If you’re looking for office space, you’ll quickly come across terms like VVO, BVO and NVO. They may sound technical, but understanding them is actually very important.
Why? Because they directly determine what you’re paying for and how much space you truly have.
In this article, we’ll explain it simply, with practical examples.
What does VVO mean?
VVO stands for rentable floor area.
This is the number of square meters you rent and can use in practice.
What is included in VVO?
VVO consists of:
- Your own office space
-
Plus a share of common areas, such as:
- hallways
- entrance areas
- sanitary facilities
Important: you do use these shared spaces, but you share them with others.
Why is VVO important?
Because when renting office space, the price is almost always based on m² of VVO.
So you are paying for:
- Not just your desk space
- But also part of the shared areas
What is the difference between VVO, BVO and NVO?
These three terms are often confused, but they mean very different things.
| Term | Meaning | What is included? | When is it used? |
|---|---|---|---|
| BVO | Gross floor area | Everything, including walls and structure | Construction and real estate development |
| NVO | Net floor area | Only usable interior space | Layout and interior design |
| VVO | Rentable floor area | NVO + share of common areas | Office rent pricing |
In short:
- BVO = everything that physically exists
- NVO = what you can actually use
- VVO = what you pay for
What is and isn’t included in VVO?
This is where it often gets confusing.
Included in VVO:
- Your office space
- Shared hallways
- Toilets
- Entrance and lobby
Not included:
- Thick outer walls
- Structural elements like load bearing walls
- Technical shafts
In other words, VVO sits right between “everything” and “just your own space”.
How is VVO calculated?
VVO is calculated according to the Dutch standard NEN 2580.
No need to memorize it, here’s the simple version:
How it works:
- Start with NVO, the usable space
- Add a share of the common areas
- The total equals VVO
In simple terms:
VVO = NVO + share of common areas
Why is VVO important when renting office space?
This is where it really matters.
1. You pay per m² VVO
The rent you see is almost always based on VVO.
So:
- 100 m² VVO ≠ 100 m² of private office space
2. You have less “private” space than you think
Part of your space consists of shared areas.
This means:
- Less direct workspace
- But access to facilities
3. It affects your costs
Even a small difference in VVO can impact your monthly rent.
That’s why it’s smart to ask:
“How much of this space is actually private office space?”
Practical example: how much space do you really have?
Let’s say:
- BVO: 150 m²
- NVO: 120 m²
- VVO: 135 m²
What does this mean?
- You pay for: 135 m² (VVO)
- You directly use: 120 m² (NVO)
- The remaining 15 m² = shared space
This is exactly why understanding VVO matters.
Frequently asked questions
What does VVO mean?
VVO stands for rentable floor area. It is the number of square meters you rent, including a share of common areas.
What is the difference between VVO and BVO?
BVO is the total building area including walls and structure. VVO is the part that is rented and used to calculate rent.
How do you calculate VVO?
VVO is calculated by taking the net floor area (NVO) and adding a share of the common areas, according to NEN 2580.
What are VVO square meters?
These are the square meters your rent is based on.
Do you pay for VVO or NVO when renting?
You almost always pay for VVO, not NVO.
Final thoughts
VVO, BVO and NVO may seem like small details, but they make a big difference in what you get and what you pay.
Want to make sure you’re making the right choice?
It helps to look beyond just the number of square meters.
At Officina, we think along with you.
Curious how much space you really need?
Plan a tour and discover what fits your way of working.
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