Working from home has never been more popular in the UK, with freelancers, consultants, and solo founders making up a growing workforce share. However, home broadband often isn’t enough for serious business operations and if you’ve ever wondered whether you can install a leased line for your home office, this guide will answer your questions.
We’ll explore everything you need to know about getting a leased line for your home office.
Can You Get a Leased Line at Home?
The simple answer is yes — but it depends on a few critical factors:
- Location: You need to be within reach of a fibre network.
- Cost: Residential leased lines can be significantly more expensive than standard broadband.
- Permission: If you rent your property, you may need landlord approval.
- Usage: Some providers prefer leased lines to business-registered addresses, but exceptions can be made for home offices.
More freelancers and entrepreneurs are now investing in leased lines as the boundaries between “home” and “office” continue to blur.
Why Would a Freelancer or Solo Entrepreneur Need a Leased Line?
Standard home broadband often falls short when it comes to:
- Upload speeds: Essential for sending large files, backups, and using cloud apps.
- Reliability: Frequent outages or peak-time slowdowns are common.
- Security: Business-grade leased lines offer better data protection.
- SLAs: Guaranteed response and repair times if issues occur.
For those whose income depends on fast, reliable internet — designers, developers, consultants, marketers, video editors — investing in a leased line can be smart.
Typical Costs of a Home Leased Line
| Speed | Typical Monthly Cost 2025 | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 100Mbps | £300 – £400 | Light cloud use, video calls, backups |
| 500Mbps | £450 – £600 | Medium-sized cloud and upload demands |
| 1Gbps | £600 – £800+ | Heavy cloud use, large file uploads/downloads |
Installation costs can range from free (on long contracts) to £800+, depending on your location and requirements.
Top UK Providers Offering Home Office Leased Lines (2025)
| Provider | Features | Home Office Friendly? | Starting Price (Monthly) |
| Strong SLAs, wide availability | Yes | From £399 |
| Fast deployment, flexible plans | Yes (urban areas) | From £450 |
| Security-focused, hybrid work solutions | Yes | From £400 |
| Rapid installs in London, great for home offices | Yes (London) | From £349 |
| Cost-effective options for freelancers | Yes | From £300 |
| Expanding full-fibre network | Yes (selected locations) | Varies |
Prices vary based on speed, contract length, and installation complexity.
Considerations Before Installing a Leased Line at Home
- Property access: Check if your home can be easily connected without major civil engineering works.
- Wayleave agreements: If you’re a tenant or your building has shared ownership, you may need official permission.
- Longer install times: Leased line installs usually take 45-90 working days — plan early.
- Future growth: Higher speeds may be wise if you expect to hire remote workers or expand your freelance business.
- Tax benefits: In some cases, you can claim a portion of the cost as a business expense.
Is Business Broadband at Home a Good Alternative?
If a leased line is beyond your budget, several providers offer business-grade broadband for home offices because these packages are prioritised for better reliability and sometimes include static IP addresses, faster repair times, and enhanced security options.
However, remember:
- Business broadband is contended (shared) with others.
- Upload speeds are typically lower than downloads.SLAs are not as strong as dedicated leased lines.