If you are renting a bare unit office in Kuala Lumpur, one of the biggest questions is:
How much does office renovation cost per sqft?
Renovation cost depends on design, material quality, and office size. Below is a realistic 2026 market estimate for KL offices.
RM 80 – RM 120 per sqft
Suitable for:
Simple open-plan layout
Minimal partitions
Basic lighting and wiring
Standard flooring
Example:
1,500 sqft office × RM100 = RM150,000
Best for:
SMEs
Budget-conscious companies
Short to medium-term tenancy
RM 120 – RM 180 per sqft
Includes:
Glass meeting rooms
Manager rooms
Reception counter
Pantry
Carpet tiles or vinyl flooring
Ceiling & lighting upgrades
Example:
2,000 sqft × RM150 = RM300,000
Best for:
Established companies
Professional service firms
3–5 year tenancy plans
RM 180 – RM 300+ per sqft
Includes:
Custom carpentry
Feature walls
Branded reception area
Acoustic treatment
Smart office system
High-end materials
Example:
3,000 sqft × RM220 = RM660,000
Best for:
MNC
Corporate HQ
Long-term lease (5+ years)
Estimated Cost Breakdown (2026):
Basic Office (Standard Flooring/Partitions): RM80 – RM130 per sqft.
Mid-Range Corporate (Glass/Custom Furniture): RM140 – RM200 per sqft.
Premium / MNC HQ: RM250+ per sqft.
Small Space (1,000 sq ft): RM60,000 – RM120,000
Grade A buildings may require higher specification materials.
Electrical load upgrade
Server room setup
Extra air-conditioning
More partitions = higher cost
More glass panels = higher cost
Loose furniture is usually separate from renovation cost.
Key Considerations for Bare Units:
M&E Works (Crucial): 30–40% of your budget should be allocated to unseen costs like wiring, air-conditioning ducting, and fire sprinkler relocation.
Timeline: Double the contractor's estimated time to allow for delays.
Furniture/IT: These are often additional costs; desks can cost RM500–RM2,500 each.
Location Impact: KL City Centre typically carries higher costs compared to surrounding areas
Professional fees (Designer / Architect)
Authority submission (if required)
Building management deposit
Air-conditioning extended hours deposit
IT infrastructure setup
Always prepare extra 10–15% contingency budget.
Office Size: 2,000 sqft
Renovation: RM150/sqft = RM300,000
Furniture: RM50,000
IT Setup: RM30,000
Total Budget: Around RM380,000 – RM420,000
If renovation cost is too high, you may consider:
Fully fitted office
Ready-to-move-in office
Serviced office
Sometimes paying slightly higher rental can save you hundreds of thousands in upfront cost.
If you are signing:
2 years lease → Consider fully fitted
3–5 years lease → Renovation may make sense
5+ years lease → Custom design gives better long-term value
Ahmad Fadli Ayub (Fadli Quzza)
Office Building Specialist
I specialize in office space rental across Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley. I help companies find the most suitable office based on their requirements, budget, and expansion plans.
My service is 100% free, from shortlisting to viewing and negotiation.
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