As residential investors gain confidence and stability in their portfolios, many start asking the same question: Should I be looking at commercial property next?
At Streamline Property Buyers, we’ve seen a growing interest in commercial real estate, particularly in Brisbane, among investors who want to diversify, build stronger income streams, and take advantage of longer lease terms. If that’s you, this guide will give you a deeper understanding of what commercial property investing involves and why now may be the right time to consider it.
Why Commercial Property?
While our core service traditionally centres around residential buyers and investors, our background in commercial and industrial construction, as well as our personal experience investing in commercial assets, gives us unique insight into this more complex segment of the market.
We’ve helped clients purchase and fit out everything from medical suites and offices to industrial warehouses, tailoring spaces to match their business needs. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to buy your own premises or a residential investor thinking about your next move, here’s what you need to know.
Types of Commercial Property
Commercial property includes anything that’s not residential, such as:
- Industrial: Warehouses, storage units, trade sheds
- Office space: CBD and suburban offices
- Retail: Shops, service outlets, takeaway businesses
- Medical & Healthcare: GP clinics, dental practices, physios, allied health
- Agricultural & Special Use: Cold storage, food logistics, distribution centres
Each has different levels of accessibility, risk, and return. Let’s explore the opportunities, starting with industrial.
1. The Rise of Industrial Property
Industrial real estate has outperformed expectations in Brisbane. Thanks to the surge in online shopping, small business growth, and logistics needs, demand for warehousing and trade sheds has spiked.
- Vacancy rates have dropped, even with increasing supply.
- Prime industrial rents grew 7.2% year-on-year, with areas like the Trade Coast precinct showing 11.1% growth.
- Land values rose 17.1% in the southeast precinct.
These properties offer longer leases (3–5 years+), with tenants covering most outgoings, a clear advantage over residential. But keep in mind: vacancy periods can be longer, and tenant quality becomes critical.
2. The Opportunity in Office Spaces
The office sector faced challenges post-COVID due to the hybrid work trend. But Brisbane’s market is slowly stabilising:
- Prime gross face rents rose 13.3% in 2024.
- No significant new supply means existing space is holding value.
- Smaller strata office suites are now an entry point for medical professionals and creatives, often purchased through self-managed super funds.
With strategic fit-outs and tenant-focused design, investors can achieve value-add opportunities and secure long-term tenants.
3. Retail: Still Strong in the Right Areas
While online shopping disrupted retail, neighbourhood centres anchored by essentials like supermarkets, chemists, and medical outlets remain in demand.
Look to high-growth corridors like North Lakes, Springfield, and Brisbane’s outer-west. That said, these are often higher-entry investments, making them better suited to syndicates or seasoned investors.
4. Healthcare: Stable, Long-Term Returns
Medical tenancies are among the most reliable:
- Often leased for 5–10 years.
- Fit-out costs are high, so tenants stay longer.
- Services are recession-proof and essential, making this one of the lowest-risk commercial asset classes.
Areas like Chermside, Carindale, and North Lakes are popular locations for strata medical suites.
5. What About Agriculture and Logistics?
Cold storage, food distribution, and other special-use facilities are in growing demand, but these are typically large, high-value assets accessed via investment syndicates. Not your average mum-and-dad investor territory.
Thinking About Diversifying Into Commercial?
At Streamline Property Buyers, we help clients navigate every aspect of property acquisition, from site identification to lease review, construction knowledge, and asset strategy. Our in-house expertise includes licensed builders and seasoned investors with hands-on experience in Brisbane’s commercial market.
If you’re thinking of expanding your portfolio or buying a commercial space for your business, we’re here to help you do it right.
Book a free discovery call with our team today. Let’s talk through your goals and whether commercial property might be the next smart step.
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