Archives for March 2009

Looking into the Future for CBD Offices

An earlier post outlined my view on how the various CBD Office Markets would perform around Australia.

Future CBD Office Vacancies

Future CBD Office Vacancies


And a report by the ANZ Bank (in yesterday’s Financial Review) pretty much confirmed that previous advice.

Interestingly, their take on the level of vacancies is that it will not reach anything as bad as the 1990s.

But Perth, Brisbane and Sydney will be the most affected … and slowest to recover.

Demand Finally Surfaces!

The pent-up demand for housing serves to underline that this downturn is more like the credit squeeze of the mid-1970s, than the recession of the early 1990s.

It’s principally a confidence thing.

Surge in 1st Home-Buyer Activity

Surge in 1st Home-Buyer Activity


However, the recent surge in purchases by first-home buyers confirms that with the encouragement of low interest rates and government hand-outs … the buyers will play their part.

More importantly, the flow-on effect throughout the construction industry will give our economy a much needed lift.

Victoria is Starting to Shine

Victoria may not have grown as fast as Queensland and WA over the whole of 2008.

December Quarter Growth Figures

December Quarter Growth Figures


However, it far outstripped every other State for the December — once the full impact of the global turmoil had started to take effect.

And as mentioned in an earlier posting … the positive impact of the Bush Fire Relief funds will certainly help to shore up Victoria’s position even further.