Track Real Estate Simplifies the Process

Track Real Estate is a specialist commercial property agency dedicated to the science sector. We help science occupiers secure the right space efficiently and strategically, minimising risks and maximising return. Here’s how we do it: 

1. Understanding Your Unique Needs

Every science company has distinct operational requirements. Track Real Estate takes the time to understand what’s critical for your business – whether it’s access to talent, proximity to research hubs, specialist fit-out needs, flexibility or scalability.

Over the past 15 years, we’ve worked with companies across a broad range of science and innovation sectors, including:

• Chemistry
• Advanced materials and engineering
• CROs and CDMOs
• Diagnostics and biotech firms
• Cleanrooms and high-spec R&D facilities
• Digital and technology
• Regenerative medicine
• Fragrances, hygiene and beauty

With our deep sector knowledge, we help occupiers avoid hidden risks and plan sensibly to secure the right space for their current and future needs. We’ve advised a broad range of clients from large corporates undertaking strategic reviews and large acquisitions through to small biotechs, growing start-ups and inward investors new to the UK.

2. Navigating the Lab Space Market

With over 15 years of experience in commercial property, Track Real Estate provides access to an extensive network of lab spaces across the UK. The support we provide includes:

Off-market opportunities: Sometimes the best lab spaces aren’t publicly advertised. We connect our clients to these options.
Technical vetting: We assess each space based on crucial factors like ventilation, waste handling, specialist equipment access, and compliance requirements.
Time-saving searches: Instead of spending months looking for a space, we streamline the process so you can focus on running your business.
Accurate cost assessments: We help companies understand property costs, market fluctuations, and the best possible lease terms, ensuring financial alignment.

3. Long-Term Strategic Partnerships

Finding lab space is just one part of the equation. We understand that as your business evolves, your property needs will too. That’s why we offer ongoing support, from strategic portfolio reviews to surplus space disposal. Our partnerships with industry specialists ensure that our clients always get the best return on their property investments.

Why Track Real Estate is Your Essential Partner

Choosing the right lab space isn’t just about finding a location – it’s about securing a foundation for business success. With Track Real Estate, you gain:

• Specialist expertise in science property
• Access to hidden market opportunities
• Risk mitigation and technical assurance
• Time and cost savings
• A strategic partner for long-term success

Whether you’re a growing startup or an established enterprise, we help you find the right space, on the right terms, while minimizing risk. Get in touch today to discuss your lab space needs and see how Track Real Estate can support your next move.

More news & insights