Melbourne office fitout costs in 2026 range from $550 to $3,000 per square metre plus GST. Budget open plan options start at $550 to $600 per m², while premium executive fitouts for corporate headquarters reach $2,800 to $3,000 per m².
Total costs depend heavily on the number of private offices and the chosen finishes.
What are the typical cost ranges for different fitout types?
Budget open plan setups cost $550 to $600 per m² and typically exclude formal reception areas to save on construction costs. Mid range fitouts, the most popular choice for Melbourne businesses, range from $1,200 to $1,400 per m² and include a mix of open plan areas and private offices using glass and plasterboard partitions. Executive fitouts reach $2,800 to $3,000 per m² and feature prestige finishes such as stone benchtops and extensive glazing.
What factors increase the cost per square metre?
Private offices increase costs because each enclosed space requires partitions, a door, separate lighting zones and often a dedicated air conditioning outlet. Specialty zones like boardrooms and reception counters are the most expensive areas per square metre because they require custom joinery. Location also affects pricing, as CBD buildings often have stricter trade access rules and limited hours compared to properties in Melbourne eastern suburbs.
How to reduce fitout expenses without losing quality?
Buying direct from the manufacturer avoids the markups associated with furniture resellers. Using modular furniture is a practical strategy as it is easier to reconfigure as a team grows. Planning a project 8 to 12 weeks in advance also reduces costs by avoiding expedited manufacturing and after hours installation charges.
How to start the budgeting process
Start with a free design consultation to lock in a CAD floorplan before any work begins to avoid expensive mid project changes. Visit the Kilsyth or Knoxfield showrooms to browse the full range of commercial furniture before committing to a specification.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in a budget open plan fitout?
This level includes open plan workstation layouts, screens for privacy, and acoustic booths. It usually does not include a formal reception area.
Why are CBD fitouts sometimes more expensive?
CBD buildings often have stricter access rules for trades, limited working hours and higher parking costs than suburban industrial areas.
What is a turnkey fitout?
A turnkey fitout is a fully managed project where Progressive Office handles the design, manufacturing, delivery and installation.
Questions to ask your supplier before you buy
- Do you manufacture your own furniture locally in Melbourne to reduce reseller markups?
- Can you provide free CAD space planning to optimise the floor area before providing a final quote?
- What is the lead time for custom joinery in reception and boardroom areas if the project is planned 8 to 12 weeks out?
