Biotech and life sciences occupiers in Melbourne typically cluster in Docklands, plan ~320 sqft per seat at high-end fit-out ($4100–6000/sqft), and pay around 720 AUD/sqft ($43 USD) on Class A.

• Preferred submarket: Docklands.
• Typical fit-out spec: High-end ($4100–6000/sqft).
• Plan ~320 sqft per seat for headcount sizing.
• Class A rent context: 720 AUD/sqft ($43 USD).
• Typical lease: 7 years with 14 months rent-free.
• Talent depth in Melbourne: 84/100.

TL;DR

• Preferred submarket: Docklands.
• Typical fit-out spec: High-end ($4100–6000/sqft).
• Plan ~320 sqft per seat for headcount sizing.
• Class A rent context: 720 AUD/sqft ($43 USD).
• Typical lease: 7 years with 14 months rent-free.
• Talent depth in Melbourne: 84/100.

Where they cluster

Biotech and life sciences occupiers in Melbourne typically anchor in Docklands. Banking (NAB), telecom, healthcare insurance (Medibank), media.

What they pay

Class A rent in Melbourne runs 720 AUD/sqft ($43 USD) on a 7-year lease with 14 months free. Prime submarkets sit at or modestly above the city index.

Spec and fit-out

Typical biotech and life sciences fit-out targets high-end specification at $4100–6000/sqft. Branded reception, full client-facing programming, premium furniture, and specialist AV are standard.

Headcount sizing

Plan around 320 sqft per seat blended (workstation + circulation + amenity). A 100-headcount biotech office in Melbourne typically targets 32,000 sqft of leasable area.

Talent angle

Cluster effects are decisive: PhD-grade talent concentrates near academic-medical anchors and translational research institutes. Deep professional services, banking, education, and creative talent. Strong feed from University of Melbourne, Monash, and RMIT. English-fluent professional base; multicultural workforce.

Tax and lease context

Headline corporate tax: 30%. Net leases. 7-10 year terms standard. Incentives of 30-45% (combination of free rent, fitout, and rent abatement) typical on a 10-year Class A deal.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Where do biotech and life sciences occupiers lease office space in Melbourne?

Most cluster in Docklands. Rent runs ~720 AUD/sqft ($43 USD) for trophy and prime stock.

What fit-out spec do biotech and life sciences occupiers run in Melbourne?

Typically high-end at $4100–6000/sqft.

How much office space per seat should a biotech and life sciences occupier plan in Melbourne?

Plan ~320 sqft per seat blended. A 100-person team typically takes 32,000 sqft.

What NAICS codes describe the biotech and life sciences vertical?

Representative NAICS 2022 codes: 541714, 541715, 325412.

What is the talent index in Melbourne?

84/100. Use the city profile for full detail.

Related

• Biotech and life sciences — global overview
• Melbourne — full city profile
• Financial services in Melbourne
• Asset management in Melbourne
• Investment banking in Melbourne
• Legal services in Melbourne

Editorial provenance

Reviewed by Kenji Watanabe — APAC contributing editor. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.

Primary sources for this page

• CBRE Marketview reports — CBRE
• JLL Office Insight — JLL
• Cushman & Wakefield Marketbeat — Cushman & Wakefield
• Savills World Research — Savills
• Colliers Global Office Outlook — Colliers

Full sources index · Submit a correction

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