Insights
Germany Office Fit Out Cost Guide
What is an office fit out? | Office fit out versus office refurbishment: what's the difference? | What are the benefits of an office fit out? | What are the factors impacting office fit out costs? | Commercial office fit out costs per square meter | Maximizing your budget: understanding typical office fit out costs | Average office fit out costs by city | Our Services | Why choose us? | Contact us
2024 Highlights
Our EMEA Office Fit Out Cost Guide presents comprehensive cost data for office fit outs in Germany. Compiled by our experienced Project & Development Services (PDS) team, this guide is your resource for detailed budget planning across a broad spectrum of fit out options, from basic configurations to sophisticated, sustainable office environments. No matter which city your project is located in, our guide offers essential insights into budgeting market trends
This year's Office Fit Out Cost Guide includes:
- Fundamental considerations on how the contemporary office can create sustainable added value for companies. Starting with the location of the property in the city, through the weighting of focused-work and collaboration areas within the rental space, to the consideration of the personal needs of the workforce. All this with the aim of making the office an attractive place where your employees enjoy spending time.
- An itemised benchmarking of the expansion costs, including the necessary planner and consultant fees, which provides your company with information to enable well-considered investment planning
- Average reinstatement costs for office space in the top 5 German cities. In this way, we shed light on the entire life cycle of your office property and provide you with guidance for the financial consideration your office project.
What is an office fit out?
Office fit out covers the design, construction measures, and furnishing of an office space, tailored to the user’s requirements. The type and scope of the customised fit out can cover a whole range of measures - from being restricted to surface finishes and furnishings through to a comprehensive fit out including the adaptation of technical building systems and the IT infrastructure.
Optimised, needs-based furnishing and equipping of workplaces can sustainably improve the productivity and well-being of employees and also contribute to a positive brand image. Whether you are moving into a new office or refurbishing your existing space, our guide will help you understand the costs associated with realising your ideal working environment.
Office fit out versus office
refurbishment: what’s the difference?
An office refurbishment is an office refresh project that is often less intensive than an office fit out. lt may include changing a layout, new furniture or replacing flooring. Often, a refurbishment can be carried out while the office is in use.
What are the benefits
of a new office fit out?
A well-thought-through office fit out can have a significant impact on your business. For example, by helping to create a positive working environment that is customised to the operational requirements of your company, thereby attracting and retaining talent and increasing productivity. Investing in a successful office fit out is therefore also an investment in the future of your business.
What are the factors
impacting office fit out costs?
The price per square metre of your new fit out depends on various factors, including:
Size and Type of Office Space
The fit-out costs vary depending on the room division density for any given quality and relative size. The installation density is generally higher in cellular offices than in open-plan spaces.
Level of Customisation
- Quality of surface finishes: The quality of finishes, such as flooring and wall coverings, can significantly impact office fit out costs.
- Complexity of design: The more complex the design — such as intricate lighting or made-to-measure furniture — the higher the cost.
- ESG requirements: Although a sustainable office fit-out can initially increase costs, it offers potential savings in the long term - especially when costs are considered over the life cycle of the lease.
- Technical services: Additional requirements, for example with regard to air conditioning or IT infrastructure, have an impact on the overall costs.
Location of the Office
The cost of materials, labour, and regulations can vary greatly depending on the location.
Fees, Timelines and Contingencies
- Project management and professional fees: Professional fees, such as architect and project management fees, can make up a significant proportion of the total office fit out costs.
- Timeline and delivery requirements: Tight timelines or delivery requirements can add costs for expedited tasks or overtime labour.
- Contingencies: A contingency margin is an essential element of any budget to cover unforeseen expenses or changes during the project.
Commercial office fit out costs per square metre
In Germany, cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich exhibit average fit out costs that reflect a wide range of design preferences and business requirements. For example, medium-quality fit outs in Berlin average €2,287 per sqm, embodying Germany's commitment to merging innovation with its rich architectural heritage.
Partnering with our Project & Development Services experts is advisable to tailor fit out costs to your specific needs, ensuring your office space is both sophisticated and functional. Our Office Fit Out Cost Guide provides an extensive section on fit out costs covering various components essential for crafting a modern workspace in Germany.
Looking to delve deeper?
Request a fit out consultation and let our experts tailor solutions for your space.
For a deeper dive into how these insights can be tailored to your unique space, our team is ready to guide you through every step.
Let’s create a workspace that meets today’s needs and anticipates tomorrow's.
Average office fit out costs: Comparability in the major urban agglomerations
The cost of office fit-outs can vary considerably in Germany, depending in particular on the type and design of the fit-out.
The average costs for fit-outs of comparable quality, in major centres all the way from Hamburg in the far north to Munich in the far south, lie within a narrow band: a mid-range office fit-out in Berlin costs around EUR 2,287 per square metre, while in Munich it costs around EUR 2,385 per square metre. The situation is similar for dismantling and reinstatement costs for mid-range designs. In Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich, these average around EUR 197 per square metre.
In view of the considerable investment involved, thorough requirements planning and expert advice are essential from commencement through to occupation. Our Project & Development Services experts will be happy to advise you and support you at every stage of your project.
Our Services
We work with you to transform your working environment. Our experienced team will guide you through the entire fit out process - from concept to completion.
We manage your projects throughout Europe and support both occupiers and investors as an ever-reliable partner. In our projects, we work across departments and utilise the perspectives and insights of various disciplines. This enables us to recognise changes in the market at an early stage and react accordingly.
Contact our local team to find out more about our services - we look forward to hearing from you.
Project & Development Services
Global Occupier Services
Total Workplace Consulting
Why Choose Cushman & Wakefield?
Our expertise: Thanks to many years of experience in the field, our interdisciplinary team has the expertise to realise a high-quality office fit out that precisely meets your needs.
Holistic approach: Thanks to our structured approach, you can rest assured that your office fit out will be completed on time and on budget. We keep you informed at all times, from the first draft to final completion.
