Addis Ababa is booming with new businesses, co-working spots, and office buildings emerging all over the city. If you’re looking to rent office space here, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: how much is it going to cost? The answer depends on a few key things like location, building type, and what features or services you’re after. Here’s a breakdown of the numbers to give you a clearer picture of what to expect when renting office space in Ethiopia’s capital.
Types of Office Spaces Available
1. Shared / Co-working Spaces
- Great for startups and freelancers
- Fully furnished and flexible
- Common in: Bole, Sar Bet, 22 Mazoria
2. Serviced Offices
- Private offices inside business centers
- Comes with receptionist, security, cleaning, and more
- More expensive but turnkey ready
3. Standard Commercial Rentals
- Unfurnished office units in commercial buildings
- Long-term contracts (1+ year)
- Best for companies, NGOs, and law firms
4. Entire Buildings or Floors
- For large organizations
- Requires legal documentation and negotiation
- Found in Kazanchis, Bole, or along Africa Avenue
Office Rental Prices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Prices vary based on location, size, and whether the office is furnished or unfurnished.
Small Private Offices (20–50 m²)
- Monthly Rent: 10,000–35,000 ETB
- Lower prices in CMC or Yerer
- Higher prices in Bole, Kazanchis, or Sarbet
Mid-sized Offices (50–150 m²)
- Monthly Rent: 30,000–100,000 ETB
- Premium buildings near Africa Avenue or Old Airport are more expensive
Large Offices / Full Floors (150–800+ m²)
- Monthly Rent: 90,000–250,000+ ETB
- Common in Meskel Square, Kazanchis, or modern towers in Bole
Price Per Square Meter:
- Generally ranges between 1,200–2,500 ETB/m²
- Serviced offices often include Wi-Fi, backup power, security, and cleaning
Deposit & Advance Payment
- Most landlords ask for 1 to 3 months' rent as a security deposit
- Many request 3–6 months advance payment
- Always get an official receipt for any deposit or payment
Lease Agreements – What to Expect
- Written rental contract (Amharic or English)
- One-year minimum lease
- Business license and TIN often required for commercial tenants
Make sure your contract includes:
- Monthly rent & payment schedule
- Lease duration & renewal terms
- Deposit & refund conditions
- Utilities and maintenance responsibilities
- Notice period for termination
Things to Watch Out For
- Hidden charges: VAT, service fees, or maintenance not clearly stated
- Unverified ownership: Always confirm property documents
- Infrastructure issues: Check water, internet, and power stability
- Noise or zoning: Especially in mixed-use or residential buildings
Tips Before You Rent
- Choose the right location:- traffic is a real factor in Addis
- Visit the property in person if possible
- Use a licensed real estate agent
- Negotiate clearly on all terms rent, deposit, service fees
- Document everything lease, payment receipts, IDs
Looking for property options? If you're searching for a place to stay, there are apartments for rent as well as condominiums for rent, offering modern living spaces. For those looking to invest or own, you can find apartments for sale along with condominiums for sale. For family homes, explore houses for rent, or consider houses for sale. Investors can also find land for sale for future development.
Looking for property options? If you're searching for a place to stay, there are apartments for rent as well as condominiums for rent, offering modern living spaces. For those looking to invest or own, you can find apartments for sale along with condominiums for sale. For family homes, explore houses for rent, or consider houses for sale. Investors can also find land for sale for future development.