A realistic budget for a Melbourne office fitout typically ranges from $550 to $3,000+ per square metre plus GST. The final cost depends on the specification level, from basic open plan setups to premium executive environments.
The condition of the base building, specifically whether you start with a warm shell or a cold shell, significantly impacts the total investment.
What drives the cost per square metre?
Floor area is the primary starting point for any budget because most contractors quote by the square metre. The shape of the floor plate also impacts the price. An awkward or narrow layout wastes more materials than a regular rectangular space, which is cheaper to work with. Broadly, Melbourne fitouts can range from $500 to over $4,500 per square metre depending on the specification.
Difference between Category A and Category B fitouts
Category A covers base build essentials like raised floors, suspended ceilings, basic lighting, and air conditioning. Category B is the tenant fitout that adds the specific partitions, joinery, and branding required for your business. Understanding this distinction is critical for business owners to avoid budget errors early in the process. This ensures you know exactly what the landlord provides versus what you must pay for.
Budget levels for Melbourne offices
Budget open plan setups cost between $550 to $600 per square metre and use huddles or booths instead of built walls to reduce costs. Mid range options cost $1,200 to $1,400 per square metre and include custom reception counters and high end meeting rooms. Premium environments for corporate headquarters typically cost $2,800 to $3,000 per square metre and feature prestige elements like stone benchtops.
How to lower fitout costs
Using modular furniture and buying direct from manufacturers reduces middleman markups. Progressive Corporate recommends a free design consultation first to lock in the layout before you commit. This approach avoids expensive variations and helps you prioritise high traffic areas like reception over back office zones. Planning ahead also reduces costs compared to last minute fitouts.
Frequently asked questions
Does a budget open plan fitout include a reception?
Budget open plan fitouts usually do not have a formal reception area. If you require one, you should look at the Open Plan with Offices level starting at $750 to $850 per square metre.
How long does a medium office fitout take?
For spaces between 50 to 200 square metres, the typical construction timeline is 3 to 6 weeks. This does not include the initial design and approval phase.
What is a turnkey fitout?
A turnkey fitout is a fully managed service covering design, furniture, partitions, and installation. The contractor delivers a finished office that is move in ready.
Questions to ask your fitout company before you sign
- What exactly is included in the quote regarding labour, furniture, and installation?
- How does the specific shape of my floor plate affect material wastage and the overall cost?
- Can we implement a staged fitout to spread the costs over a longer period of time?