National average, moderate-style medium-quality fit-out
AU$3,011
per m² (Q1 2026)
JLL, Australia and New Zealand Fit-Out Cost Guide 2026
Office Relocation Budget: Exit Plus New Costs
Relocating means budgeting two fit-out costs at once: the make good you owe on the way out and the fit-out you need on the way in. Here is how to plan for both.
Relocating your office means two separate fit-out cost lines land in the same budget: the make good you owe on your current premises, and the new fit-out for the space you are moving into. Tenants who only budget for the move-in cost are routinely surprised by the exit cost, and vice versa.
What a new fit-out costs in 2026
By-city figures from Cushman & Wakefield's 2026 Office Fit Out Cost Guide. See our data page for the full sourced table including make good and strip out costs alongside these fit-out figures.
| City | Typical new fit-out cost |
|---|---|
| Canberra | $2,938 per m² |
| Brisbane | $2,615 per m² |
| Sydney | $2,599 per m² |
| Melbourne | $2,535 per m² |
| Perth | $2,406 per m² |
Full cost benchmarks by scope and city
Budgeting both sides of the move
- Get your make good scope confirmed against your current lease first, before you commit to a new lease date.
- Ask your new landlord about incentives, some fit-out contributions or rent-free periods can be negotiated to offset your exit cost.
- Where possible, negotiate an overlap period between old and new leases so make good and new fit-out are not both happening in the final week.
- Get quotes for both jobs early. A single provider may be able to handle your exit strip out and quote your new fit-out.
Frequently asked questions
What does a new office fit-out cost in Australia in 2026?
JLL's 2026 ANZ Fit-Out Cost Guide puts the national average at around AU$3,011 per square metre for a moderate-style, medium-quality fit-out as of Q1 2026. Costs vary by city and quality level.
Should I budget make good and new fit-out separately?
Yes. They are two different cost lines with different drivers (removal versus installation) and often different contractors. Budgeting them together as one number is the most common way relocation costs get underestimated.
Ready to get started?
Tell us about your make good, defit or strip out and we will pass your details to a provider covering your area.
Sources: JLL, Australia and New Zealand Fit-Out Cost Guide 2026 , Cushman & Wakefield, Office Fit Out Cost Guide Australia 2026