How Much Does office fit-out and refurbishment Cost in Australia?
office fit-out and refurbishment costs vary significantly across Australia depending on your state, the complexity of the work, and local market conditions. Typical shopfitting rates range from $500–$2000/m² nationally. Use this guide to understand what to expect, how to compare quotes, and find verified local specialists near you.
office fit-out and refurbishment Cost Guide Australia 2026
The following pricing is based on national industry averages. Costs may be 10–20% higher in capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne) and lower in regional areas. Always get 2–3 written quotes before committing to any shopfitting work.
National Average
$500–$2000
/m²
Emergency / After-Hours
$3000
Estimated peak rate
Quotes Recommended
2–3
Before any work begins
Prices are estimates only and may change without notice. Verify current pricing directly with your chosen contractor.
Shopfitting Licensing Requirements in Australia
Licensing requirements vary by state. Always verify your contractor holds the correct licence for your location.
Victoria
In Victoria, commercial shopfitting involving structural changes requires a commercial building permit. Shopfitters managing significant structural work should be registered with the VBA. All sub-trades (plumbing, electrical, gas) must be licensed.
New South Wales
In NSW, commercial fit-outs requiring structural changes need a Development Application and Construction Certificate. Licensed builders must supervise all structural work. A Building Information Certificate may be required for significant works.
Queensland
In Queensland, commercial fit-outs involving structural work or a change of use require a building development approval and QBCC-licensed builders. Change of use (e.g., office to café) also requires Development Application approval.
Western Australia
In WA, commercial fit-outs requiring structural changes need building permits from the relevant local government. Shopfitters managing significant structural work should hold building services registration.
South Australia
In SA, commercial shopfitting may require Development Approval and Building Consent. A licensed builder through Consumer and Business Services is required for structural work.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, commercial fit-outs requiring structural work need a building permit and a registered building practitioner under the Building Act 2016. All sub-trades must be appropriately licensed.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, commercial shopfitting may require Development Application approval and appropriate building licensing for structural work. The ACT Planning Authority must be consulted for change-of-use applications.
Northern Territory
In the NT, commercial fit-outs requiring structural changes need building permits and appropriate NT Build licensing. In Darwin, construction must meet cyclone wind load requirements.
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office fit-out and refurbishment: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a retail shop fit-out cost in Australia?
Budget retail fit-outs cost $400–$800/m². Mid-range retail fit-outs cost $800–$1,500/m². High-end flagship stores and restaurants cost $1,500–$4,000+/m². A 100m² café fit-out typically costs $120,000–$350,000 including commercial kitchen, seating, and fit-out. Costs vary greatly by brief, finishes, and landlord work required.
What does a shopfitter do?
Shopfitters design and construct the interior of retail, hospitality, medical, and commercial spaces. They manage joinery (counters, shelving, display units), flooring, lighting, ceilings, partitioning, signage installation, and coordination of all sub-trades. Major shopfitting companies project-manage the entire fit-out from design to handover.
Do I need council approval for a shop fit-out?
A change of use (e.g., converting an office to a café) requires a Development Application (DA) and potentially a Building Application (BA). Internal cosmetic fit-outs within an existing tenancy may not require DA, but often still need a Building Permit for fire safety compliance (sprinklers, exits, disabled access). Always check with your council and landlord before committing.
What is a make-good and who pays for it?
A make-good clause in a commercial lease requires the tenant to return the premises to its original condition at lease end. This can mean removing all fit-out and restoring surfaces. Negotiate make-good obligations before signing — some landlords accept a cash payment in lieu, particularly if the fit-out adds value. Seek legal advice before signing any commercial lease.
How long does a shop fit-out take?
A basic 50–100m² retail fit-out takes 3–6 weeks. A mid-size restaurant fit-out takes 6–12 weeks. Large or complex projects (flagship stores, medical centres) take 3–6 months. Add 4–12 weeks for council approvals before construction. Planning 6 months ahead of your planned opening is recommended for most hospitality fit-outs.
What are the most important considerations for a café fit-out?
Key considerations: Commercial kitchen design and workflow efficiency (the most critical factor for a café), ventilation and extraction (council compliance), power supply capacity (commercial coffee machines and equipment draw high amperage), storage, refrigeration, ease of cleaning (smooth, hard surfaces throughout the kitchen), and front-of-house flow for customer queuing and service.
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