Moving office can be a smart step forward for your business, whether you need to rightsize, reduce operating costs, access better amenities, secure a stronger location or create a workplace that better supports your team.
But before you compare rent, ask: what will the move really cost, and how can the lease deal help offset it?
With the right strategy and negotiation, many relocation costs can be planned for, reduced, shared with the landlord or softened through stronger lease terms.
A new office move can involve fitout, IT, AV, furniture, moving logistics, make good, signage, downtime and staff transition costs. And honestly, if it's helping move your business forward, it's worth it. That said, it is absolutely essential to get a fuller picture of how the full commercial package stacks up: rent, incentives, landlord works, lease flexibility, make good position, and upfront capital required.
For many businesses, fitout is the largest cost attached to a relocation. Axiom’s 2026 commercial fitout benchmarks show complete office fitouts can range from around $2,500/sqm to $5,000+/sqm, depending on the building, city, specification, and complexity of the works. Lighter cosmetic upgrades can sit much lower, however it still can be a hit to the wallet.
Fitout costs are usually shaped by how much work the space needs, whether the existing fitout can be reused, the building grade, services requirements, IT and AV needs, furniture, finishes, joinery, procurement timing, and contractor availability.
This is why the “best” building is not always the one with the lowest rent. A space with a usable existing fitout, stronger landlord contribution, or fewer upgrade requirements may deliver better value overall. Plan what fitout your team needs early to avoid any surprises.
Internet, cabling, access control, meeting room technology, security systems, screens and comms rooms all need to be scoped early. These costs are manageable, but they can become expensive or disruptive when they're treated as an afterthought.
Most commercial leases can include make good obligations, which can require the tenant to remove their fitout, repair damage, or return the space to an agreed condition. The key is to know your rights and negotiate its reduction or complete removal in your lease agreement. This can make a meaningful difference to the total cost of moving.
Removalists, after-hours access, storage, furniture disposal and staff packing crates all need to be allowed for. But the bigger issue is business continuity. A well-planned move should minimise downtime, keep teams productive, and make the transition feel smooth rather than disruptive. The best way to do that is to negotiate early access into your new building.
A strong lease position can offset relocation costs through incentives like landlord-funded works, early access, rent-free periods, reduced make good exposure, fitout contributions, and flexible lease terms. A deal that supports the full cost of the move and gives your business the room and flexibility to grow is priority number 1, ensuring upfront and future savings.
The right answer is not always relocation. Sometimes a renewal, restructure or refurbishment delivers better value with less disruption. Other times, moving opens up better space, better terms and better long-term outcomes. A proper stay-vs-go analysis compares the full picture: rent, incentives, fitout, make good, timing, flexibility, disruption and more.
Moving office does not need to be daunting. Done well, it can be a smart opportunity to reset your workplace, improve value and negotiate terms that better support your business.
Tenant CS helps commercial tenants understand the true cost of moving, compare stay-vs-go options, and negotiate lease terms that reduce cost, risk and disruption.
Because the best office move is not just about finding the right space.
It is about securing the right deal.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work. Our offices are located on the land of the Gadigal peoples of the Eora Nation and the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge their continued connection and contribution to land, water and community, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace, where diversity in all its forms are valued and every member of our team is encouraged to bring their whole self to work.
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