Discover what a medical clinic fitout really costs in Australia, from $1,500–$3,000/m². Get a full cost breakdown covering construction, equipment, finishes, permits, and financing options.
Key takeaways
- Fitout costs typically range between $1,500 and $3,000 per square metre, depending on the clinic’s complexity, location, and quality of finishes.
- Basic medical fitouts (e.g. general practice) may cost between $150,000 and $350,000, while specialist or multi-room practices can exceed $600,000+.
- Medical equipment accounts for 20% to 40% of total fitout costs, depending on specialty.
- Construction and compliance costs typically represent 40% to 50% of total spend.
- Delays in approvals, permits or supplier timelines can add $50,000+ in contingency costs.
- Tax deductions and financing options such as chattel mortgages or low-doc loans can help manage large upfront costs.
Introduction
Fitting out a medical clinic in Australia is a major investment, with costs influenced by design, location, specialty, compliance, and market trends. Whether you're establishing a new practice or renovating an existing one, understanding the full cost breakdown is crucial for accurate budgeting, financing, and avoiding costly overruns.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down each element of a medical clinic fitout in Australia—from construction to finishes, medical equipment to legal requirements. You'll get data-driven insights, real cost ranges, and clear direction to help you make informed decisions.
Base construction costs
Construction is typically the largest component of your clinic fitout budget. This includes structural changes, plumbing, electricals, walls, floors, and basic amenities.
Average construction costs
- Low-spec/basic GP clinic: $1,500 – $1,900/m²
- Mid-tier/specialist clinic: $2,000 – $2,600/m²
- High-spec or bespoke clinic: $2,700 – $3,000+/m²
Key cost inclusions
- Demolition and strip-out: $80 – $120/m²
- New internal walls and partitions: $120 – $180/m²
- Electrical and data cabling: $110 – $180/m²
- Hydraulics and plumbing (consult rooms, wet areas): $4,000 – $15,000+ per room
- Air conditioning and ventilation: $15,000 – $40,000 for a small to mid-sized clinic
Interior design and finishes
These costs relate to the aesthetics, comfort, and patient experience of your clinic.
Typical budget ranges
- Flooring (vinyl or medical-grade carpet): $70 – $150/m²
- Ceilings and lighting: $100 – $200/m²
- Paint and wall treatments: $40 – $80/m²
- Reception fitout and cabinetry: $15,000 – $45,000
Furniture and fixtures
- Waiting room furniture: $3,000 – $10,000
- Consult room cabinetry: $4,000 – $8,000 per room
- Breakout and staff kitchen: $6,000 – $12,000
Medical equipment costs
Equipment is a major variable depending on your clinical services.
General practice equipment
- Basic exam bed: $1,200 – $2,500
- Diagnostic set (otoscope, ophthalmoscope): $500 – $1,200
- ECG machine: $3,000 – $6,000
- Autoclave: $4,000 – $9,000
Specialist clinic equipment
- Dental chair and x-ray: $40,000 – $120,000
- Physio/rehab equipment: $10,000 – $40,000
- Ultrasound machine: $30,000 – $80,000
IT infrastructure and compliance
Technology and software
- Practice management software: $2,000 setup + $300/month/user
- Workstations (hardware): $1,200 – $2,000 each
- Secure patient data storage/cloud: $250 – $1,000/month
- Telehealth enablement: $5,000 – $12,000 (hardware, setup, training)
Regulatory and legal costs
- Building permits and certification: $3,000 – $10,000
- TGA compliance for medical devices: May vary
- Accreditation (e.g. AGPAL): $3,000 – $7,000 every 3 years
- Waste disposal and infection control setup: $4,000 – $10,000
Project management and design fees
Professional services ensure your clinic is compliant, functional and efficient.
- Architectural and interior design: $8,000 – $25,000
- Project management: 5% – 10% of total build cost
- Engineering consultations (electrical, hydraulic): $3,000 – $7,000
Hidden and variable costs
Common oversights
- Delays in permits or DA approvals: $5,000 – $30,000 in lost time/holding costs
- Landlord requirements and make-good clauses
- After-hours construction premiums: +10% to base labour
- Contingency: Budget 10% to 15% extra for unexpected variations
Example cost breakdown by clinic type
General practice clinic (200m²)
- Base construction: $380,000
- Finishes and furniture: $60,000
- Equipment: $80,000
- IT and compliance: $25,000
- Design/project management: $35,000
- Total estimate: $580,000
Specialist diagnostic clinic (300m²)
- Base construction: $750,000
- Finishes and cabinetry: $100,000
- Equipment: $250,000
- IT/compliance: $50,000
- Project management and contingency: $100,000
- Total estimate: $1.25 million
Tax, financing, and cost-saving tips
Tax and depreciation
- Equipment and fitout costs may be depreciated over 5-10 years
- Immediate asset write-offs available for eligible businesses under current ATO rules (check annual thresholds)
Financing options
Fitting out a medical clinic requires substantial capital, but financing solutions can help spread costs and preserve cash flow. Here are the most common options available to Australian healthcare businesses:
Medical equipment loans
- Tailored for purchasing clinical equipment like ultrasound machines, ECGs, or autoclaves.
- Low-doc options available for startups or busy practitioners.
- Terms from 2–7 years, typically secured against the equipment.
- Fast approvals and full ownership from day one.
Chattel mortgage
- A popular option for financing clinic assets or full fitouts.
- The clinic owns the asset upfront; the lender takes a mortgage over it.
- Eligible for GST claims, depreciation, and instant asset write-offs.
- Ideal for businesses with stable cash flow seeking long-term value.
Cost-saving ideas
- Use modular cabinetry and multi-purpose spaces
- Negotiate fixed-price contracts with builders
- Buy certified pre-owned equipment with warranties
FAQs: cost breakdown for a medical clinic fitout
What’s the average cost to fit out a medical clinic in Australia?
Most medical clinics cost between $1,500 and $3,000 per square metre to fit out. A basic 150m² clinic might cost $300,000, while a specialised 300m² facility could exceed $1.2 million.
What factors influence fitout costs the most?
- Clinic size and specialty
- Level of compliance required
- Design complexity and finishes
- Equipment needs
- Project location (metro vs regional)
Can I finance my medical clinic fitout?
Yes. Many lenders offer fitout-specific finance with flexible terms, including chattel mortgages, equipment finance, and medical-specific low-doc loans.
What’s the typical equipment cost as a percentage of the fitout?
Between 20% and 40%, depending on the clinic’s purpose. High-tech clinics (e.g. imaging, dental) tend to allocate more budget to equipment.
How long does a clinic fitout usually take?
Typically 8 to 16 weeks, excluding approvals. Add 4-8 weeks for design and council permits.
Conclusion
A successful medical clinic fitout in Australia depends on clear cost planning, supplier coordination, and smart budgeting. Whether you’re building a solo GP practice or a multi-disciplinary health centre, understanding the full cost breakdown helps ensure compliance, comfort, and commercial success. With construction and equipment costs continuing to rise, early planning and realistic benchmarks are more essential than ever.
Before you commit to a design or lender, speak to healthcare-specialised builders, accountants and financiers to build a cost model that suits your needs, minimises risk, and sets your clinic up for long-term success.
