Shopfitters in Victoria (VIC)

Your complete guide to shopfitting in Victoria: licensing, approvals, real costs and how to find a licensed shopfitter for your next retail, hospitality or commercial fitout.

Who regulates shopfitting in Victoria?

Shopfitting in VIC sits under Victorian Building Authority (VBA). Fitouts involving building work may require a registered builder, and occupancy or permits can apply depending on the scope. Melbourne’s CBD and laneway precincts frequently involve heritage overlays — check the Melbourne Planning Scheme early.

What does a shopfitting cost in Victoria?

Melbourne retail fitouts generally fall between $1,200 and $3,000 per square metre. Heritage overlays in laneway and CBD locations can add consent time and cost, so confirm any heritage constraints before signing a lease.

Key areas we cover

Melbourne, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo. Our VIC directory (below) lists shopfitters by service area.

Before you sign a lease

• Confirm the licence: ask for the contractor’s licence number and verify it with Victorian Building Authority.
• Get the fitout guidelines from the landlord or centre manager before design starts.
• Check if your use triggers change-of-use approval, accessibility upgrades (AS 1428) or services upgrades.
• Insist on an itemised quote: make-good obligations, after-hours access and services caps are where budgets blow out.