A Word of Caution!

Posted on 28. Jun, 2011 by Chris Lang.

Of all the sectors within the Commercial market, most people feel comfortable with Retail. And that's only natural — because all your family members are usually going in out of shops, as part of their everyday life.

However, familiarity with something doesn't always make for good investment decisions.

Continue Reading

Why Do Some Investors Fail at
Commercial Real Estate Investing?

Posted on 28. Apr, 2011 by Chris Lang.

Most investors fail to properly research the market and understand the relationship each sector (office, retail & industrial) has with the local economy, nearby competition and the marketplace itself.

Continue Reading

Retail Reality

Posted on 01. Feb, 2011 by Chris Lang.

As this graph shows, there is a long-term relationship between unemployment and retail vacancies.

Using just this measure alone, you could easily assume there would be a healthy couple of years ahead of the retail sector.

Continue Reading

CBD Offices Can Expect Solid Growth

Posted on 13. Jan, 2011 by Chris Lang.

What a difference a year can make to Office markets around Australia. Twelve months ago, the rest of the world was anticipating double-dip recession. And white-collar employment was looking rather fragile here in Australia — particularly for Sydney, with its high exposure to the finance industry. Even so, Melbourne's office leasing market remained strong throughout [...]

Continue Reading

Retail Property Facing Challenges

Posted on 22. Dec, 2010 by Chris Lang.

Having weathered the recent rate increases, consumer confidence seems to have risen just a measly 0.3% during November — according to the latest Westpac/Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment index. Households still appear to prefer paying down debt, rather than spending — with Australia's saving level hovering around a record 10.5% of its disposable income.

Continue Reading

Office Leasing the Stand-out Performer

Posted on 15. Dec, 2010 by Chris Lang.

Office leasing activity picked up in most capital cities around Australia, over the past year. In some instances, quite significantly. And with the supply side basically "on hold", you should soon start to see this translate into some solid rental increases.

Continue Reading

September Growth Figures
Just a Pothole in the Road

Posted on 08. Dec, 2010 by Chris Lang.

Relax, it hasn't all come to an end. Sure, the Australian economy may have grown by only 0.2% in the September quarter. And retail sales might have actually fallen by 1.1% for October. However, the overwhelming consensus is that this is merely an aberration. And the underlying growth projections remain very favourable — with the [...]

Continue Reading

Most Economists Agree ...

Posted on 24. Nov, 2010 by Chris Lang.

Which, when you think about it, is quite an achievement in itself! About a fortnight ago,Treasurer Wayne Swan was crowing about the Labor government's achievements during his Mid-Year Outlook.

Continue Reading

Are Offices "The Go"?

Posted on 17. Nov, 2010 by Chris Lang.

Just take a look around your capital city CBD. And tell me, how many cranes to currently see on the skyline? In most cities, you could count them on one hand — as there is minimal speculative development occurring right now.

Continue Reading

Will They ... or Won't They?

Posted on 26. Oct, 2010 by Chris Lang.

Last month, the RBA left rates on hold — because of what it saw as mixed signals within the Australian economy. And the rising $A is certainly making its job easier, by generally cooling activity. Growth within the Construction industry appears to have fallen to its lowest level in 18 years. Although turnover for mining [...]

Continue Reading

Global Progress?

Posted on 13. Oct, 2010 by Chris Lang.

The IMF has recently trimmed its overall global forecast — down to 4.2% from 4.3%, for 2011. The emerging and developing economies are tipped to grow by 6.4% (with China's growth being over 9%). Whereas, the various advanced economies are expected to grow by a subdued 2.2%, on average. However, any double-dip recession is considered [...]

Continue Reading