Explore the best medical fit-out finance options for your Australian clinic. Learn how to design smarter, save costs, and boost efficiency.

Key takeaways

• Average fit-out cost: Medical clinics in Australia generally cost between $1,200 to $2,000+ per sqm to fit out, with specialised areas like dental or radiology clinics costing more.
• Financing options: Over 70% of Australian practices use finance options such as chattel mortgages, fit-out loans, or equipment leasing to manage cash flow effectively.
• Tax benefits: Eligible businesses can still access the temporary full expensing scheme (until 30 June 2025), allowing them to write off the full cost of fit-out works and equipment.
• Timeline: Medical fit-outs usually take 8 to 16 weeks, not including 4 to 6 weeks for design and approvals.
• Smart design pays off: Efficient layouts and sustainable upgrades can reduce ongoing operational costs by 15–25% annually.
• Compliance budget: Building compliance into your design can add an extra 15–20% to your total fit-out cost—but avoids costly rework later.

Introduction: Why fit-out finance matters

Launching or renovating your clinic is about much more than just aesthetics. It’s a strategic investment in your brand, your operations, and your patient experience. But with inflation and rising construction costs still impacting the Australian healthcare sector, it’s never been more important to plan your fit-out and financing carefully.

Whether you're starting a new practice in Sydney, fitting out a specialist clinic in Brisbane, or upgrading your rural GP rooms, medical fit-out finance gives you the flexibility to create a compliant, high-functioning space—without exhausting your savings.

Understanding medical fit-out costs in Australia

Knowing what you’re likely to spend is the first step to planning a smarter clinic.

Average fit-out costs (per square metre):

• General Medical Clinic: $1,200 – $1,800 per sqm
• Specialist Clinic (e.g. dermatology, allied health): $1,600 – $2,200 per sqm
• Dental Practice: $2,000 – $2,800 per sqm
• Radiology/Imaging Suites: $2,500+ per sqm

What drives up the cost:

• Integration of specialist equipment (dental chairs, imaging systems, autoclaves)
• Regulatory and compliance requirements (ADA standards, infection control)
• Location-related challenges (e.g. older buildings, CBD spaces)
• Custom joinery, cabinetry, and fit-for-purpose furniture
• Installation of medical gases, plumbing, and power/data infrastructure

Fit-out finance options: What’s available?

Most clinics aren’t working with hundreds of thousands in upfront capital. The good news? There are several flexible ways to finance your fit-out.

Popular finance options for medical fit-outs:

• Chattel Mortgage:
• You own the asset outright
• GST can usually be claimed upfront
• Depreciation and interest deductions apply
• Medical Fit-Out Loan (Unsecured or Secured):
• Tailored for flooring, walls, joinery, lighting and partitions
• Fixed interest terms over 3 to 7 years
• May be bundled with other setup costs
• Equipment Leasing or Rental:
• 100% tax-deductible repayments
• Easy upgrades at lease end
• Helps preserve working capital
• Business Overdraft or Line of Credit:
• Great for covering unexpected costs
• Interest-only payments during construction phase

Smarter design that delivers long-term value

A clinic designed with intention pays off in spades—through better patient flow, reduced energy use, and easier maintenance.

Design tips to boost efficiency and return:

• Separate clinical areas from admin to streamline operations
• Choose modular cabinetry and movable walls to support future reconfiguration
• Use LED lighting and efficient HVAC to cut energy bills by up to 20%
• Soundproof consultation and treatment rooms for better patient privacy
• Use durable, easy-to-sanitise surfaces to improve hygiene and longevity

Compliance: Plan for it, don’t pay for it later

In Australia, compliance is non-negotiable—and failing to plan for it during your fit-out can lead to costly retrofits and delays.

Key compliance areas:

• Building Code of Australia (BCA)
• Electrical standards (AS/NZS 3003)
• Disability access and mobility (DDA compliance)
• Infection prevention and control (e.g. correct hand basin placement)
• State and local planning approvals

Budgeting tip: Set aside 15–20% of your fit-out budget for compliance upgrades, including things like automatic doors, lead-lining for X-ray rooms, and compliant accessible bathrooms.

Don’t miss the tax advantages

If you're financing a fit-out before 30 June 2025, you may still be eligible for the temporary full expensing scheme.

Eligible deductions include:

• Fit-out works (walls, flooring, partitions)
• Equipment purchases (chairs, imaging units, lighting)
• Installation costs (plumbing, aircon, IT systems)
  
  

Example: If you spend $180,000 on a clinic fit-out and equipment, you may be able to deduct the full amount in the same financial year—rather than over several years of depreciation. Always confirm with your accountant based on your structure and turnover.

Timeline and financing strategy

A clear timeline helps you avoid delays—and secure the right type of finance at each stage.

Typical fit-out schedule:

• Design and approvals: 4–6 weeks
• Construction and fit-out: 8–12 weeks
• Equipment installation and testing: 2–4 weeks
• Certification and final inspections: 1–2 weeks

Financing recommendations:

• Use drawdown-based loans to match progress payments
• Opt for interest-only periods during construction
• Don’t finance fit-outs with short-term loans—align loan term to asset life
• Secure finance approval early to negotiate better contractor terms

Location-specific insights: Where smart fit-outs matter most

In competitive or high-growth areas, getting your fit-out right from day one is critical to standing out.

Popular locations for new clinics:

• Sydney’s Inner West and Lower North Shore: High demand, premium rents, competitive patient markets
• South Brisbane and Gold Coast: Growing suburban areas with family-centric demographics
• Northern Melbourne suburbs: Rapid development and multicultural patient base
• Perth and Adelaide outer suburbs: Affordable rents and more space for custom-built rooms

Leverage finance to set up a full-service, future-ready clinic even in high-demand areas.

FAQ: Medical fit-out finance in Australia

Can I finance my clinic’s fit-out and equipment together?
Yes. Many lenders offer bundled finance packages that cover construction works and medical equipment in a single agreement.

Do I need to provide a deposit for fit-out finance?
Not always. Some lenders provide 100% funding, particularly if you have a strong business case or existing practice history.

How long should I finance my fit-out over?
Most clinics opt for 3 to 5 years. Try to align the term with the expected life of the fit-out, which is usually 7 to 10 years.

Is fit-out finance tax-deductible?
Yes. You can typically claim interest and depreciation. With the temporary full expensing scheme, the entire asset cost may be deductible upfront.

How quickly can I get approved?
Finance approval can be secured within 5 to 10 business days if you have a clear fit-out plan and supporting documents.

Conclusion

Smart medical fit-out finance empowers you to launch or upgrade your clinic without draining your cash reserves. Whether you’re a first-time practice owner or scaling to a second location, the right finance structure helps you design a functional, compliant, and welcoming clinic that stands the test of time.

With equipment leasing, chattel mortgages, and tax-effective loans, there’s never been a better time to plan your dream practice—and let your finance strategy do the heavy lifting.