FIT OUT COST GUIDE 2025

The cost of medium-scale office decoration in Istanbul has increased by €180 over the past year, reaching €1,550/sqm

In Istanbul, the cost of mid-level office fit-outs rose from €1,370/sqm in 2024 to €1,550/sqm in 2025 — a 13% increase. With this rise, Istanbul ranked as the 22nd most expensive city among 52 European cities.

The main reasons for the increase in costs were exchange rate fluctuations, imported material prices, and the widespread adoption of smart building technologies.

The main drivers behind the cost increase were fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, the rising prices of imported materials, and the growing adoption of smart building technologies. Additionally, factors such as a shortage of skilled labor, increasing labor costs, and higher infrastructure expenses due to the integration of smart building systems have also contributed to the rising costs. Furthermore, the trend of investors seeking integrated design, implementation, and consultancy services has pushed costs even higher.

Resilient Outlook for the European Office Market

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, the European office market continues to show resilience, according to the report. Interest rate cuts in the second half of the year led to increased business confidence, resulting in 10.3 million square meters of office space being leased in 2024 — a 5% increase compared to the previous year. Demand has been particularly strong for high-quality, Grade A buildings located near transportation infrastructure. This segment accounted for 50% of all leases, up from just over 40% in 2019.

The New Era of Offices: Technology, Comfort, and Sustainability

Multinational companies operating under the EU Green Deal and ESG reporting frameworks have begun implementing environmentally friendly practices in office projects in Türkiye. Energy-efficient systems, green building certifications (LEED, BREEAM), waste management, eco-friendly materials, and digital building management technologies are now key criteria for office projects — not only for their environmental impact but also for ensuring financial sustainability.