Business Loans

Office fitout finance
for Australian
businesses

Finance your office fitout from lease signing to day one. Staged drawdowns aligned to builder progress, with your landlord incentive factored in from the start.

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Staged drawdowns aligned to builder progress
Pre-approval in 24 to 48 hours
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50+ lenders compared in one application
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Landlord incentive factored into your facility
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Free · No impact on your credit score
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At EasyAsset, office fitout finance is one of our most common commercial lending categories. Whether you are fitting out a small professional services office, a growing tech company workspace, or a corporate tenancy across multiple floors, we work with commercial lenders who understand the staged drawdown requirements and construction timelines of office fitouts. We help businesses finance base build works, joinery and partitioning, AV and technology infrastructure, end-of-trip facilities, and furniture and fitout bundles under one facility. We also factor in landlord incentive contributions to right-size your finance from the start. From heads of agreement to handover, we can fund it.

How it works

How office fitout finance works

Office fitout finance is structured as a staged drawdown facility aligned to your builder’s progress payment schedule. Here is how the process works from heads of agreement to handover.

1

You sign your commercial lease and receive fitout specifications

Most landlords provide a fitout guide or tenancy schedule detailing what is permitted. Some provide a landlord incentive or contribution toward fitout costs. Your finance application can begin at this stage, before any works commence.

Start your finance application as soon as your lease is signed
2

You obtain builder or contractor quotes

Your fitout finance application is typically based on accepted quotes from licensed builders and tradespeople. Lenders want to see the fitout cost broken down by trade. Most lenders require at least one formal quote before approving a staged drawdown facility.

Itemised builder quotes support your application
3

Finance is approved before works commence

Pre-approval means you know your funding is in place before your builder starts. This protects you from project delays caused by funding gaps mid-construction. Settlement typically occurs in stages aligned to your builder’s progress payment schedule.

Pre-approved before your builder starts
4

Funds are drawn in stages as works are completed

Unlike a standard loan, fitout finance is drawn progressively. As your builder completes agreed milestones and issues progress claims, your lender releases the corresponding funds. You only pay interest on the amount drawn at each stage, not the full facility limit.

Interest charged only on funds drawn at each stage
5

Fitout complete, you open and begin trading

On practical completion, the final drawdown is released to your builder. Your facility converts to a standard repayment schedule and you begin making repayments from your trading revenue. The fitout generates depreciable deductions from day one.

Open for business, repayments begin from trading revenue
Types of fitout finance

Which fitout finance structure suits your business?

Four structures available for office fitout finance. The right one depends on your office size, trading history, and whether you want to bundle furniture and technology with construction.

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Fitout loan

A term loan for the full fitout cost, with staged drawdowns tied to your builder’s progress payment schedule. The most common structure for office fitouts. You repay over a fixed term of 3 to 7 years with the fitout itself as the primary security.

Draws aligned to builder progress claims
Fixed term and repayment schedule
Interest only on drawn amounts during construction
Available from specialist commercial lenders
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Unsecured business loan

For smaller fitouts or businesses that do not want to use the fitout as security. No charge over the fitout asset. Typically available up to $250,000 and approved based on your business revenue and credit profile rather than asset security.

No security required over the fitout
Faster approval for smaller fitouts
Available up to $250,000 from non-bank lenders
Higher rate reflects the unsecured nature
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Equipment and fitout bundle

Combine the fitout construction cost with AV systems, video conferencing equipment, furniture, and technology infrastructure under one facility. Particularly useful when both fitout works and equipment are sourced at the same time.

One loan covers construction and equipment
One monthly repayment
Single application and settlement process
Equipment assessed as additional security
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Sale and leaseback on existing fitout

If you own an existing fitout in a leased space, you may be able to sell the fitout asset to a lender and lease it back, unlocking working capital for a new fitout or other business needs without disrupting your current operation.

Unlock cash from existing fitout asset
No disruption to current operations
Suitable for refurbishments and upgrades
Available for established businesses with fitout assets
Structure recommender

Which fitout finance structure suits your business?

Answer 4 quick questions and our recommender will suggest the best fitout finance structure for your office project, instantly, with no phone call needed.

Find your ideal office fitout finance structure

4 questions · Takes about 30 seconds · Instant recommendation

Question 1 of 4

What is the size of the office space you are fitting out?

Eligibility

Who qualifies for office fitout finance?

Most Australian businesses with a signed commercial lease and an ABN can access fitout finance. Here is what lenders look at.

Signed commercial lease
A signed commercial lease is the fundamental starting point for fitout finance. Most lenders want to see a lease term that covers the finance term. A minimum remaining lease term of 3 years is typical.
Active ABN and trading history
An active ABN is required. Established businesses with 12 or more months of trading history have access to the full range of lenders. New businesses can still access fitout finance but may need a stronger asset position or personal guarantee.
Builder quotes or contracts in place
Lenders typically require formal quotes from licensed builders before approving a staged drawdown facility. Having your builder under contract before applying strengthens your application and speeds approval.
Landlord incentive or contribution
Many commercial landlords offer a tenant incentive toward fitout costs. Lenders want to see this factored into your total fitout budget. A larger landlord contribution reduces the amount you need to borrow and can improve your approval prospects.
Personal guarantee for smaller businesses
Most commercial lenders require a personal guarantee from directors or principals, particularly for smaller businesses or new operations. This is standard practice and does not affect your credit score unless you default.
No property security for smaller fitouts
Fitout loans up to around $250,000 are often available without real property security. The fitout itself is the security. For larger fitouts, some lenders may require a general security agreement over business assets.
Typical scenarios

3 typical office fitout finance scenarios

Office fitout costs vary significantly by size, specification, and location. Here is how the numbers typically look across three common office project sizes.

Small office
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$150,000
250sqm office fitout, open plan with 2 meeting rooms
TypeUnsecured business loan
Term3 years
Rate (est.)8.5% p.a.
DepositNone required
Approval pathLow or full doc
Estimated monthly repayment
~$4,740
approximately $1,094 per week
SME relocating to new office
Clean, functional fitout. Reception, open plan workstations, 2 meeting rooms, kitchen. Quick approval, drawdowns aligned to builder.
Mid-size office
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$480,000
800sqm office fitout with AV, collaboration zones
TypeStaged fitout loan
Term5 years
Rate (est.)7.9% p.a.
DepositNone required
Approval pathFull doc
Estimated monthly repayment
~$9,760
approximately $2,252 per week
Growing professional services or tech firm
Agile workspace design, AV and video conferencing infrastructure, acoustic treatment, premium kitchen and end-of-trip facilities.
Corporate fitout
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$950,000
2,000sqm corporate fitout, premium specification
TypeCommercial fitout facility
Term7 years
Rate (est.)7.5% p.a.
DepositNone required
Approval pathFull doc
Estimated monthly repayment
~$15,100
approximately $3,485 per week
Corporate tenancy, professional or financial services
Premium fitout with executive suites, boardrooms, high-end AV, custom joinery, and full end-of-trip facilities. Landlord contribution factored into facility.

Indicative repayments only. Actual rates depend on your profile, lender, and fitout scope.

Base build vs fitout

Landlord base build versus tenant fitout: what you fund and what they fund

Understanding the distinction between what your landlord provides and what you fund is essential to right-sizing your office fitout finance facility from day one.

Landlord base build Typically provided

Core and shell infrastructureIn most commercial office tenancies, the landlord provides the base build: concrete floors, painted walls, ceiling grid, basic lighting, fire services, and HVAC to the floor. This is the starting point for your fitout, not the end point.
Landlord contribution or incentiveMost commercial landlords offer a tenant incentive expressed as a dollar amount per square metre of lettable area, or as a rent-free period. A $150,000 incentive on a 500sqm tenancy reduces the amount you need to finance. Your finance application should clearly reflect this.
Essential services to the floorBuilding services including base air conditioning, fire sprinklers, and lifts are the landlord’s responsibility. Your fitout works connect to these services rather than duplicate them.
Timing of landlord contributionLandlord incentive payments are often staged or paid at lease commencement. Some landlords pay their contribution as works are completed, which aligns well with a staged drawdown facility. Confirm the payment timing with your solicitor before finalising your finance amount.

Tenant fitout What you fund

Partitioning, joinery, and specialist finishesAll internal partitioning, custom joinery, feature walls, acoustic treatment, and flooring above the base build slab are tenant costs. These are typically the largest line items in an office fitout budget.
AV and technology infrastructureVideo conferencing equipment, digital signage, structured cabling, server room or comms room fitout, and integrated AV systems are tenant costs. These are commonly bundled into the same fitout finance facility as construction works.
Kitchen, end-of-trip, and welfare facilitiesKitchen fit-out, bathroom upgrades above the base build specification, end-of-trip facilities including showers and bike storage are tenant costs. Specification quality here significantly affects total fitout cost per square metre.
Furniture and loose equipmentWorkstation furniture, chairs, lockers, and storage can sometimes be included in the same fitout finance facility as construction works, giving you one loan for the entire project rather than a separate equipment finance.
Fitout calculator

Estimate my repayment

Adjust the sliders to estimate your repayments. Speak with our team for an exact quote based on your profile.

Loan amount $350,000
Loan term 5 years
Interest rate 7.9% p.a.
Repayment frequency
Estimated repayment
$7,080
per month
Loan amount$350,000
Total interest$74,800
Total repayable$424,800
Number of repayments60
Get an exact quote →
Indicative only. Actual repayments vary based on lender, credit profile, and fees.
Tax benefits

Tax benefits of financing your office fitout

Fitout finance has specific and favourable tax treatment. Structured correctly, the after-tax cost of your fitout is significantly lower than the headline price.

01
Depreciation on fitout assets
Once your fitout is complete, it becomes a depreciable asset on your business balance sheet. The ATO assigns effective life ratings to fitout components including flooring, partitioning, lighting, electrical fit-outs, and air conditioning. Depreciation reduces your taxable income annually.
02
Instant asset write-off for eligible businesses
Under current ATO temporary full expensing rules, eligible businesses may write off the full cost of fitout components in the year they are first used or installed. Your accountant should assess which components qualify and in which financial year the deduction is most beneficial.
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Interest deductions on fitout loans
The interest component of your fitout loan repayments is deductible as a business expense across the full loan term. Combined with depreciation, the effective after-tax cost of your fitout is materially lower than the headline price.
04
GST on fitout costs is claimable
GST-registered businesses can claim the full GST component of fitout construction costs and equipment purchases on their BAS. On a $500,000 fitout that is over $45,000 back in your cash flow.
05
Capital works deductions under Division 43
For fitout work that constitutes structural improvements to a leased premises, a Division 43 capital works deduction may apply. Your accountant should assess the split between depreciable plant and equipment versus capital works to optimise your deduction strategy.
How to apply

Get your fitout funded in 4 steps

1

Submit your details

Fill in the quick form above with your business details, estimated fitout cost, and whether you have builder quotes in place. No credit check, no commitment. Takes about 2 minutes.

2

We compare lenders

A specialist matches you to commercial lenders from our panel of 50+ who offer office fitout finance, factoring in your landlord incentive, office size, and business profile.

3

Get pre-approved

Pre-approval in as little as 24 to 48 hours so you can proceed with your builder with confidence that your funding is in place before works commence.

4

Drawdown as works progress

As your builder completes milestones and issues progress claims, we coordinate the drawdown releases. You only pay interest on what has been drawn. On practical completion, your loan converts to a standard repayment schedule.

Get a free quote →
No credit check · No obligation · Australian team
FAQ

Office fitout finance FAQ

Can I include office furniture in my fitout finance?+
Yes. Workstations, chairs, storage, and other loose furniture can often be bundled into the same fitout finance facility as construction works. This gives you one loan and one monthly repayment rather than separating furniture from construction. Not all lenders accept loose furniture as part of a fitout facility, so we match you to those who do.
How does the landlord incentive affect my finance amount?+
The landlord incentive reduces the amount you need to borrow. If your fitout costs $500,000 and your landlord is contributing $100,000, you need to finance $400,000. The timing of the landlord payment matters too. If it arrives after works commence, you may need to bridge the gap during construction. We factor both the amount and timing of the incentive into your facility structure.
Should my office fitout finance term match my lease term?+
Ideally yes, though this is not always required. Matching the finance term to the lease term means your repayments end when your lease does, avoiding the situation of still repaying a fitout for a space you no longer occupy. Most lenders prefer a remaining lease term at least equal to the finance term.
Do I need to have a builder selected before applying?+
No, but having builder quotes in place speeds up approval significantly. You can apply for pre-approval before selecting a builder, and then proceed to formal approval once quotes are in hand. This allows you to negotiate with builders knowing your funding is effectively confirmed.
Can I finance a fitout for a new business with no trading history?+
Yes, though the pathway differs. New businesses and startups can access fitout finance through lenders who assess the strength of the business plan, the location, the lease terms, and often require a personal guarantee or additional security. EasyAsset works with lenders who specifically cater to new business fitouts.
What happens if the fitout costs more than expected?+
Overruns are common in construction. Most fitout finance facilities can be increased mid-project with a variation approval. It is important to notify your lender early if costs are tracking higher than the original quote rather than waiting until the final claim. We recommend including a contingency of 10 to 15% in your initial finance amount.
Can the landlord's fitout contribution be included in the finance arrangement?+
The landlord contribution typically reduces the total amount you need to borrow rather than being paid through the finance facility. Some lenders structure the facility net of the expected landlord contribution. Your solicitor and lender can advise on the best way to document the incentive in the context of your finance.
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