The Australian Industrial property sector remained generally buoyant during 2020, outperforming other commercial sectors such as retail and CBD offices which were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The industrial market remained somewhat insulated from the effects of the pandemic due to the ongoing demand for distribution and logistics, cold storage and manufacturing. In recent years there has also been increased demand for industrial land for the construction of data centres.

The property market in regional towns like Geraldton WA have experienced sharp downward pressure, with rents and values having fallen significantly since the end of the mining construction boom in 2012. There were also initial concerns that the market would soften further as a result of COVID-19.

Office rents have been severely affected by COVID since early 2020, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne.
We have considered below a comparison between a ‘benchmark’ B Grade office rent in Sydney CBD, grown at 4% per annum between 2012 and 2021. We have compared this to typical market growth for the same tenancy on a gross face basis.

The broader industrial market has remained resilient through the COVID-19 outbreak with interest still strong from purchasers for prime industrial assets with strong lease covenants as well as good locational and physical attributes.

The broader industrial market has remained resilient through the COVID-19 outbreak with interest still strong from purchasers for prime industrial assets with strong lease covenants as well as good locational and physical attributes.

Market activity in the residential housing market remains strong across most locations. This activity is being driven by a number of key factors including record low interest rates, First Home Buyers Grant, the success of the work from home model and a significant under supply of stock in most market sectors.

Medical centres remain in strong demand. The market for medical centres has remained strong through the COVID-19 pandemic and in some instances, there is evidence of strengthening.

The task of undertaking property valuations that are to be used as evidence within the Family Law Court requires a high degree of critical understanding and expertise on the behalf of a specialised valuer.