European office costs continue to rise, but companies are not compromising on their demands for high-quality work environments, according to Colliers' Occupier Fit-Out Guide 2026 study.
The result is more compact, higher-quality and more flexible spaces that align with hybrid work models and growing ESG-related regulatory requirements.
"On average, companies today use 40% less office space than in the pre-Covid period, saving up to 25% on total office operating costs thanks to efficient layout solutions, shared workspaces and technology," says Jana Vlková, Director of Workplace Advisory and Office Agency at Colliers in the Czech Republic. According to her, fit-out becomes not only a construction project, but also a tool for optimizing costs and supporting employee satisfaction.
In 2025, the monthly cost of a single workstation in modern offices ranged from approximately €450 to €650, depending on the standard applied. Translated into per employee terms, this means €240 to €320 per month. Most often, companies use 14 sqm per workstation, 7 sqm per employee, and desk sharing at a ratio of 0.65 desks per employee. In Prague, fit-out prices currently range from €950 per sqm for basic solutions to €1,200 per sqm for medium standard and €1,850 per sqm for premium offices.
"Modern offices today aim for BREEAM, LEED or WELL certification. When building or fitting out, companies must use materials and construction elements with an emphasis on sustainability, low environmental impact and a healthy indoor environment," says Vlková. Although environmentally friendly materials can increase initial costs by up to 10% for premium solutions, companies save over the longer term thanks to smaller floor space and more efficient operations.
