Baseline office fit-out costs in Athens at €850 per sqm

According to data from Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, based on the Office Fit-Out Cost Guide 2026, the average total cost of office fit-out reached €1,150 per sq.m., with the highest costs rising to €1,450 per sq.m. and the lowest at €850 per sq.m.

The most expensive market is Turkey, with an average cost of €1,630 per sq.m., while the third most expensive market is Romania, where the average office fit-out cost stands at €1,077 per sq.m.

LOW (BASIC)

• Limited meeting spaces, accounting for less than 10% of total space
• Painted walls throughout
• Low-spec finishes and carpeting across all areas
• Vinyl flooring in catering areas
• Minimal modifications to HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems

MEDIUM

• Meeting spaces covering approximately 10–20% of total area, including some single-glazed partitions
• Ceiling modifications in less than 25% of the space
• Plasterboard ceilings in meeting rooms
• Decorative wall finishes at reception
• Medium-spec finishes and carpeting
• Low-to-medium quality acoustic absorption and sound management
• Shared heating and cooling systems across partitioned spaces
• Hard flooring in reception areas
• Multiple data points at each workstation
• Support functions including extended breakout areas, a variety of meeting rooms, and distributed collaborative spaces
• Good sustainability certifications, with emphasis on energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water management, and waste optimization

HIGH

• Meeting spaces exceeding 25% of total area, with double-glazed partitions
• A wide range of sustainability initiatives and top-tier certifications; health and well-being, employee productivity, and reduction of embodied carbon are added to the standards already present in basic or medium levels
• Ceiling modifications in more than 25% of the space
• Decorative elements and plasterboard ceilings in reception and office areas
• High-quality decorative finishes in meeting rooms and offices
• High-spec carpeting
• Independent heating and cooling systems in partitioned areas
• Medium-to-high quality acoustic absorption and sound management
• Spaces with extensive technological infrastructure and seamless audiovisual connectivity
• Support functions including multifunctional breakout areas, a variety of meeting rooms, and distributed collaborative spaces, enhanced with specialized features such as libraries, focus zones, and relaxation areas
• Client reception areas designed with a strong emphasis on aesthetics and hospitality experience

Construction Sector Continues to Face Cost Pressures
At the same time, findings from a survey conducted by Cushman & Wakefield, involving nearly 140 contractors across Europe, indicate that the construction sector continues to face cost pressures, although sentiment has become more optimistic. Contractors’ views on price trends are divided: 39% expect prices to remain stable, while 57% foresee moderate increases, maintaining an upward trend of around 4% annually.

These pressures are primarily driven by rising raw material and labor costs. Approximately 78% of respondents expect increases in both factors, while a small percentage anticipate significant rises. Supplier price increases are also a key factor, with 66% expecting upward adjustments. Tariffs, by contrast, do not appear to have a significant impact.

Cost pressures vary by region. In markets such as Spain and countries in Central and Eastern Europe, increases are more pronounced, reflecting stronger economic growth. In contrast, countries such as Germany, France, and Italy exhibit milder pressures due to slower growth rates.

Regarding project timelines, the overall situation remains manageable. Approximately half of contractors report delays of up to five months, while only in certain markets, such as France and Spain, are longer delays observed. Nevertheless, most expect that implementation timelines will not deteriorate further in the near future.