• Increasing focus on sustainability - 72% of JLL Cost Management leads surveyed reported an increased demand for sustainable fit-outs. Increasing sustainability requirements are putting upward pressure on fit-out prices. Despite higher upfront costs, companies view this as a strategic investment in long-term value, operational efficiency, and resilience.
  
  

• Cost Drivers in APAC - Fit-out costs have increased across most APAC markets in the last 12 months, driven by inflation, increased material costs and currency volatility. 64% of APAC markets reported increased material costs, while 43% face labour shortages.
  
  

• Localisation buffers economic uncertainties - Value engineering, specification refinement and local sourcing are gaining prominence as strategies to mitigate currency risks, supply chain disruptions and tariff-related cost uncertainties. While inflation concerns persist, the industry is adapting through localised supply chain solutions, potentially buffering against global economic headwinds and managing price pressures effectively.
  
  

• “Flight to quality” is the new norm - Organisations are prioritising high-quality spaces with enhanced technology and wellness features. This shift is driven by talent attraction and retention, evolving employee expectations, and brand alignment in design. The focus on creating innovative, employee-centric workspaces reflects a strategic investment in uplifting human experience and organisational culture, recognising the long-term benefits of well-designed environments.

The average office fit-out cost vary across the region and as is subject to local market nuances, labour costs and regulations. Japan, Singapore, and Australia have the highest costs, while India appears cheapest when benchmarked against USD due to exchange rates, though local currency prices have increased year-over-year. The average office fit-out cost for a moderate style medium- quality office in APAC is $1,524/sqm while the global average is $1,949/sqm (as of Q1 2025). The cost does not reflect recent market changes and the outlook on tariff impact.

The cost of fit-out and cost drivers vary across the region significantly. It is critical to consider local market base construction provisions, raw material availability and prices, and import duties while budgeting.

Builders’ works dominate fit-out costs across the APAC region at 41%, representing the largest portion of overall spending. Builders’ works and M&E (Mechanical & Electrical) services costs are most impacted by landlord base building and client’s design or engineering requirements. M&E works - including HVAC, electrical, fire and UPS - contribute to 21% of overall cost, which varies across countries depending on the local warm shell specifications, making it the second largest component of spend. Security, IT and AV spend is increasing year-over-year and accounts for 16% of total spend, reflecting the adoption of technology and SMART features across the region.

Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment (FFE) accounts for 15% of overall cost. It is important to note the FFE considered for benchmarking was imported furniture and price may vary based on specifications and country due to import duties and taxes.

Many organisations are seeking to invest in high-quality offices to boost office attendance and enhance talent attraction. Specifications of materials and finishes can have a significant impact on the quality of workplaces and can also be responsible for a large variation in costs.

Sentiment is building up about an increase in construction costs over the next 12 months. 70% of APAC Cost Management leads anticipate an upward trend in costs. Clients across sectors are becoming more cost-conscious, focusing on value engineering and local sourcing.

Building standards are evolving rapidly, driven by sustainability and energy-saving regulations. SMART office features such as advanced systems for utility tracking, space efficiency monitoring and enhanced MEP features (for instance, sensor-controlled lighting and temperature controls) are gaining momentum and contributing to higher overall fit-out costs. To facilitate these advancements in technology and sustainability, the demand for a specialised workforce has risen too, which in turn has driven up labour costs.

The uncertainty of U.S. tariffs on imports from Asian countries with high trade deficits has created an impact on trade balance and decision-making and therefore may impact raw material movements and costs in the coming year. As the region navigates this changing landscape, adaptability and market-specific strategies will be crucial for effectively managing costs.

The APAC Fit-Out Cost Guide is a supplementary report to our Global Fit-Out Cost Guide. The APAC report provides insights into costs associated with fitting out office space across 14 countries and 24 cities. Our methodology uses a standardised office layout and JLL design standards, which is costed by local experts in each market, to assess comparable costs across APAC using a like-for-like project comparison. The project uses a typical open office layout designed to accommodate hybrid working, with a range of individual and collaborative work settings. The specifications priced draw on JLL’s best-in-class offices, with imported furniture and assume cost for a central business district location. The figures within this report are reflective of analysis conducted in Q1 2025.

The report captures market specific costs for a modern corporate standard fit-out, in accordance with the respective suppliers in their markets. The figures within this report are reflective of analysis conducted in Q1 2025.

• Value-driven workplace evolution - Workplaces will evolve beyond cost-driven models to value-driven environments that foster innovation and collaboration. Companies will invest in shared spaces and organisational culture, prioritising operational excellence, employee wellness, sustainability and inclusivity. This shift will align workspaces with broader business goals, enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction while adapting to changing market demands and workforce expectations.
  
  

• Impact of tariffs - The uncertainty surrounding U.S. tariffs may create ripple effects in the APAC real estate and construction industry, potentially impacting costs and decision-making processes. While firm domestic demand may offset some challenges, the industry must adapt to mitigate tariff impacts. Clients are advised to work closely with their project teams and evaluate strategies to include alternative procurement methods, diversified sourcing and strategic partnerships.
  
  

• Talent demand-supply gap widens - Access to skilled and semi-skilled labour will remain critical across markets as competition for talent intensifies. This scarcity will drive wage inflation, impacting project costs and timelines. Companies will need to invest in training, retention strategies, and innovative recruitment approaches to mitigate these challenges and maintain productivity.