Railway Arch Total Cost Calculator
Calculate the true cost of renting a railway arch. Our free calculator factors in rent, business rates, service charges, and insurance to show your real monthly costs.
Step 1: Location
Select an area to determine rent benchmarks and rates multipliers
Understanding Railway Arch Costs
When you see a railway arch advertised at £25 per square foot, that headline rent is only part of the picture. The total cost of occupying a railway arch is typically 40–60% higher than the advertised rent, once you factor in business rates, service charges, and insurance.
Business Rates
Business rates are a tax on the right to occupy commercial property, based on the Rateable Value (RV) set by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). For 2026/27, the multiplier rates are 38.2p per £1 of RV for retail, hospitality, and leisure properties below £51,000 RV, and 43.2p per £1 for standard commercial properties. For many arch businesses, rates add 30–40% on top of the base rent.
Service Charges
Service charges cover communal area maintenance, viaduct lighting, shared drainage, and the landlord's building insurance contribution. Typical range is £200–£400 per month for a standard London arch. Watch for "sweeper clauses" that allow landlords to charge for any reasonable maintenance cost.
Insurance
Commercial tenants need public liability insurance (mandatory) and employers' liability (if you have staff). Buildings insurance is usually arranged by the landlord but passed through in the service charge. Budget £50–£150 per month depending on business type.
Hidden Upfront Costs
Beyond ongoing costs, budget for a deposit (3–6 months rent), the landlord's legal fees (£1,000–£3,000 — yes, the tenant usually pays these), and potentially stamp duty on longer leases. If the arch needs waterproofing, a Type C cavity drain membrane system costs £5,000–£12,000.
For a complete breakdown of every cost component, read our Railway Arch Costs guide.
Cost Benchmarks by Area
Estimated total annual cost for a 1,000 sqft railway arch in each London area
| Area | Avg Rent (£/sqft pa) | Est. Total (1,000 sqft, pa) |
|---|---|---|
| Bermondsey / SE1 | £26–£35 | £36,800–£50,120 |
| Hackney / E8 | £24–£38 | £34,368–£54,416 |
| Bethnal Green / E2 | £20–£30 | £28,640–£42,960 |
| Brixton / SW2 | £15–£25 | £21,480–£35,800 |
| Peckham / SE15 | £12–£22 | £17,184–£31,504 |