The Queensland commercial property market continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, with a diverse range of transactions across retail, industrial, and development sectors. Recent lease agreements, property acquisitions, and government-approved developments signal strong demand for well-located assets in both suburban and regional areas. From bustling retail spaces in Taringa to industrial hubs like Murarrie and Rothwell, investors are presented with numerous opportunities to capitalise on emerging trends and secure long-term returns. As the state addresses housing shortages and infrastructure growth, strategic investments in these high-performing sectors can offer significant value in the evolving property landscape.

Retail:

Taringa, QLD

·       Tenant: Figgz Cafe

·       Lease Details: Four-year lease with an option over a 128 sqm shopfront

·       Rent: $54,400 gross per year plus GST

·       Location: 486 Whitmore Street

·       Commentary: Figgz Cafe's commitment to a long-term lease in Taringa highlights the ongoing demand for well-located retail spaces in Brisbane’s south-west. The location is ideal for capturing local foot traffic, and the gross lease structure provides clarity and predictability for both tenant and landlord.

Beaudesert, QLD

·       Tenant: Barber Shop

·       Lease Details: Three-year lease with an option over a 58 sqm retail unit

·       Rent: $35,000 net per year plus GST

·       Location: Beaudesert Central Shopping Centre, 1/125-143 Brisbane Street

·       Commentary: The barber shop's lease in Beaudesert Central Shopping Centre reflects the steady demand for retail units in regional centres. The net lease arrangement, which excludes outgoings, indicates a strong tenant commitment to the location.

Development & Land:

Kallangur, QLD

·       Buyer: Roycorp (Gold Coast-based townhouse developer)

·       Transaction Details: Purchase of a 5,547 sqm infill site for $3.45 million at auction

·       Location: 79-85 School Road

·       Zoning: General residential, with potential for medium-density residential development

·       Commentary: The acquisition of this Kallangur site by Roycorp underscores the ongoing interest in infill development sites in Brisbane’s northern suburbs. With a previous approval for a 270-bed student housing project, the site’s versatility offers significant development potential in a growing area.

Qld govt approves controversial redevelopment

Queensland Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon has approved the controversial redevelopment of the Arundel Hills Country Club golf course, which will allow the construction of at least 650 homes. This decision comes after the club was abandoned due to the owner's financial troubles. The $150 million development, led by Arundel Estate Developments Pty Ltd, had previously been unanimously rejected by the Gold Coast Council, leading the developers to appeal.

Scanlon's approval, facilitated through a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI), overrides the council's decision and includes provisions for a minimum of 20% affordable housing. Over 60% of the 67-hectare site will be preserved for recreation and conservation. The project aims to address the Gold Coast’s housing shortage, as the area requires over 6,000 new homes annually. The site will include a mix of low-rise and medium-density housing, with some areas reserved for wildlife conservation and public amenities (Ministerial Media Statements,Mirage News,7NEWS).

Industrial:

Rothwell, QLD

·       Tenant: JD Pinoy

·       Lease Details: Two-year lease over a warehouse and office unit

·       Rent: $47,400 gross per year

·       Location: 2/B2 739 Deception Bay Road

·       Commentary: JD Pinoy's lease in Rothwell highlights the demand for industrial units with office space in the northern suburbs. The gross lease simplifies cost management for the tenant, making it an attractive option for businesses seeking flexibility and functionality.

Carole Park, QLD

·       Buyer: Brisbane engineering company

·       Transaction Details: Purchase of a vacant warehouse for $8 million plus GST

·       Property Size: 1,872 sqm warehouse on an 8,724 sqm corner land parcel

·       Location: 148-150 Cobalt Street

·       Commentary: This acquisition by a Brisbane engineering company is a strategic move to accommodate growth. The purchase of a property held by the same owners for nearly 40 years underscores the value of well-located industrial assets in Brisbane’s south. The corner land parcel offers future expansion potential, making it a sound long-term investment.

Regional Insights:

Townsville, QLD

·       Auction Highlights:

o   450-456 Bayswater Rd: Fast food and convenience retail outlet sold for $7.8 million with a yield of 7.3%.

o   77-79 Bowen Rd: Caltex service station with Night Owl sold for $3.04 million.

o   Bolam St, Garbutt: Soon-to-be rebranded Caltex service station and industrial depot sold for $2.881 million.

Townsville's commercial property market continues to attract southern investors, driven by the region’s strong economic fundamentals and high-performing assets with long-term lease security. The success of these auctions demonstrates growing investor confidence in North Queensland, with attractive yields that have traditionally been reserved for more southern region.

Murarrie, QLD

·       Seller: New Britain Catholic Investment (Registered charity)

·       Transaction Details: Sale of three industrial properties in Brisbane for a combined total of nearly $14.4 million.

1.      Murarrie Properties:

o   Location: 1-5/22 Alexandra Place and 4/9 Archimedes Place

o   Details: Six units sold for just under $8 million

o   Buyers: Five investors and one owner-occupier

o   Commentary: The sale of these six industrial units in Murarrie to a mix of investors and owner-occupiers reflects the continuing demand for industrial assets in Brisbane's eastern suburbs. Murarrie’s strategic location, close to the Brisbane CBD and Port of Brisbane, makes it an attractive area for businesses requiring access to key transport routes.

2.      Capalaba Property:

o   Location: 33-35 Neumann Road, Capalaba

o   Details: Sold for $6.4 million to an owner-occupier

o   Commentary: The sale of the Capalaba property to an owner-occupier highlights the appeal of southeast Brisbane for industrial users. Capalaba is known for its industrial hubs, offering strong connectivity to major roads and infrastructure. The owner-occupier acquisition suggests confidence in the long-term growth prospects of the area.

New Britain Catholic Investment, having collected these properties between 2003 and 2008, capitalised on the strong demand for industrial properties in Brisbane. With total sales of nearly $14.4 million, the transaction reflects the resilience of Brisbane’s industrial market, where both investors and owner-occupiers are actively seeking opportunities.

Investors should focus on sectors and locations that align with growing demand. Retail properties in prime suburban and regional locations, development sites in growth corridors, and well-located industrial assets remain solid investment opportunities. Furthermore, staying attuned to government interventions and regional market dynamics can offer unique investment prospects with attractive yields and growth potential.

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