FM newsroom – fit-out, office. Office fit-out costs in Bucharest remain among the most competitive in Central and Eastern Europe. Companies continue to benefit from significantly lower costs than in Warsaw and Prague, strengthening the city’s regional appeal.
Office fit-out costs in Bucharest rose slightly in 2025, reaching an average of €1,077 per sqm, according to Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, based on its EMEA Fit-Out Cost Guide 2026.
Even with this increase, Bucharest remains one of the most affordable markets in the region, with costs still 15–18% lower than in Warsaw and Prague. Businesses are spending on average more than €10,000 per employee, underlining the capital’s strong value proposition.
Pressures Behind the Numbers
Fit-out budgets in 2025 have been shaped by ongoing economic pressures. Labour costs continue to be the main factor driving prices upwards, even as wage growth begins to ease. While some material costs have stabilised, inflation is still evident across overall project budgets, keeping financial planning under pressure.
At the same time, geopolitical uncertainty and macroeconomic volatility are making occupiers more cautious, affecting both project timelines and workforce availability.
Sustainability requirements are also playing a growing role. Investments in energy-efficient solutions and ESG-aligned upgrades are increasing upfront costs, yet they are designed to deliver savings over the longer term.
According to Andrei Ianculescu, Head of Project & Development Services at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, the market is beginning to stabilise after a period of volatility. He highlights that labour and delivery schedules remain key pressure points, but also points to a broader shift in decision-making.
Understanding the Cost Structure
A full fit-out project in Bucharest, including interior works, building management systems, furniture, audio-visual equipment and professional services, is currently budgeted at around €1,077 per sqm. Depending on complexity, materials and the condition of the space, costs can vary significantly, typically ranging from €800 to nearly €1,600 per sqm.
The largest share of the budget is allocated to architectural and installation works, followed by furniture, both of which have been notably impacted by recent price increases. In certain cases, where office spaces are already in good condition and tenant requirements are straightforward, fit-out costs can fall below €150 per sqm.
The growing availability of fitted or even fully furnished offices is also changing the market dynamic. This trend allows companies to reduce initial investment and accelerate occupancy, particularly as many organisations continue to optimise their space requirements.
A Clear Advantage in Europe
Compared with Western European markets, Bucharest’s affordability clearly stands out. In cities such as London, fit-out costs can reach around €2,686 per sqm, driven by higher wage levels and more demanding technical standards.
The 15–18% cost gap compared with Warsaw and Prague offers a tangible advantage for occupiers, particularly for large-scale or highly technical office projects, where fit-out budgets can play a decisive role in location decisions.