What Does Office Refurbishment Cost in London?

Your Complete Guide to Office Refurbishment Costs, Budgeting, and Planning for 2025

Understanding Office Refurbishment Costs in London

If you’re considering an office refurbishment in London, you’re probably wondering what does it actually cost?
The truth is, office refurbishment costs can vary depending on several factors, from the size and condition of your existing office space to the design requirements, level of fit out, and even the location of your building. London is a unique beast: premium materials, complex logistics, building access, and regulatory requirements all play a role in shaping the final bill.

Whether you’re tackling a basic office refurbishment, planning a mid touch refurb, or going all in with a complete overhaul, understanding the average costs, hidden expenses, and value drivers is essential for a successful project.

What Drives Office Refurbishment Costs in London?

Several factors will influence your office refurbishment costs in 2025:

• Square foot / square metre of your office
• The condition of your existing space and building
• Type of office fit or refurbishment project (light, mid touch, or full transformation)
• Quality of finishes and use of premium materials
• Extent of structural work, structural alterations, and mechanical & electrical upgrades
• Level of project management required
• Labour costs in London (spoiler: they’re not cheap!)
• Building regulations compliance, fire safety, and other statutory requirements
• Complex logistics: after-hours work, occupied sites, and older buildings
• Addition of new office furniture, bespoke joinery, or luxury materials

Costs rise as the project gets more complex, especially for larger spaces, older buildings, or if you need extensive alterations. A detailed site visit and a tailored estimate are vital for an accurate project budget.

Average Office Refurbishment Costs in London (2025)

Let’s talk numbers. Here’s what you can expect for office refurbishment costs per square foot (and square metre) in London:

• Basic office refurbishments typically include new carpets, decoration, lighting, and minor layout tweaks—a cost effective solution for freshening up your workspace.
• Mid touch refurbishment might include new office furniture, updated meeting rooms, improved HVAC/air conditioning, or electrical systems, plus moderate structural changes.
• Complete overhauls are for businesses needing a total transformation, premium finishes, bespoke design elements, and the latest collaboration zones.

Remember, these are average costs and can vary depending on the specific scope, complexity, and any higher quality materials or luxury touches you want.

Detailed Breakdown: What’s Included in the Cost?

Office refurbishment costs are made up of several categories. A detailed breakdown typically covers:

• Design and Space Planning: Interior architects, 3D visuals, office layout planning, and furniture specification.
• Fit Outs & Structural Changes: Walls, partitions, ceilings, flooring, collaboration zones, fire safety, and electrical systems.
• Mechanical & Electrical (M&E): Upgrades to lighting, air conditioning, HVAC, and power/data infrastructure.
• Office Furniture: New desks, ergonomic chairs, storage, and breakout furniture, either new or used.
• Labour Costs: All trades on site, including specialist installations and project managers.
• Project Management: Professional oversight to control costs, manage complex logistics, and ensure compliance with building regulations.
• Compliance & Building Regulations: Planning, permits, and statutory inspections—crucial for older buildings or those requiring extensive alterations.
• Hidden/Unexpected Costs: Dilapidation works, bespoke joinery, and adjustments needed during the project.
• Aftercare and Ongoing Support: Handover, documentation, and ongoing advice for maintenance.

It’s easy to overlook costs involved, so always ask for a transparent, detailed breakdown in your office refurbishment quote.

Office Fit, Fit Outs & Office Fit Out Costs

A big driver of overall cost is whether your refurbishment project includes a new office fit, partial or full fit out, or a hybrid approach.

• Office fit outs in London typically range from £60 – £120 per square foot, depending on spec, scale, and the level of design required.
• Fit outs cover everything from partitioning and flooring to office furniture and collaboration zones.
• A Cat A fit out is a basic shell and core, while Cat B is a fully functional, ready-to-use office with branded elements, working styles, and functional space for your team.

Explore our Office Fit Out London and Office Refurbishment London services for more guidance.

Basic Office Refurbishments vs Complete Overhaul

The difference between a basic office refurbishment and a complete overhaul comes down to the project scope, budget, and business needs:

• Basic office refurbishments focus on essential improvements—fresh paint, new flooring, cost effective upgrades.
• A complete overhaul might involve removing walls, relocating meeting rooms, creating new office space, or integrating bespoke design elements and premium materials.
• Both approaches improve employee satisfaction, asset value, and long-term operational performance.

Cost Effective Strategies and Project Budgeting

To keep your office refurbishment costs under control:

• Prioritise needs over wants: focus your project budget on what really delivers value.
• Use a reputable office refurbishment company Fusion Office Design offers fixed quotes, clear project management, and full compliance.
• Plan for the unexpected: include a buffer for unexpected costs like structural work, older buildings, or complex logistics.
• Consider used office furniture or phased delivery to spread your initial investment.
• Engage project managers and space planning experts early to get the most out of your office layout and avoid expensive changes down the line.

Office Refurbishment Projects: Example Scenarios

Let’s make it real with some 2025 examples:

Scenario 1: Basic Office Refurbishment (2,000 sq ft, Central London)

• Budget: £95,000
• Inclusions: Carpeting, painting, basic office furniture, lighting, compliance checks.
• Timeline: 2-3 weeks, minimal disruption.

Scenario 2: Mid Touch Refurb (4,000 sq ft, City Fringe)

• Budget: £340,000
• Inclusions: New meeting rooms, office fit outs, HVAC upgrade, new office desks, collaboration zones, improved storage.
• Timeline: 5–8 weeks, phased to keep teams operational.

Scenario 3: Complete Overhaul (8,500 sq ft, Grade II listed)

• Budget: £1.1m+
• Inclusions: Extensive alterations, Cat B fit out, luxury materials, bespoke joinery, office transformation with multiple functional spaces.
• Timeline: 3–4 months, detailed planning and complex project management required.

Office Furniture & Space Planning

Office refurbishment projects often go hand-in-hand with new or updated office furniture. The right ergonomic chairs, modern desks, and collaborative tables can make a dramatic difference to staff wellbeing and productivity.
Whether you opt for new office furniture or used options for budget efficiency, always factor space planning and furniture installation into your overall project costs. This ensures you create a workspace that suits both your working styles and future growth.

Common Hidden Costs & How to Avoid Them

Watch out for these costs involved in most London refurbishment projects:

• Dilapidation works: Required for older buildings or before lease-end.
• Mechanical & electrical upgrades: Especially in existing space with outdated systems.
• Access limitations: Restricted lifts, delivery times, or lack of parking can pose challenges.
• Unexpected costs: Uncovered structural issues or compliance upgrades.
• Extensive alterations: Moving walls, major layout changes, or complex logistics for larger offices.

The best way to avoid budget blowouts? Get a professional site visit, a tailored estimate, and a transparent, detailed breakdown before you commit.

Building Regulations, Fire Safety & Employee Satisfaction

In 2025, London office refurbishment projects must comply with the latest building regulations and fire safety standards. Upgrading air conditioning, electrical systems, and structural changes often means navigating complex approval processes.
But getting this right brings long-term gains in employee satisfaction, better working styles, and peace of mind.

The Value of Working with Experts

Refurbishing an office is a major investment, but with the right approach, it can be a game changer for your business.
Fusion Office Design’s team of project managers, designers, and fit out specialists brings decades of experience delivering functional space, cost effective solutions, and genuine value to hundreds of businesses in London and the South East.

Want to see how we deliver successful office refurbishment projects? Explore our case studies and client results.

Get Your Office Refurbishment Quote (and Plan Your Next Move)

Ready to see what your office refurbishment could really cost? Don’t settle for guesswork. Book a free consultation and site visit with Fusion Office Design for a detailed breakdown, tailored estimate, and practical advice no jargon, just real numbers and expert guidance.

• Office Refurbishment London
• Office Fit Out London
• Office Fit Out & Refurb Costs

Get a tailored office refurbishment quote for your space plan smarter, invest wisely, and transform your workplace for the future.