Workplace glossary

What is Occupancy Cost?

Definition & practical guide1 min read

Occupancy cost is the total cost of occupying property: rent, service charges, business rates, utilities, facilities services, insurance and fit-out depreciation. For most office-based organisations it is the second-largest cost line after payroll.

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Finance teams usually track it as cost per square metre and cost per employee, then benchmark against peers. The hybrid-era question is different: cost per attendance. Dividing occupancy cost by actual person-days in the office reveals what each office visit really costs the business.

Common questions

What does Occupancy Cost mean in simple terms?

Occupancy cost is the total cost of occupying property: rent, service charges, business rates, utilities, facilities services, insurance and fit-out depreciation. For most office-based organisations it is the second-largest cost line after payroll.

How do you calculate Occupancy Cost?

Finance teams usually track it as cost per square metre and cost per employee, then benchmark against peers. The hybrid-era question is different: cost per attendance. Dividing occupancy cost by actual person-days in the office reveals what each office visit really costs the business.