Fit-out costs across Asia Pacific have been steadily increasing, leading many major occupiers to absorb these costs by improving their return-to-office rates. With continued inflation, tight labour markets, and supply chain delays, it’s not surprising that these costs are on the rise.
Grant Carter, head of project & development services Singapore at Cushman & Wakefield, explains that “cost is clearly a high priority for occupiers, as evidenced by the continued 0.8% q-o-q increase in CBD Grade A office rents in 1Q2023.”
Occupiers are focused on optimizing their office spaces for employee experience, which requires implementation of a workplace strategy, leveraging of technology, and consideration for sustainability and ESG factors. Singapore is currently the most expensive destination for fit-out costs in Southeast Asia.
To keep costs under control, occupiers must look beyond the fit-out cost to the bigger picture. They must consider how to best develop their workspace to maximize collaboration, …