Canberra Make Good: Typical Costs and What to Expect
Typical office make good, defit and fit-out costs for commercial tenants in Canberra, ACT.
Typical new office fit-out in Canberra
$2,938 per m² (new fit-out, 2026)
Cushman & Wakefield, 2026 Office Fit Out Cost Guide
Make good and strip out removal costs are priced separately by scope. See the full cost benchmarks by scope and city.
Canberra is the most expensive Australian capital for commercial office fit-out, at around $2,938 per square metre in 2026 according to Cushman & Wakefield's city cost guide, ahead of every other city compared here. Strong demand from government and government-adjacent tenants, combined with premium workplace expectations for many Commonwealth agency fit-outs, are the commonly cited drivers of Canberra's higher cost position.
What drives cost in Canberra specifically
Commonwealth and ACT government tenancies, concentrated in Barton and Civic, often carry stricter compliance, security and accessibility requirements than a standard private-sector office, which flows through to both fit-out and make good scope. Belconnen and Woden are established town centre commercial precincts outside the parliamentary triangle, generally with simpler private-sector tenancies and comparatively lower make good complexity than a security-classified government floor.
Where Canberra commercial tenants are based
Civic and Barton hold the highest concentration of Commonwealth government and government-adjacent tenancies, including many purpose-built or heavily customised fit-outs. Belconnen and Woden are Canberra's other established commercial town centres, home to a mix of government and private-sector tenants. Fyshwick carries Canberra's light-industrial and trade-focused commercial stock, typically simpler and faster to make good than a Civic office tower.
Commercial precincts in Canberra
- Civic
- Barton
- Belconnen
- Woden
- Fyshwick
Frequently asked questions about make good in Canberra
How much does an office make good cost in Canberra?
New fit-out costs in Canberra run around $2,938 per square metre in 2026, the highest of the major Australian capitals compared here, driven by strong government demand. Make good and strip out costs are scoped separately.
Why is Canberra more expensive than Sydney for office fit-out and make good?
Strong demand from government and government-adjacent tenants, along with premium workplace expectations on many Commonwealth agency fit-outs, are the commonly cited reasons Canberra runs above every other Australian capital compared here.
Do government tenancies have different make good requirements?
Often yes. Security, accessibility and compliance requirements on government floors can add scope beyond a standard private-sector make good. Confirm your specific agency or building requirements before getting quotes.
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