Startup tech occupiers in Melbourne typically cluster in Docklands, plan ~130 sqft per seat at mid fit-out ($2700–4000/sqft), and pay around 720 AUD/sqft ($43 USD) on Class A.
Startup tech occupiers in Melbourne typically cluster in Docklands, plan ~130 sqft per seat at mid fit-out">fit-out ($2700–4000/sqft), and pay around 720 AUD/sqft ($43 USD) on Class A.
Startup tech occupiers in Melbourne typically anchor in Docklands. Banking (NAB), telecom, healthcare insurance (Medibank), media.
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.
Typical startup tech fit-out targets mid specification at $2700–4000/sqft. Functional Cat-B with branded reception and standard meeting-room mix is standard.
Plan around 130 sqft per seat blended (workstation + circulation + amenity). A 100-headcount startups office in Melbourne typically targets 13,000 sqft of leasable area.
Series B–D scale-ups prioritize flexibility and signature loft stock to attract engineering talent away from incumbents. Deep professional services, banking, education, and creative talent. Strong feed from University of Melbourne, Monash, and RMIT. English-fluent professional base; multicultural workforce.
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.
| city | Melbourne |
|---|---|
| industry | Startup tech |
| naics | 541511, 541512, 518210 |
| preferredSubmarket | Docklands |
| preferredFitoutSpec | Mid |
| fitoutBand | $2700–4000/sqft |
| sqftPerSeat | 130 |
| classARentLocal | 720 AUD/sqft/yr |
| classARentUsd | $43/sqft/yr |
| vacancyPct | 18.4% |
| typicalLeaseYears | 7 |
| typicalRentFreeMonths | 14 |
| talentIndex | 84 |
| corporateTaxPct | 30% |
Reviewed by Kenji Watanabe — APAC contributing editor. Last updated 2026-04-15. See our methodology and editorial standards.