Commercial Property and the Likely Impact of the Budget

CONCERN OVER HIGH INFLATION is what is causing the RBA to continue raising interest rates.

So the real question is … will the latest Budget be responsible for adding to inflationary pressures?

Anyway, let’s quickly pick apart the critical issues of the latest Budget – as far as they relate to Commercial property. [Read more…]

Immigration Could Kickstart Australia’s Growth Again

AUSTRALIA HAS ALWAYS BOASTED a solid immigration rate – to the point, where about 30% of our population has actually been born outside the country.

During the pandemic, immigration numbers fell dramatically. As a result, vital skills shortages emerged among building & construction, hospitality and rural workers.

Over the years, the best-performing countries (where Australia stands out) were generally resource-rich, new-world countries with strong population growth and a good record with corporate governance. [Read more…]

The Current Office Market is Rather Confusing

IF WORKING FROM HOME is so appealing, why are businesses and governments choosing to hold onto their office space – and in many cases, lease even more?

According to the Property Council of Australia, Melbourne’s CBD towers were only 12% occupied in December – but 88% leased. And Sydney’s CBD towers were 23% occupied, but 91% leased. [Read more…]

CBD Offices … After Covid

BEFORE THE PANDEMIC, there was a shortage of office space looming within the Sydney and Melbourne CBDs.

In fact, both were heading towards unhealthy vacancy levels of around 2% to 3%.

However, with extended lockdowns and some new supply coming onto the market … all that has clearly changed. [Read more…]

The Retail Landscape Looking Forward

LEAVING ASIDE the effect of Covid has had on the general economy, the consequent drop in population growth and immigration will have a lasting impact upon … [Read more…]

Why is Everyone Surprised at Our Speedy Recovery?

IF YOU REMEMBER back to last May and June of last year, I explained that the economic decline caused by COVID was quite different from any other recessions.

What we experienced was a Medical Crisis with economic implications. As opposed to a total collapse of the Financial System – as you experienced during the GFC. [Read more…]

What’s the New Normal for The Post-COVID Office?

BEFORE COVID, Australians worked less from home than their counterparts overseas. However, now things have apparently been reversed.

And even though Australian office workers say they’ve been far more productive at home … there is a keenness to return to an office environment. [Read more…]

Australia’s Job Recovery Post COVID-19

DESPITE A RECENT surge in positive COVID-19 cases for Victoria, the infection rates detected by its testing blitz have remained at a very low 0.2%.

And so, that would suggest the virus is not widespread within the community.

Furthermore, there hasn’t been any marked increase in the number of cases actually requiring hospitalisation.

Half of the Job Losses to be Back by Christmas

[Read more…]

The Stimulus Packages: What Business & Property Owners Need to Know

AMID THE COVID-19 pandemic, the government has announced several stimulus packages to help Australian businesses. If you’re a business or property owner, here is what you need to know.  [Read more…]

Economy Continues to Grow

IN REALITY, the Australian economy is showing solid growth in the metropolitan areas. And there is a flow-on effect into most regional cities – the only exceptions being those areas recently struck by drought and bushfires.

While not buoyant (and there may be a short-term pullback from natural disasters) … overall, the economic fundamentals look fine.

Therefore, we need to steer clear from unwittingly talking ourselves into recession. Because, as soon as confidence returns (and it will), consumers will start spending again. [Read more…]

Why Do Politicians Pay Such Scant Regard to the Truth?


SURELY THE GENERAL PUBLIC aren’t that gullible? Maybe they are.

Everyone knows politicians tend to massage the truth to suit their purpose. However, it seams Bill Shorten is once again trying to mislead people – in much the same way as he did with the “Medi-scare” campaign, in the lead up to the last election. [Read more…]