Guide · 2 min read · Jun 2026
Office Fit-Out Cost Guide (UK, 2026)
What an office fit-out really costs per square foot in the UK — the categories that drive the price, and where the money actually goes.
"How much does an office fit-out cost?" is the first question every business asks — and the honest answer is it depends. But it depends on a short list of things, and once you understand them you can sanity-check any quote you're given.
The three fit-out categories
Fit-outs are usually priced against one of three standards:
- Shell-and-core to Category A — taking a bare shell to a usable but blank space: raised floors, ceilings, basic services, painted walls.
- Category A to Category B — the fit that makes it yours: partitions, meeting rooms, kitchens, branding, furniture and finishes.
- Cat A+ — a "plug-and-play" middle ground landlords increasingly offer.
Most SMEs moving into an already-serviced building are buying a Cat B fit-out, and that's where the numbers below apply.
Typical UK price bands (per square foot)
As a 2026 working guide for a Cat B office fit-out:
- Basic — practical, light branding, mostly open-plan: around £45–£65/sq ft.
- Mid-range — meeting rooms, decent breakout, glass partitions, good furniture: around £65–£110/sq ft.
- High-end — bespoke joinery, premium AV, extensive glazing, statement reception: £110–£180+/sq ft.
These are all-in ranges including design, build, furniture and fees. Crittall-style glass partitioning sits comfortably in the mid band and delivers a disproportionate amount of the "wow" for the money.
Where the budget actually goes
A rough breakdown of a mid-range project:
- Construction & partitions — ~40%
- Mechanical & electrical (heating, cooling, power, data) — ~25%
- Furniture — ~15%
- Flooring & decoration — ~10%
- Design, project management & contingency — ~10%
The single biggest source of overspend isn't materials — it's change. Every time a layout shifts mid-build, M&E follows it. A proper design stage up front is the cheapest money you'll spend.
How to keep the price honest
- Get a fixed, itemised quote, not a day-rate estimate.
- Make sure M&E is included — it's the line most often "to be confirmed".
- Ask whether installation can run out of hours so you're not paying twice for downtime.
- Confirm who carries the contingency, and how variations are priced.
If you'd like a fixed quote for your space, tell us about your project — surveys are free and you'll get an itemised breakdown you can actually compare.
