In 2026, most commercial office fitouts in Australia cost between $1,200 and $3,000+ per square metre, depending on the quality of the fitout and the condition of the space you are starting with. For Brisbane specifically, Cushman & Wakefield’s 2026 Fit Out Cost Guide puts a standard office fitout at around $2,615 per square metre.
That is the benchmark – but your project could land well below or above it depending on a handful of factors. Here is a realistic breakdown of what drives office fitout costs, what is included in the price, and how to budget with confidence.
Office Fitout Costs Per Square Metre in 2026
| Fitout level | Indicative cost per sqm | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | From ~$1,200 | Standard partitioning, paint and flooring, basic lighting, workstations, minimal custom work |
| Standard | ~$2,400 – $3,000 | Quality finishes, zoned layout with meeting rooms, integrated power/data and AV, quality furniture |
| Premium | $3,000+ | Custom joinery, high-end finishes, feature lighting, advanced AV and smart-office systems, designer furniture |
For context: JLL’s 2026 Australia and New Zealand Fit-Out Cost Guide puts the national average for a moderate-style, medium-quality fitout at $3,011 per square metre, and Turner & Townsend ranks Brisbane’s premium fitouts among the more expensive globally at the high end. Brisbane remains competitive with Sydney ($2,599/sqm) and Melbourne ($2,535/sqm) for standard fitouts.
What Is Actually Included in a Fitout Cost?
A common budgeting mistake is thinking of a fitout as “furniture and paint”. According to JLL’s 2026 guide, construction works – partitioning, ceilings, flooring, electrical, mechanical and hydraulic services – typically account for around half of total fitout spend. Technology and audiovisual comes in around 14%, loose furniture around 11%, with professional fees, approvals and compliance making up much of the rest.
That is why quotes can vary so widely: two “fitout quotes” may not be covering the same scope. Always compare itemised quotes line by line.
The Factors That Drive Your Fitout Cost
Size of the space. Larger floors cost more in total but often less per square metre, as fixed costs (design, approvals, site setup) spread across more area.
The condition you are starting from. A “cold shell” space with no ceilings, services or amenities costs significantly more to fit out than a space with existing infrastructure you can reuse. Reusing existing partitions, ceilings and services is one of the biggest savings available.
Design complexity. Custom joinery, curved walls, feature ceilings and bespoke elements add labour and materials. A well-planned fitout design achieves impact where it counts and keeps standard construction where it does not.
Quality of finishes and furniture. Finishes are the most flexible lever in the budget – the difference between laminate and stone, or carpet tiles and timber, compounds across hundreds of square metres.
Services and compliance. Air conditioning modifications, fire services, accessibility upgrades and certification are often underestimated – and non-negotiable in Queensland. Factoring them in early avoids expensive surprises.
Timeline. Compressed programmes mean overtime rates and premium freight. Planning ahead is free; urgency is not.
Example Fitout Budgets (Indicative)
Based on the 2026 per-sqm benchmarks above:
- Small office (100 sqm): roughly $120,000 for a basic fitout, up to ~$260,000 at Brisbane’s standard rate
- Medium office (250 sqm): roughly $300,000 basic, ~$655,000 standard
- Large office (500 sqm): roughly $600,000 basic, ~$1.3 million standard
These are indicative figures only – the starting condition of your space and your design brief can move them substantially in either direction. An itemised quote is the only number worth budgeting against.
How to Keep Your Fitout on Budget
Budget discipline matters: KPMG’s Global Construction Survey found only 31% of construction projects come within 10% of their original budget. To stay on the right side of that statistic:
- Get an itemised quote, not a lump sum – so you can see exactly what is and is not included, and compare providers fairly.
- Hold a contingency of around 10% for the unknowns that emerge once walls open up.
- Reuse what works. Existing ceilings, services, partitions and even furniture can often be retained or refreshed.
- Prioritise spend where it earns a return – client-facing areas and the features that lift your team’s productivity – and standardise the rest.
- Avoid the classic pitfalls. We have covered the most common office fitout mistakes – from vague briefs to compliance surprises – and every one of them costs money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an office fitout cost per square metre in Brisbane?
Around $2,615 per square metre for a standard fitout in 2026, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s Australian Fit Out Cost Guide. Basic fitouts start from roughly $1,200 per square metre, while premium projects run $3,000+.
How much does a small office fitout cost?
For a 100 square metre office, expect roughly $120,000 to $260,000 depending on the level of finish and how much existing infrastructure can be reused. Get an itemised quote for a number you can actually budget against.
What is included in an office fitout cost?
Typically: construction works (partitioning, ceilings, flooring, electrical, mechanical and fire services), technology and AV, furniture, design and professional fees, and compliance and certification. Construction alone is usually about half the total.
Is an office fitout worth the investment?
A well-designed fitout pays back through productivity, retention and brand impression – a productive workspace is a business asset, not just an expense.
Get a Real Number for Your Fitout
Benchmarks are useful, but your space, brief and budget are unique. At Office Fitout Brisbane, we bring 20+ years of experience to every project and provide transparent, itemised quotes – from design through to the final build – so you know exactly where every dollar goes. Browse our recent projects, then contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your space.
