When an office no longer works for your business, the choice can feel simple – improve the space you have, or move somewhere new. In most cases, an office refurbishment will cost less upfront – but the cheaper option overall depends on a number of factors.
Before you decide which option to go for, you need to consider your lease, the condition of your current office and what your team needs next.
How much does an office refurbishment cost?
Refurbishing lets you make better use of a building you already occupy – there’s no set cost. This could involve:
- Reconfigure the office layout
- Add quiet or collaboration spaces
- Improve lighting and acoustics
- Update meeting rooms for hybrid working
And many other options, each of which would change the sum you should expect to spend. But broadly speaking, if the structure and essential services are in good condition, keeping the existing space may save money.
Regardless of what you spend on a refurb, you’ll avoid any moving costs and the outlay for a fit-out of the new premises.
The scope of your refurbishment is important, as unexpected issues can always arise, affecting your potential spend. It’s advisable to include contingency in your budget and engage an experienced office refurbishment firm that can anticipate such challenges.
How much does office relocation cost?
The first thing to take into account is that an office move is far more than the cost of vans and removal workers on the day. Your total relocation bill may need to incorporate:
- Fit-out of your new office
- IT and telecoms changes
- Storage
- Professional fees
Plus, you may be obliged to complete any work on the office you’re leaving, to restore it to the conditions of your lease obligations. And of course, there are the costs associated with disruptions to staff and day-to-day operations.
As a rough benchmark, Cushman & Wakefield’s 2026 office fit-out costs guide quotes £200 per sq ft in Birmingham, £210 in Manchester and £243 in London.
Once the extra expenditures are added on top, it’s easy to see how total costs of relocation can mount up.
So which option is cheaper?
There’s no definitive answer that fits all – but before you make any decisions, compare like-for-like where you can, including:
- Rental costs
- Business rates
- Service charges
- Fit-out
- Moving fees
- Likely running costs
- Lease exit obligations
It’s advisable to take advantage of professional office design and consultation services if possible, to get a better handle on likely expenditure.
Ready to create an inspiring workplace?
If your current building is suitable and needs a manageable update, refurbishment is often the lower-cost route. But if it no longer supports your business, staying may mean spending money on a space you’ll outgrow or leave soon anyway.
If you need support creating a clear brief and defining a realistic budget for your goals, please contact us.