Canberra office market tipped for strong end to year
Colliers International is confident 2019 will be a strong year for office sales in Canberra, particularly for properties valued above $10 million.
Reflecting on the state of the market at an industry event this month, Colliers International DirectorCapital Markets and Investment Services, Michael Montelibano, pointed out the ACT’s strong macroeconomic conditions.
“Our positive population growth and low unemployment, combined with relatively affordable entry points and high yields, make Canberra an attractive place to invest,” Montelibano said.
“Canberra’s office market is displaying strong fundamentals which are expected to continue for the near-term.
“These market conditions are drawing international investors to the national capital.”
Montelibano also expects investor interest to continue for the remainder of 2019.
“Office properties above the $10 million price point in established precincts such as Civic and Barton that are well leased remain highly attractive to investors. We expect yields to tighten in these markets, particularly for new build product, given decreasing vacancy and the favourable interest rate outlook.
“Significant investment activity is forecast for properties in this market segment. With over $271 million of sales in this segment year to date, we expect total 2019 sales to exceed that of 2018 by around 50%.”
Montelibano also cited the continued strong performance of the strata market and the flight to quality trend from investors and owner occupiers.
“The performance of well-located and well-leased strata stock is steady, notwithstanding pressure from tightening financing conditions and rising rates and body corporate fees. However, units in secondary markets with vacancy are presently undergoing a re-rating.”
Colliers International has noted a shift towards off-market transactions in the past five years.
“Nearly 70% of sales managed by Colliers International in 2018 were off market and there has already been over $162 million in off-market sales so far this year,” Montelibano revealed.
