Sharing a Consulting Room With Another Practitioner: A Co-Location Guide for Australia

You’re a physio with a full caseload three days a week, and your colleague — a psychologist — works the other two. You both need a clinical room in the same suburb. Why not share the space and split the cost? It sounds straightforward, but co-location has hidden traps that can turn a good arrangement sour.

The Problem: Solo Leases Are Expensive, But Sharing Blindly Is Risky

Renting a consulting room solo in Australia can cost anywhere from AUD 35 to 80 per hour, depending on your city and suburb. In Sydney’s Inner West, a full-day rate of AUD 150–300 is common. For a practitioner working two days a week, that’s AUD 1,200–2,400 per month just for space. Splitting that with another practitioner halves the cost but introduces new headaches: scheduling clashes, client confidentiality, and differing professional standards.

The Alternative: Structured Co-Location

Co-location means two (or more) practitioners share one consulting room, each using it on separate days or time blocks. Done right, it’s a smart financial move. Done poorly, it’s a source of stress and potential regulatory issues.

How It Works in Practice

You and your co-locator agree on a schedule — usually a clear split like Monday/Wednesday for you, Tuesday/Thursday for them. Each practitioner handles their own bookings, billing, and client records. The room is shared, but the practice is separate.

The Key Rules for Success

1. Written Agreement First Never rely on a handshake. Draft a simple co-location agreement that covers:

Days and times each practitioner uses the room

Cost split (50/50 is standard, but adjust if one uses it more)

Notice period for changes or termination

Responsibility for shared supplies (hand sanitiser, paper towels, etc.)

2. Client Separation is Non-Negotiable Each practitioner must have their own secure client files — no shared filing cabinets or digital folders. Use separate devices or password-protected accounts. If you’re both seeing clients on the same day (e.g., morning/afternoon split), ensure a 15-minute buffer between sessions for cleaning and privacy.

3. Scheduling Must Be Crystal Clear Use a shared digital calendar (Google Calendar or similar) that both can edit. Block out your times. If one of you cancels a day, the other can offer to use it — but only with explicit permission. No showing up on someone else’s day.

4. Conflict of Interest Check Are you both in the same field? A physio and a psychologist can share a room without competing for clients. Two GPs in the same suburb? That might cause friction if patients start booking with the cheaper option. Be upfront about your client base and referral networks.

The Evidence: Real Numbers That Work

Consider this scenario:

A consulting room in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley rents for AUD 50/hour, available full-time.

Practitioner A (physio) uses it Monday, Wednesday, Friday (24 hours/week).

Practitioner B (psychologist) uses it Tuesday, Thursday (16 hours/week).

Total weekly cost: AUD 2,000. Split 60/40 (based on usage): A pays AUD 1,200, B pays AUD 800.

Each saves roughly AUD 200–400/week compared to renting their own room part-time.

That’s a saving of AUD 10,000–20,000 per year per practitioner — real money that can go into equipment, marketing, or your pocket.

Key Questions to Ask Before You Commit

What happens if one of us wants to leave? Agree on a notice period — 30 days is standard — and how the remaining practitioner finds a replacement.

Who handles cleaning and maintenance? Decide upfront: each cleans after their own use, or you share a cleaner cost.

What about insurance? Each practitioner needs their own professional indemnity insurance. The room’s public liability insurance should cover both, but check the policy.

Can we see clients at the same time? Only if the room is large enough for separate setups and you have soundproofing. For most rooms, it’s one practitioner at a time.

Ready to Make Co-Location Work?

Sharing a consulting room is one of the smartest ways to cut overheads while maintaining professional independence. But it requires structure, not just a handshake.

For practitioners: Browse available rooms on HealthcareRooms where co-location is welcomed. Filter by suburb, room size, and availability to find a space that fits your schedule and budget. Search consulting rooms in your city or explore options in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane.

For practice managers: If you have a room with flexible scheduling, list it on HealthcareRooms and attract reliable practitioners who value structure and professionalism. List your room today and start earning from your spare capacity.

Read our full guide to renting healthcare rooms in Australia for more on lease types, costs, and negotiation tips.