Learn how medical fit-out finance can cover your clinic renovation costs in Australia. Explore eligible expenses and tips.

Key Takeaways

• Fit-out costs for a new or renovated GP clinic in Australia typically range from $250,000 to over $650,000, depending on size, location, and level of finish.
• Up to 100% financing is often available for eligible medical businesses through specialist lenders.
• Commonly financed expenses include medical equipment, cabinetry, signage, IT systems, lighting, HVAC, flooring, and even project management fees.
• Loan terms generally range from 2 to 7 years, and balloon options can help ease early cash flow.
• Tax advantages such as full asset write-offs under the temporary full expensing scheme (where applicable) can lead to thousands in savings at EOFY.
• In 2024 alone, over $800 million was loaned to health and medical businesses for fit-outs, renovations, and expansions across Australia (Australian Banking Association).

Introduction

Fitting out your GP clinic is a major milestone—but it doesn’t have to drain your working capital. Whether you’re launching a new clinic or upgrading an existing space, fit-out loans allow you to spread the cost over time while ensuring the final result is functional, compliant, and designed for patient care.

This guide explains what expenses you can finance, how GP clinic fit-out loans work in Australia, and what to know before applying.

What is a GP Clinic Fit-Out Loan?

A fit-out loan for GP clinics is a type of business finance tailored to cover the design, construction, renovation, or upgrade of your medical practice. These loans can be used for a wide range of physical, structural, and operational expenses.

Fit-out loans are commonly offered by:

• Specialist healthcare lenders
• Banks with medical business divisions
• Equipment financiers
• Non-bank or fintech lenders focused on healthcare

What Expenses Can Be Financed?

Medical Equipment

Financing typically covers essential diagnostic and treatment equipment, including:

• Autoclaves and sterilisers
• Examination tables
• Vital signs monitors
• ECG machines
• Dermatoscopes
• Treatment and procedure chairs

These can be financed individually or bundled into your broader fit-out loan, depending on the lender’s structure.

Joinery, Cabinetry and Storage

Custom-built cabinetry and joinery are often a core part of clinic fit-outs and can be financed in full. This includes:

• Reception counters
• Wall-mounted cupboards
• Lockable drug storage units
• File drawers and shelving

Flooring and Wall Finishes

Healthcare-compliant flooring and finishes are essential and fully financeable. Options like slip-resistant vinyl or tiled surfaces can cost between $80 and $130 per square metre, depending on quality and installation needs.

Electrical, Lighting and Data

Fit-out loans commonly include electrical and data work, such as:

• Power outlets and surge protection
• LED lighting systems tailored to clinical spaces
• Data cabling for telehealth infrastructure
• NBN or fibre internet setup

Depending on the size of your clinic, this work can range between $10,000 and $50,000.

Plumbing and Wet Areas

Wet area installations are key to hygiene and compliance. Finance may include:

• Clinical handwashing sinks
• Accessible bathrooms
• Drainage upgrades
• Hot water systems

HVAC and Air Quality

Climate control is essential for both staff and patient comfort. Fit-out loans can cover:

• Ducted or split HVAC systems
• Ventilation improvements
• Air filtration and purification systems (especially post-COVID)

IT Systems and Digital Infrastructure

With the rise of telehealth, digital tools are more important than ever. Finance can cover:

• Practice management software
• Laptops, desktops and servers
• EFTPOS terminals
• Security systems including CCTV and access control

Furniture and Fixtures

Fit-out loans often include soft furnishings and ergonomic elements, such as:

• Waiting room seating
• Consulting room desks
• Ergonomic chairs
• Blinds or window treatments
• Acoustic wall panelling
  

Signage and Visual Branding

Your clinic’s signage is part of its identity. Financeable signage may include:

• Outdoor illuminated signs
• Interior directional signage
• Reception area branding
• Wall decals and murals

Design, Compliance and Project Management Fees

Professional services are a key component of your fit-out—and often overlooked when budgeting. Loans may include:

• Architect or interior design fees
• Council permits and compliance assessments
• Certifiers and health regulation consultants
• Project management fees
  

How Much Can You Borrow?

The amount you can borrow depends on whether you’re building a new clinic or refurbishing an existing one, your financial position, and the scope of the works. General borrowing ranges include:

• New GP Clinic (fit-out and setup): $300,000 to $600,000
• Minor Renovation or Upgrade: $80,000 to $250,000
• Equipment-Only Bundled Loan: $20,000 to $150,000

In many cases, up to 100% of the project cost can be financed, including GST and non-tangible costs like project management.

Loan Terms and Structures

Fit-out loans are typically structured in one of the following ways:

• Chattel mortgages for equipment and tangible assets
• Finance leases for larger project bundles
• Unsecured business loans for smaller or fast-turnaround projects

Common loan features include:

• Loan terms between 2 and 7 years
• Fixed or variable interest rates
• Balloon or residual options (e.g., 10%–30%)
• Monthly, quarterly or seasonal repayments to match cash flow
  

What Lenders Look For

Eligibility criteria vary, but generally lenders require:

• An active ABN and GST registration
• Evidence of trading history or a forward-looking business plan for new clinics
• Director or guarantor credit score
• Signed lease agreement or proof of property ownership
• Quotes or invoices for the proposed fit-out

Many specialist lenders offer pre-approval within 48 hours, especially if you’ve already obtained quotes or plans.

Why Fit-Out Loans Matter More

GP clinics across Australia are undergoing a wave of investment, driven by increased demand for modern facilities and patient-focused environments. Several trends are shaping this growth:

• Over 1,100 new clinics are forecast to open between 2024 and 2027, according to the RACGP Health of the Nation report.
• The shift towards hybrid care and telehealth has increased demand for technology-integrated spaces.
• Rising expectations around patient experience, including accessibility, comfort, and privacy, are driving investment in design and layout.
• Government funding and incentives in some areas have encouraged rural and regional expansion of GP services.

As a result, more lenders are offering tailored finance solutions for:

• Sustainable and energy-efficient clinic fit-outs
• Telehealth-ready consulting rooms
• Expansion into growth corridors and regional locations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get pre-approval for a fit-out loan before starting the project?
Yes. Pre-approvals are common and can help you confirm budget with contractors before signing any contracts.

Can I finance a full turnkey solution?
Yes. Many lenders offer comprehensive packages that cover design, build, fit-out and equipment—all under a single loan.

What if I’m a new GP or setting up my first clinic?
You can still qualify for a loan if you provide a solid business plan, lease agreement, and projected income. Some lenders specialise in supporting new practices.

Are there tax advantages to using finance instead of cash?
In many cases, yes. You may be able to claim GST input tax credits, depreciate the assets, or deduct interest. If eligible, assets may also be claimed under the temporary full expensing scheme. Speak to your accountant to confirm.

How long does it take to get approved?
Approval time can be as quick as 48–72 hours with specialist lenders, especially if you have your documents in order.

Conclusion: Turn Your GP Clinic Vision into Reality

The right fit-out can set your clinic apart, improve patient flow, and elevate your reputation in the community. With flexible finance options available across a wide range of expenses—from design to installation and equipment—there’s no need to compromise due to budget constraints.

A GP clinic fit-out loan allows you to scale, modernise or launch with confidence, without tying up your working capital. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to upgrade, now is the time to explore what fit-out finance can do for your clinic.