How much does facilities management cost in Australia?

Short answer

Facilities management is normally priced as a fixed fee for defined services, a management fee plus the cost of works, or a schedule of rates for reactive work. The total depends on the size and condition of the buildings, the services included, the response times and the level of reporting, so quotes should be compared like for like.

Common pricing models

Fixed fee: a set monthly price for a defined scope, such as cleaning and planned maintenance.
Management fee plus pass-through: the provider charges a fee to manage services, and passes through contractor costs, sometimes with a margin.
Schedule of rates: agreed prices per hour or per task, used for reactive repairs and extra work.
Cost-plus or open book: actual cost plus an agreed margin, with costs shown to the client.

What drives the cost

Size, age and condition of the buildings and their plant.
Hours of service and response times, especially 24/7 reactive cover.
Compliance programs and testing frequency.
Number of sites and how far apart they are.
Reporting, technology and supervision levels.

How to compare quotes

Ask each provider to price the same scope, state what is excluded, and show how reactive work is charged. A low headline price can hide high rates for extra work.

Ask about the extras

Call-out fees and after-hours rates.
Mark-up on materials and subcontractors.
Costs to add or remove sites.
Annual price review terms.

Progress prepares a written scope and price after a site walk-through, so the figures are based on your sites, not a generic rate.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a standard price per square metre?

Not a reliable one. Costs vary widely by building type, services and location, so ask for a quote based on your actual scope.

Is fixed-price always cheaper?

Not always. Fixed price gives certainty, but make sure the scope is clear so variations do not appear later.

This page is general information about the topic and is not legal, financial or safety advice. Requirements vary by state, site and contract. Last reviewed 30 October 2026.