Office Fit Out Cost per sqm in Australia
Australia’s office fit out market has been enjoying a more stable momentum following several years of cost escalation and delivery disruption. These trends are reflected across Asia Pacific where fit out cost growth has broadly moderated across most markets.
While pressures have not fully dissipated, conditions have been improving particularly in relation to pricing consistency and project timelines.
Pending ongoing geopolitical disruption, with supply chains functioning more effectively and contractor workloads better balanced, organisations are able to approach projects with greater certainty supporting more confident decision-making around capital projects.
Key Office Fit Out Cost Insights in Australia
- Canberra records the highest office fit out costs nationally, reflecting strong demand and premium workplace expectations.
- Major cities such as Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne show relatively close cost levels across CBD markets.
- Australia remains one of the highest-cost office fit out markets in Asia Pacific.
- Australian cities rank among the highest-cost markets in Asia Pacific.
- Workplace design expectations and construction standards continue to drive investment levels.
- Even with moderating cost growth, Australian cities continue to rank well above most Asia Pacific markets, reflecting higher labour costs, regulatory requirements and quality expectations
Average Office Fit Out Cost by City in Australia
Despite variations between cities, commercial office fit out costs in Australia remain relatively consistent across major CBD markets. Canberra currently records the highest average costs nationally, while Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne cluster closely together, reflecting similar construction conditions, workplace standards, and project delivery environments.
| Rank/ Cities | Cost |
|---|---|
| 01/ Canberra | $2,938 AUD/sqm |
| 02/ Brisbane | $2,615 AUD/sqm |
| 03/ Sydney | $2,599 AUD/sqm |
| 04/ Melbourne | $2,535 AUD/sqm |
| 05/ Adelaide | $2,406 AUD/sqm |
| 05/ Perth | $2,406 AUD/sqm |
Australia in the Asia Pacific Context
Australia remains one of the highest-cost office fit out markets in Asia Pacific, reflecting its mature commercial real estate sector, strong regulatory standards, and demand for premium workplace environments.
Office Fit Out Cost Trends and Outlook (2026)
Our Contractor Sentiment Survey gathered insights from contractors on sales activity and input costs over the past year, as well as their outlook for the next six months. Here are some key findings from Australian respondents.
Our Services
At Cushman & Wakefield, we offer a range of services to help you plan and execute your office fit out project. Our team of experts can provide guidance on project and development services, global occupier services, and total workplace consulting. We have a strong reputation in the Asia Pacific region and are committed to helping our clients achieve their goals.
Project & Development Services
Global Occupier Services
Total Workplace
Working collaboratively, we develop workplace strategies and operational solutions that align with the workplace design, emerging business needs and cultural aspirations to create a memorable experience.
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Contacts
Maria Russo-Fama
Managing Director, NSW & Director – PDS Sales, Strategy & Enablement, ANZ
Sydney, Australia
