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.

You May be a Doubter … But I say: “Yes, we can!”

The Weekend Financial Review ran several articles, which seemed to echo many of the sentiments contained in my last blog about the Capital City Markets — but perhaps putting things a little more bluntly.

h3. Brisbane

Qeensland DebtMark Ludlow (on page 2) referred to Queensland as having moved from “boom state to gloom state” — because of its heavy reliance on resources. [Read more…]

Which Australian Office Markets are in Trouble?

Queensland seems to have been hardest hit. And in particular the Gold Coast, where vacancy levels have soared to around 18%.

But the difficulties confronting Queensland (and fellow mining State WA) are not necessarily reflected Australia-wide.
[Read more…]

Taking Stock of Commercial Property

As I mentioned in a recent email to some Clients, it’s been surprising how few quality properties have been forced onto the market — given the difficulties caused by current global turmoil.

You’ve heard so much lately as to how bad things are. But let’s undertake a quick comparison for Australia — between 1990 and now.
[Read more…]

Year-end Recap, on Where Things Stand!

During October, business borrowing actually expanded by a healthy 1.1 per cent — to be 13.2 per cent for the 12-month period.

However, business debt and credit cards are considered more risky than home loans. Therefore, banks will raise their risk premium in these two areas; and not lower those lending rates, as much as the RBA’s official rate cuts.
[Read more…]

Recognise the Investment Opportunities …

Anecdotal evidence suggests that consumers are cutting back on their spending around Australia. And it’s likely that luxury items and overseas travel will be the most affected.

The Flight to ValueA recent article in The Age expounded “The Flight to Value” — where Australian Property Monitors reported a 24% drop in the median price for Toorak Homes, in the 6 months to September.
[Read more…]

How You Can Capture a Strategic Advantage

With the recent financial turmoil, you’re seeing a number of potential buyers who have pulled back from the Commercial Property Market for the time being.

Therefore, for some properties, you are starting to see the “Neglect Effect” come into play.
[Read more…]

Melbourne Offices: Alive and Well

Even though things may be slowing in Queensland and over in the West … the Melbourne CBD Office market seems to be travelling quite well.
[Read more…]

Some Answers in These Troubled Times

There are a couple of questions on the minds of Commercial Property Investors at the moment.

And they go something like this.
[Read more…]