Healthcare Fitout Costs in Australia: 2026 Guide

What Does a Healthcare Fitout Cost?

Healthcare fitout costs in Australia vary significantly depending on the type of practice, the level of finish, and the complexity of clinical requirements. As a general guide, most healthcare fitouts in 2026 fall into three broad tiers.

Budget Ranges by Fitout Level

Standard fitout ($1,200–$2,000/sqm): A functional, professional space with standard materials, basic cabinetry, and compliant clinical zones. Suitable for allied health practices, wellness centres, and smaller GP clinics operating with modest budgets.

Mid-range fitout ($2,000–$3,500/sqm): Higher-quality finishes, custom joinery, integrated technology, and a more considered patient experience. This is the most common range for GP clinics, dental practices, and multi-practitioner allied health centres.

Premium fitout ($3,500–$5,500+/sqm): Top-tier materials, bespoke design, advanced clinical infrastructure (dental chairs, imaging suites, surgical-grade HVAC), and premium patient experience. Typical for specialist medical centres, dental surgeries with multiple chairs, and veterinary hospitals.

Key Cost Drivers

Several factors can push your fitout toward the higher end of these ranges:

• Clinical infrastructure: Dental chair plumbing, medical gas lines, suction systems, and sterilisation zones add significant cost.
• HVAC requirements: Healthcare spaces often need enhanced ventilation, air filtration, and temperature control that exceed standard commercial specs.
• Compliance upgrades: Meeting RACGP, ADA, or other accreditation standards may require specific room sizes, hand basin placements, and infection control measures.
• Accessibility: DDA-compliant access, amenities, and circulation add to the overall area and complexity.
• Base building condition: Older buildings may need structural work, plumbing upgrades, or electrical rewiring before the fitout even begins.

Costs by Practice Type

GP / Medical Clinic

A typical 4-consult GP clinic (200–300sqm) usually costs $400,000–$900,000 to fit out. Consultation rooms are relatively straightforward, but reception, waiting, treatment rooms, and staff areas all add up. RACGP accreditation requirements influence layout and finishes.

Dental Practice

Dental fitouts are among the most expensive per sqm due to chair plumbing, compressed air, suction, and sterilisation requirements. A 3-chair dental practice (150–250sqm) typically costs $500,000–$1,200,000 including equipment.

Allied Health / Physiotherapy

Allied health practices generally sit at the lower end of the cost spectrum. A 4-room physiotherapy clinic (150–200sqm) might cost $250,000–$500,000 depending on the inclusion of gym or treatment areas.

Veterinary Clinic

Veterinary fitouts share many of the complexities of medical fitouts — surgical zones, recovery areas, and infection control — plus animal-specific requirements like kennelling and separate species zones. A general veterinary practice (200–350sqm) typically costs $500,000–$1,200,000.

How to Get the Most from Your Budget

• Plan early: Engaging a fitout specialist before you sign a lease can save significant money by ensuring the space suits your needs.
• Choose the right space: A base building with existing wet areas, good ceiling height, and adequate power can reduce fitout costs substantially.
• Phase your fitout: If budget is tight, consider fitting out core clinical areas first and expanding later as revenue grows.
• Use our space planner: Get a free, personalised space plan with cost estimates tailored to your practice type.