How Much Does It Cost to Furnish a 100m² or 500m² Office in Australia?

Planning a fit-out? Get a clear, honest cost breakdown for furnishing a small to large office—and avoid budget surprises.

Why Are Office Fit-Out Costs So Confusing?

One of the first questions business owners ask when planning a new space is:
“How much does it actually cost to furnish an office, including office fitout cost?”

It seems simple—but finding a straight answer online is surprisingly difficult.

That’s why in this article, we break down the real-world cost of furnishing two common office sizes—100m² and 500m²—based on fit-out type, inclusions, and quality of furniture. Whether you’re budgeting for a startup office or planning a full corporate HQ, this guide will help you make smarter decisions.

What Influences the Cost of Furnishing an Office?

Understanding the office fitout cost is crucial for effective budgeting and planning.

Not all fit-outs are created equal. A stylish office with great functionality can cost significantly more than a basic setup—but the added productivity, comfort, and brand impact can be well worth it.

Here are the key factors that influence office furniture costs in Australia:

1. Furniture Quality & Brand

• Standard office furniture (flatpack desks, basic chairs) is affordable and functional.
• Ergonomic or designer furniture (adjustable sit-stand desks, premium executive chairs) comes at a premium.

2. Layout & Space Efficiency

• Open-plan offices require fewer materials and walls, lowering costs.
• Private offices, meeting rooms, and specialty spaces (e.g., soundproof pods) increase spend.

3. Technology Requirements

• AV systems, digital whiteboards, and data cabling for Zoom rooms or hybrid meeting spaces can be expensive to install.

4. Shared & Social Spaces

• Breakout areas, cafes, reception zones, and wellness rooms add comfort—but also cost.

5. Design, Branding & Finishes

Therefore, understanding the office fitout cost is essential for making informed financial decisions.

• Want a fully branded, visually stunning workspace with custom colours, signage, and graphics? Expect a higher price tag.

Cost Breakdown: 100m² Office Fit-Out (Small Office)

A 100m² space is ideal for:

• Startups
• Creative studios
• Satellite offices for national teams

Basic Fit-Out ($30,000 – $50,000)

Inclusions:

• 8–12 workstations with task chairs
• 1 small meeting room
• Reception area with seating
• Compact kitchen zone
• Basic storage (filing cabinets, shelves)

This setup is functional and affordable—perfect if you’re just starting out or renting a short-term space.

Mid-Range Fit-Out ($50,000 – $80,000)

Inclusions:

• Ergonomic furniture with better design appeal
• Collaborative space (lounges or huddle pods)
• Acoustic paneling
• Enhanced lighting and greenery

A great choice for teams looking to balance budget with employee comfort and brand presentation.

Premium Fit-Out ($80,000 – $150,000)

Inclusions:

• Bespoke workstations, electric sit-stand desks
• Designer lounge, executive meeting rooms
• Branding integration (logos, wall graphics)
• Noise-reduction features
• Smart office technology

Premium fit-outs suit fast-growing companies who want to make a serious impression on clients and staff alike.

Cost Breakdown: 500m² Office Fit-Out (Medium to Large Office)

A 500m² office typically supports:

• 30–60 staff
• Multiple departments
• Formal reception and breakout areas
• Open + closed office combinations

Basic Fit-Out ($150,000 – $250,000)

Inclusions:

• 30+ desks and task chairs
• Multiple meeting rooms
• Reception, kitchen, and staff amenities
• Standard storage, filing, and breakout space

A straightforward, no-frills setup to get your team up and running.

Mid-Range Fit-Out ($250,000 – $400,000)

Inclusions:

• Ergonomic workstations and private offices
• Larger, AV-equipped meeting rooms
• Multiple breakout zones
• Acoustic treatments and partial customisation
• Employee lockers and wellness rooms

Great for scaling teams needing a high-functioning, modern workspace with long-term flexibility.

Premium Fit-Out ($400,000 – $750,000+)

Inclusions:

• Executive boardrooms, branding throughout
• Bespoke desks, adjustable and modular furniture
• Acoustic pods, focus rooms, hot-desking zones
• Smart lighting and automation
• Café-style kitchen, wellness and mothers’ rooms

These are often seen in corporate headquarters or government departments where long-term investment and design integrity matter.

Regional Considerations: Pricing in Canberra, Sydney & Melbourne

Office furnishing costs can vary depending on your location, due to differences in labour, logistics, and local compliance requirements. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Canberra Fit-Outs

In Canberra, office fit-outs—especially those for government and education clients—often need to align with formal procurement and compliance standards. These requirements can add complexity to the process but ensure that workspaces meet strict criteria for durability, functionality, and long-term value.

Fit-out projects in the ACT frequently refer to the Australian Government Fitout Procurement Guidelines, which outline best practices for design, sustainability, and lifecycle performance. As a result, Canberra-based fit-outs tend to prioritise quality over speed, with a strong focus on compliance, documentation, and value-for-money delivery.

Sydney Fit-Outs

With some of the highest commercial rents in Australia, Sydney offices demand efficient space planning. Logistics and labour costs are also generally higher, making careful budgeting essential.

When considering the office fitout cost, it’s important to factor in both direct expenses and potential hidden fees.

Melbourne Fit-Outs

Melbourne is known for its design-forward office environments. Expect an emphasis on collaboration spaces, biophilic design, and sustainability. Choosing eco-conscious furniture may slightly increase your upfront investment.

If you’d like tailored advice for your region, feel free to get in touch with our team for a free consultation.

Common Budgeting Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the top mistakes businesses make when budgeting for office furniture:

Underestimating hidden costs

The overall office fitout cost will depend on various elements, including the quality of materials and the complexity of the design.

• Electrical fit-off, delivery, installation, and waste removal often aren’t included in supplier quotes.

Choosing price over long-term value

To effectively manage your budget, keep the office fitout cost in mind as you plan your workspace.

• Cheap chairs cost more in the long run through back pain, turnover, and poor morale.

Skipping the space plan

• Without accurate floorplans and a furniture layout, overbuying or poor fit is inevitable.

Need help? Our in-house space planning team can assist with layouts and 3D renders so you get it right the first time.

Real Office Fit-Out Examples

Tech Startup in Canberra (100m²)
Cost: $65,000
Inclusions: Sit-stand desks, compact lounge, AV-equipped meeting pod

Legal Firm in Sydney CBD (500m²)
Cost: $420,000
Inclusions: Custom reception, 4 boardrooms, acoustic ceiling panels, employee lockers

FAQs: Office Fit-Out Costs in Australia

Why Work With Aurora Office Furniture?

Faster lead times than most suppliers
In-stock and custom furniture options
One team handles design, supply, and install
Local experience across Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne
Trusted by schools, corporates, and government agencies

Need help budgeting your project?

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