Key takeaways:
- Retail fit-out loans in Australia typically range from $20,000 to $500,000, depending on store size, location and design complexity.
- Loan terms vary from 1 to 7 years, often with flexible repayment schedules tailored to seasonal cash flow.
- Fit-out finance can cover up to 100% of your store setup, including furniture, joinery, signage, electrical work, shelving, flooring, and technology.
- Tax benefits available: Interest repayments on business loans are usually tax-deductible in Australia (ATO).
- Popular lenders include banks, non-bank lenders, and government-backed programs, with quick approval options from fintechs.
- Average shop fit-out costs in Australia sit between $1,500 to $3,000 per square metre.
Introduction: Why fit-out finance matters
If you're opening or renovating a retail store in Australia, one of your biggest upfront costs will be the fit-out. From custom cabinetry to lighting, flooring, signage, and IT systems—getting your store looking sharp and functioning smoothly isn't cheap. This is where retail store fit-out loans can help ease the burden, offering a practical way to spread costs and preserve your cash flow.
In today’s competitive retail environment, having a professionally designed space is critical. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about improving customer experience and driving sales. But without the right financing, this investment can put pressure on your working capital.
What is a retail store fit-out loan?
A retail fit-out loan is a type of business finance designed specifically to help retailers pay for the physical setup or renovation of their store.
This could include:
- Interior design and shopfitting
- Custom cabinetry, display units, and shelving
- Signage and branding installations
- Lighting, air-conditioning, and flooring
- Technology (POS systems, security cameras, digital displays)
- Electrical and plumbing work
What’s included in a retail fit-out loan?
Retail fit-out loans can be used for almost all aspects of your store’s transformation. Common inclusions are:
1. Interior and structural works
- Demolition and wall relocations
- Flooring, ceiling, and partitions
- Custom joinery and cabinetry
2. Lighting and electrical
- Feature lighting, downlights, signage illumination
- Power points, data cabling, POS wiring
3. Furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E)
- Counters, racks, shelving
- Seating, display tables, storage units
- Refrigeration for food retail
4. Signage and branding
- Internal and external signage
- Window decals, wall graphics
- Brand identity roll-out
5. Technology
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems
- CCTV and alarm systems
- Customer Wi-Fi and digital displays
How much does a retail store fit-out cost in Australia?
Fit-out costs vary greatly depending on store type, size, location, and customisation. Here’s a general guide:
- Basic fit-out: $1,200 – $1,800 per m²
- Mid-range: $1,800 – $2,500 per m²
- High-end/luxury: $2,500 – $4,000+ per m²
For a 100m² retail store, you could be looking at anywhere between $120,000 to $300,000+.
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Estimated retail fit-out costs by store type in Australia
The cost of fitting out a retail space in Australia can vary widely depending on your store’s type, size, and location. Below is a breakdown of typical cost ranges you can expect, based on industry averages as of 2024:
Fashion and Apparel Stores
Expect to spend between $80,000 and $150,000. This usually works out to around $1,500 to $2,500 per square metre. These stores often focus heavily on display units, lighting, and changing rooms, which adds to the cost.
Health and Beauty Stores
Fit-out costs for pharmacies, beauty salons or skincare retailers generally fall in the $100,000 to $180,000 range. On a per-square-metre basis, that’s typically $2,000 to $3,000/m², due to the need for high-end cabinetry, display lighting, and plumbing for treatment areas.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies often require more extensive compliance and joinery, pushing fit-out costs up to $150,000 to $250,000. The cost per square metre can be $2,000 to $3,500, particularly in locations that require secure medicine storage and dispensary design.
Electronics or Tech Retailers
These stores often incorporate built-in shelving, power and network cabling, and interactive displays. Budgets generally range from $120,000 to $200,000, with costs sitting around $1,800 to $2,800 per square metre.
Convenience Stores or Grocery Retail
Expect to invest between $100,000 and $250,000+ depending on store size and equipment. Per square metre, you’re looking at around $1,800 to $3,000/m², especially if fridges, freezers, or specialty shelving are required.
Cafés or Juice Bars
Even though these are technically food venues, many operate within retail zones. Fit-out costs for these spaces typically range from $120,000 to $250,000+, with per-metre costs sitting around $2,500 to $4,000/m² due to food prep areas, ventilation, and plumbing.
Pop-Up Stores or Kiosks
If you’re launching a temporary store or small shopping centre kiosk, budget anywhere from $30,000 to $70,000. Costs vary greatly depending on how modular and mobile the design is, but they’re typically more affordable due to the smaller footprint.
Major cost factors that influence fit-out pricing:
- Location: Premium shopping strips and CBD locations can increase costs due to stricter compliance and landlord requirements.
- Services required: Plumbing, HVAC, lighting, and fire systems are often the biggest cost drivers, especially in food and health-related businesses.
- Size of the store: Larger premises mean higher total fit-out costs, though cost per square metre may decrease slightly with scale.
- Design complexity: Custom joinery, unique architectural elements, and integrated tech systems all raise the overall budget.
Types of fit-out finance options available
1. Unsecured business loans
- Fast approval (24–72 hours)
- No asset security required
- Ideal for fit-outs under $250,000
2. Secured business loans
- Lower interest rates
- Larger loan sizes ($100k+)
- Collateral (property or assets) required
3. Line of credit
- Flexible access to funds as needed
- Pay interest only on what you use
4. Equipment finance
- For financing items like POS systems or shop furniture
- Asset-backed and often tax-effective
5. Government-backed SME loans
- Small Business Loan Guarantee Scheme (subject to eligibility)
- Better terms, interest rates and deferrals for new businesses
What are the loan terms and rates like?
- Loan terms: Typically 1 to 7 years
- Interest rates: Start from around 7% p.a. (for secured loans) to 15–20% (unsecured)
- Repayment options: Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly
- Balloon/residual payments: Available in some structures
Tax and accounting benefits
- Interest repayments: Usually tax-deductible
- Asset depreciation: Eligible FF&E may be depreciated over time
- Instant asset write-off: Check ATO thresholds and eligibility
Speak with your accountant to ensure your fit-out finance is structured tax-effectively.
Compliance and approvals
Before you begin your fit-out, ensure the following are in place:
- Local council approvals and permits
- Landlord consent (if leasing)
- Australian Building Codes compliance
- Disability access standards (DDA compliance)
- Fire safety and health regulations
Working with a certified shopfitter or builder can streamline this process.
Tips for applying for a retail fit-out loan
- Have a detailed fit-out quote or builder proposal ready
- Provide financial statements and business plan
- Highlight expected ROI or increased sales post-fit-out
- Compare interest rates, fees and early payout terms
FAQs
How quickly can I get approved for a fit-out loan?
Some unsecured lenders offer approvals within 24–48 hours if documents are in order.
Do I need a deposit?
Not always—many loans offer 100% financing, especially unsecured options.
Can I finance a store refurbishment, not a full fit-out?
Yes, loans can be used for partial renovations, upgrades or tech installations.
Is a fit-out loan tax deductible?
The interest is usually deductible, and assets can often be written off over time.
What if I’m opening my first store?
New businesses can apply too, especially with a solid business plan and budget.
Conclusion
Retail fit-out loans can be a powerful tool to help you get your store up and running—or give an existing space a much-needed refresh. From covering major renovations to tech upgrades and branding, these loans offer flexibility and breathing room so you can focus on growing your business.
With the right fit-out financing, your retail vision can become a customer-ready reality faster than you think. Just be sure to compare lenders, structure your loan smartly, and seek professional advice to maximise your return.
