The answer depends on several factors, from the size and location of your office to the level of customisation, technology integration, and sustainability goals. To help break down and clarify the process, we’ve pulled together expert insights, real-world figures, and a practical breakdown of everything that can influence your office fit-out costs in 2025.
The average cost of an office fit-out in the UK ranges from £30 to over £250 per square foot, and depends on a multitude of factors; location, scope, specification and budget.
| FIT OUT LEVEL | LOW RANGE | HIGH RANGE |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Fit Out | £30 | £70 |
| Mid-Range Fit Out | £70 | £140 |
| High-Spec Fit Out | £140 | £250 |
Costs are generally higher in London and other major cities, with averages of around £175 per sq ft due to increased labour and material costs. Outside of these hubs, such as in the North of England, average costs fall closer to £70–£100 per sq ft.
Office fit-outs typically fall into four categories:
Basic mechanical and electrical infrastructure
Light enhancements for ready-to-occupy space
Fully customised, operational workspace
Your costs will rise as you move from Shell & Core toward a complete Category B fit-out, especially with bespoke finishes or integrated AV systems. To learn more about the differences of CAT fit-outs, checkout our most recent blog here.
Larger spaces demand more resources – flooring, partitions, lighting, and furnishings but can benefit from economies of scale, reducing cost per sq ft.
Open-plan designs are often more cost-effective than bespoke, intricate layouts with numerous meeting rooms, breakout zones, and custom-built joinery. Use our Office Space Calculator to work out how much it might cost your project.
Central office hub spots costs can be 20–30% higher than those in less central areas, such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. Labour rates, material availability, and transportation are all significantly impacted by the location of the project.
Modern office environments require robust AV and IT infrastructure, especially for hybrid or remote work compatibility. Budget for items like:
Technology can account for 15–20% of total project costs, it is worth taking the extra time and effort for planning your office fit-out to cater for these total costs and where budget can be weighed up.
Your choice of furniture has a significant impact on cost and productivity. Options range from modular, cost-effective desking to premium, ergonomic setups with height-adjustable workstations, acoustic booths, and bespoke joinery.
Trends, like sit/stand desks, task lighting, and acoustic zoning, contribute not just to well-being but also to overall spending.
A highly customised office with premium materials, architectural changes, or tailored branding will cost more than a basic fit-out. High-end and CAT B projects may include:
Eco-conscious offices are on the rise, with features such as:
These options may cost 10–20% more upfront but result in lower running costs and improved ESG performance in the long run, for those central office hub spots, many offices are investing more early on as opposed to later on – saving further refurbishment and upholstery costs.
Compressed timescales can increase costs due to out-of-hours work and fast-tracked procurement. A typical 10,000 sq ft fit-out takes 10–12 weeks, but flexibility impacts pricing, to get a better understanding of how your project's outline will take shape, drop one of our experts a message, we aim to respond within 2 working days.
Compliance with building regulations, fire safety, DSA and accessibility, and workplace health requirements may add 5–10% to your costs. Larger and more complex projects may require:
One of the biggest decisions affecting your budget is your project delivery method:
Involving multiple consultants, contractors, and suppliers. Often requiring a dedicated project manager and coordination across all disciplines, increasing time, complexity, and cost risk.
A single provider handles everything from design through construction and handover. This method provides cost certainty, faster timelines, and integrated project management. Around 85% of UK fit-out projects under £1M now use the D&B model.
An office fit-out is more than just an investment, it’s a statement about your brand's culture, projection and future ambitions. Whether you're upgrading a small workspace or building a cutting-edge Headquarters and cementing yourself as a reputable brand. Understanding the components behind cost helps you plan smarter and avoid unwelcome surprises. At Spectrum Workplace, we specialise in delivering tailored, designed and built solutions that transform workspaces and reflect your business values, all within budget and on time.
We welcome you to discuss your upcoming project and iron out any questions you may have.
Using the contact form below, fill out all the necessary information for us to give you a follow up, or, if you prefer, give us a call or send an email.
CALL US: 023 9248 9933
EMAIL US: sales@spectrumworkplace.co.uk
