The condition of an office can change your renovation budget, move-in date and end-of-lease obligations. Compare the common terms before you shortlist.
| Condition | What It Usually Means | Why Consider It | Watch For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare / Bare Shell | Mostly empty premises. Landlord base-building provisions may remain, but the tenant generally plans and installs its own workplace. | Best for occupiers wanting a bespoke long-term fit-out. | Highest initial fit-out time and capital. |
| Partially Fitted | Some previous improvements remain — for example ceiling, lighting, meeting rooms, flooring or pantry — but the fit may be incomplete. | Useful when existing works match part of your requirement. | Inspect carefully; inherited items may still need alteration. |
| Fitted | A working office fit-out is already present, often including rooms, workstations or infrastructure depending on the unit. | Can reduce renovation cost and move-in time. | Confirm exactly what fixtures and furniture stay. |
| Fully Fitted / Plug-and-Play | Premises are prepared for near-immediate occupation, potentially with furniture, meeting rooms, pantry and IT-ready infrastructure. | Best for speed, project teams and lower upfront fit-out burden. | Usually less design freedom and may command a rental premium. |
| As-Is | The tenant takes over the premises substantially in its existing condition. | Can preserve a useful existing fit-out. | Record the handover condition and clarify end-of-lease reinstatement obligations. |
Count actual usable seats, meeting rooms, offices, phone booths and collaboration areas.
Air-conditioning hours, supplementary cooling, power, lighting, data cabling and server-room requirements.
Confirm which furniture, appliances and fit-out items remain and whether any are excluded from the lease.
Look for wear, ceiling stains, damaged flooring, loose partitions, old cabling and items needing repair.
Photograph and document the exact condition at handover, especially for an as-is takeover.
Check whether you must return to bare shell, original condition, or another landlord-approved condition.
Reinstatement →