Emerging Trends in Commercial Property

Traditional Family Businesses have changed over time.SINCE THE 1800s, there has been a procession of younger family members joining long-established family businesses.

Traditionally, it has been sons following in their father’s footsteps.

But things started to change during the late 1970s and early 1980s, when you saw more daughters taking up the challenge, and also joining the family firm. [Read more…]

Commercial Property: Decisions … Decisions?

With Commercial Property you have so many choicesIT’S INTERESTING how many investors seem to “graduate” to Commercial property, after first starting out with residential property.

But when you think about it … that’s probably an understandable progression.

So, why would you Purchase Commercial Property?

Once you grasp even the basics of Commercial property, you quickly discover its NET yield is 2 to 3 times that of residential property. But more importantly, your tenants seem to stay 4 to 5 times longer. [Read more…]

City Office Markets Starting To Reclaim Their Pre-GFC Values

Office Values heading back to pre-GFC LevelsIT HAS TAKEN almost 4 years … but 2012 should see the prime Office markets in Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide expunge the capital value lost through the GFC — according to CBRE research.

In turn, this will impact upon their suburban Office markets as well.

But it might take until 2016 before Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra are able to recoup that same lost ground. [Read more…]

Is It Wise To Borrow When You Buy Commercial Property?

Prudent Borrowing can accelerate your return

There is no doubt, you can certainly accelerate your overall return from Commercial property, by gearing up with a loan.

Even so, you should FIRST make sure that you can say “Yes” to each of the following questions. [Read more…]

Your Timing Within The Commercial Property Cycle

The traditional Investment Clock for SharesIF YOU have invested in the share market, you would most likely be familiar with the so-called “Investment Clock” — which attempts to show how the economic cycle influences equities.

In essence, an over-heated economy is followed by rising interest rates and falling share prices. Then, as the economy declines interest rates start to fall and share prices rise again.

Some analysts have tried to devise a similar “clock” for Commercial property. But unfortunately, the results have generally not been useful. [Read more…]

Where Do Your Profits Come From With Commercial Property?

You need to anticipate your Tenant's needsAS AN INVESTOR in Commercial property, you need to fully appreciate where your profits actually come from.

In most cases, the key lies with your tenants … who provide you a steady stream of income.

So finding reliable tenants is crucial; which means understanding their needs, and providing them an suitable premises.

Therefore, it is essential that you continually anticipate exactly what your tenants are expecting. [Read more…]

Current Opportunities Within The Commercial Property Market

The "Emotional Cycle" suggests an upturn in activityCONTRARY TO THE VIEW of many pundits, it’s certainly not all gloom and doom out there.

The share market may well have been moving sideways within a 4000 to 5000 band, since 2009.

Plus, the two-speed economy only seems to be benefiting the miners and those within the service industries. And unfortunately, increased savings levels are frustrating the retailers no end.

However, my view remains that Australians are now poised ready to come off the bottom of the “Emotional Cycle” — armed with a level of savings seldom seen in previous upturns. [Read more…]

Is The Mining Boom Masking a Major Problem for Commercial Property in Queensland and WA?

Queensland & WA will have the greatest amount of Distressed PropertyTHIS RATHER pressing issue appears to be receiving little or no coverage at all.

But if you listen to the insolvency firms, Western Australia is about to become the “hot spot” for distressed property.

And as you can see from the chart, Queensland well and truly holds the the crown at the moment. [Read more…]

Commercial Property: The Suburban Office Market

The Suburban Office market is currently your best choiceRIGHT NOW, the Sydney suburban market is trending sideways. And that’s rather good news, because the general consensus was it was about to slump.

While its vacancy rate sits at 9.6%, there is little new space coming onto the market over the next couple of years. [Read more…]

Commercial Property: Global Influence?

Things are picking up within the US EconomyTHE LAST quarter of 2011 saw a definite improvement in the US economy — with consumer spending up, and companies finally replenishing their inventories.

GDP increased by an annualised 3%, with improved sales for durable goods and new homes.

Petrol prices have been cheaper, since mid-2011; and the US jobless rate was the lowest in nearly 3 years.

Therefore, with improved employment figures, consumers have felt more comfortable spending — which represents around 70% of US economic activity. [Read more…]

Commercial Property: What Makes for a Balanced Office Market?

EVERY capital city has both a CBD and suburban Office market. And as you can appreciate, keeping tabs on all the various suburban markets is almost an impossible task for most investors.

But generally speaking, the health (or otherwise) of the CBD Office markets within each capital city will provide you with a fairly good gauge of the overall Office scene around Australia.

Accordingly, this graph will provide you with a clear picture of what has occurred over the past 4 years.

As a rule of thumb, Office markets are said to the “in balance”, when their Vacancy Rate lies between 5% and 7%. [Read more…]