Mumbai
India has a different and cost-effective structure for office fit-outs compared to other Asia-Pacific countries, a new report by JLL has revealed. Builders' work costs in India make up 32% of the total, which is much lower than the 41% average in the wider APAC region. This shows India’s labour costs are more affordable.
However, India spends more on mechanical and electrical systems, such as HVAC, electrical, fire, and UPS systems. These account for 29% of total costs, above the APAC average of 21%. Experts say this is because Indian landlords may not fully provide these systems, so tenants must spend more to install them.
Jipujose James, Managing Director at PDS India, said companies should plan budgets wisely. They must also consider currency changes and import taxes when planning office fit-outs.
Technology is playing a bigger role in Indian offices. Spending on security, IT, and AV systems makes up 17% of fit-out costs. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment add another 16%. These costs often depend on imported items, so prices may vary.
Dr. Samantak Das, Chief Economist at JLL, said modern, high-performance office spaces are important to attract and keep talent in India. He added that India is also moving toward eco-friendly reinstatement models. These models encourage reusing existing infrastructure, which lowers environmental harm and saves money in the long run.
Overall, India’s fit-out model mixes savings with smart spending, offering both value and modern features for businesses building new workspaces.