Hong Kong ranks amongst costliest cities for office fit-outs

Hong Kong emerged as one of the most expensive cities globally.

Hong Kong has cemented its position as one of the costliest cities in the world to fit out an office, according to JLL’s latest Global Office Fit-Out Cost Guide 2025.

The report places Hong Kong firmly within the top city cost index, alongside global hubs like New York City, Singapore, Tokyo, Zurich, and London, stating that “fit-out costs are highest in US, Canada, UK, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and UAE, Singapore and Japan,” which includes Hong Kong in the top band by comparison.

JLL’s index compares relative fit-out costs against London as a baseline and is based on a standardised benchmark project in each market—a contemporary office in the Central Business District with a “moderately open and flexible layout and medium-quality finishes.” Hong Kong emerged as one of the most expensive cities globally for this setup.

Whilst regional averages in Asia Pacific range from US$1,350 to $1,590 per square metre depending on layout, Hong Kong far exceeds this, reflecting high demand for premium workspace in a tight market for Grade A office space.

The report highlights how tenants in such cities are increasingly focused on quality and performance. “Increased focus on in-office attendance, employee experience, and sustainability performance is leading focus on investing in high-quality workspaces,” it noted.

The cost burden is driven not only by design upgrades but also by infrastructure. “In locations with short supply of Grade A office buildings, tenants and building owners are investing in refurbishments and fit-out of existing office space, often with higher costs associated with upgrading Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) services,” JLL said.

As competition heats up in the post-pandemic return-to-office era, companies are not just spending more—they’re seeking to make their offices smarter and more sustainable.

Demand for sustainable fit-outs has surged, with 60% of markets globally seeing an increase in projects that meet high sustainability criteria, according to the report.