As businesses in Singapore navigate a landscape of rising costs in 2025, managing office expenses has become more challenging than ever. With commercial rent on the rise and staff costs remaining significant, managing office fit out expenses effectively is essential to achieving a sustainable bottom line. Whether you’re moving into a new office, expanding or upgrading your current space, understanding fit out costs is crucial to making informed decisions.
Typical Fit Out Costs and Budget Considerations
Here’s a quick overview of office fit out costs in 2025, along with budget considerations to help you plan:
All costs are in Singapore Dollars:
- Economy/Basic Fit Out: $70.00 to $90.00+ per sq ft (all-inclusive, including designer fees). Suitable for startups or businesses with tight budgets, this category balances cost and functionality.
- Mid-Range Fit Out: $85.00 to $110.00+ per sq ft. Ideal for established companies aiming for a professional and appealing environment.
- Premium Fit Out: $125.00 to $200.00+ per sq ft. Designed for businesses that want to stand out with high-end finishes and state-of-the-art amenities.
- Reinstatement Costs: Typically $15.00 to $20.00 per sq ft.
For a detailed breakdown of fit out costs categorized into Economy, Mid-Range, and Premium options, visit our webpage on Office Fit Out Costs 2025.
Understanding Office Fit Out Costs
Office fit out costs can vary significantly depending on your requirements, the size of your space, and the quality of finishes you select. The age of the building can also impact the total cost. Key factors include:
- Building Characteristics: Modern buildings with features like raised floors or pre-installed MEP systems may require fewer modifications, potentially reducing costs.
- Existing Infrastructure: The condition of the current space and available amenities can influence the amount of work required.
To help you navigate your options, here are key considerations:
Renting Fully Furnished and Fitted Offices
Renting a fully furnished and fitted office can be a cost-effective solution, especially for businesses looking to minimize upfront expenses. These spaces come ready to use, often including furniture, IT infrastructure, and all interior fit out such as partitions, reception, individual offices, meeting rooms, and storage. This option is particularly attractive for businesses that prioritise speed and flexibility.
For more details, see our article on the Benefits (and Potential Pitfalls) of Leasing a Fitted Office Space.
Click here to see a selection of available Fitted Offices.
Fitting Out on a Tight Budget
If budget constraints are a concern, focusing on functionality without compromising essential needs is key. To save costs, prioritise:
- Modular and Cost-Effective Furniture: Use modular, cost-effective furniture and mid-range workstations instead of high-end options to balance quality and affordability. IKEA has an excellent range of simple and well-designed office chairs, desks and storage systems.
- Minimalistic Design: Opt for a minimalistic design focused on productivity and reducing unnecessary elements.
- Reuse Existing Furniture: Reuse and repurpose existing furniture or fixtures where possible to cut costs.
- Local Suppliers: Source from local suppliers to reduce procurement costs and delivery time.
- Avoid Expensive Finishes: Avoid expensive finishes like polished marble or natural wood veneers. Some high-end occupiers, such as banks, require these finishes to make a statement, but most tenants can do without.
- Open-Plan Layouts: Reduce the number of individual offices in favour of open-plan layouts, which simplify the fitting-out process and enhance space efficiency.
- Retain Existing Features: Retain existing ceiling tiles and light boxes to minimise replacement and reinstatement costs.
- Efficient Building Layouts: Select buildings with efficient layouts, such as regular-shaped spaces and minimal columns, for optimal space utilisation.
- Competitive Quotes: Compare competitive quotes from multiple interior designers and leverage professional space planning to get the best value.
Creating a Premium Office
For businesses looking to make a strong impression on clients and provide employees with a high-quality environment that encourages collaboration and reduces the appeal of working from home, a premium fit out can align your workspace with your corporate brand while enhancing productivity. Key features include:
- High-End Furniture and Ergonomic Designs: Include ergonomic chairs, adjustable standing desks, and top-of-the-range furniture from recognised brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase, Knoll, Haworth and Wilkhahn.
- Bespoke Layouts and Interior Designs: Create customised layouts that reflect your brand identity. Examples include reception areas with striking feature walls, themed collaboration zones, and executive suites with bespoke cabinetry.
- Advanced IT and AV Systems: Incorporate state-of-the-art technology, such as video conferencing systems in every meeting room, interactive whiteboards, and smart office automation systems.
- Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Solutions: Use energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and eco-friendly materials like bamboo flooring or recycled glass partitions to minimise environmental impact.
- Wellness Amenities: Provide staff with on-site wellness features, such as quiet rooms for relaxation or wellness pods for napping or meditation.
- Impressive Reception and Client Areas: Design reception areas with luxury finishes like marble flooring, unique art installations, or water features to create a memorable first impression for clients.
- Enhanced Lighting and Acoustics: Incorporate designer lighting installations and acoustic solutions, such as soundproof meeting rooms and noise-reducing panels, to improve comfort and productivity.
- Cutting-Edge Security Features: Implement biometric access systems, CCTV, and integrated security solutions to protect both staff and assets.
Further Information
For additional resources to assist in your office move or refurbishment, explore the following guides:
Navigating office fit out decisions requires balancing costs with business needs. Whether you’re planning a modest refurbishment or creating a stunning flagship office, understanding your options ensures you make the best choice for your business. For personalised advice or a free consultation, contact the team at Corporate Locations today.