Demand for outpatient medical buildings growing, say CBRE, JLL | Construction Dive
Summary
The demand for outpatient medical buildings is rising, with fit-out costs averaging $412 per square foot. Demographic shifts and policy changes are driving this trend, as healthcare providers focus on affordable outpatient facilities.
Why It Matters
This article highlights the growing trend towards outpatient medical facilities in the U.S., driven by an aging population and changes in healthcare policy. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for stakeholders in healthcare real estate, investors, and policymakers as they navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Outpatient medical building demand is increasing due to demographic shifts.
- Fit-out costs for medical offices average $412 per square foot in 2026.
- Healthcare policy changes are encouraging more procedures to be done outside hospitals.
- Outpatient volumes are expected to grow by 8% over the next five years.
- Rising costs and delivery constraints are pushing providers towards renovations over new constructions.
An article from Demand for outpatient medical buildings growing, say CBRE, JLL The average fit-out cost to turn space into a medical office building is $412 per square foot, not counting structural upgrades, according to an analysis. Published Feb. 17, 2026 Joe Burns Reporter Share Copy link Email LinkedIn X/Twitter Facebook Print License Add us on Google The average fit-out cost in 2026 is $412 per square foot for medical outpatient buildings — those that only include examination and waiting rooms and basic IT infrastructure, like the one here, according to JLL. Getty Images First published on Listen to the article 5 min This audio is auto-generated. Please let us know if you have feedback. Demographic, economic and federal policy trends are supporting a market shift to outpatient medical buildings and away from hospitals in the U.S., according to healthcare real estate specialists. For the U.S. population, “we are in the midst of what's called a silver tsunami,” Ian Anderson, senior director of research and analysis for U.S. office, life sciences, and healthcare at CBRE, said in a webinar on the company’s 2026 real estate market outlook. “The senior population of the United States is projected to grow by roughly 50% over the next 10 years.” As people age, their spending on health care tends to increase. Meanwhile, health care cost concerns are increasing. Changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are expected to increase the number of people without health insurance b...
