Commercial Market Confidence Slowly Returns

While Australia has fared better than most countries in its response to COVID-19, the commercial market has taken a hit.

The recovery from the pandemic amplified recession is now, slowly, starting to find the commercial property market sentiment according to NAB’s quarterly commercial sentiment survey which – through its Commercial Property Index – saw expectations for capital values and rents lift to a still weak -35 pts, well below the overage of 0 pts.

Overall sentiment towards the commercial property market lifted in all states in Q4, although still negative, ranging from -64 pts in VIC to -11 pts in QLD and WA. Market conditions are expected to remain negative in all states in the next 12 months except in WA (+8 pts), with VIC (-51 pts) the least confident.

Longer-term confidence however looks more positive in most states, except VIC (-16 pts) and NSW (-5 pts), with WA (+34 pts) highest.

Sentiment is not consistent across all commercial sectors, CBD hotels registered a score of -64 pts, Retail -58pts and Office -41pts, the industrial sentiment rose sharply (-25 pts) pointing to demand for online retail and requirements for warehousing and logistic spaces as the cause.

Expectations for a stronger near-term recovery in economic activity has boosted overall confidence levels in commercial property markets with an expectation to measure +2 pts in two-years.

On the development front, an above average 54% of property developers plan to start new works in the short-term (next 6 months), up from 39% in Q3.

Further, the rental outlook across commercial markets is less decisive, with Retail (-3.9% & -1.8%) and Office (-2.7% & -1.4%), with the outlook weakest in the Eastern seaboard states. The outlook for Industrial rents (1.4% & 2.1%) has however improved sharply.

Prince Albert House is a stately Federation manor showcasing just how Mosman’s grand architectural past can be expertly coupled with a contemporary renovation.

Surrounded by some of Mosman’s greatest estates, the regal residence once known as Candida underwent a rebranding and a significant renovation several years ago before it last changed hands in 2016 for $10 million.

Today’s vendors, publican Matthew Fallon and his partner Tamara Martin, have engaged Michael Coombs and Tia Naris of Atlas Lower North Shore to market the property with the auction guide sitting at $15.75 million.

Only the fourth owner in the property’s 117-year history, Fallon is one of three brothers behind The Buena in Mosman. Matthew, Luke, and Tim Fallon bought the Middle Head Rd watering hole Buena Vista Hotel in 2015 for more than $13m before renaming it.

Sitting on 1254sq m of estate-like grounds on Prince Albert St, one of Mosman’s most sought-after streets, this stately house is a blend of old-world charm meets modern luxury, coupled with enviable views of the iconic Harbour Bridge and water.

The period property’s transformation was initiated by the previous owner, recruitment boss Jeromine Alpe, who enlisted Giles Tribe Architects for the bulk of the renovations. Fallon and Martin added their own personal touches later on.

“This is a really beautiful house with lots of space. So many Federation homes have pokey rooms and a difficult layout but this one has been really opened up to be a historic home with a very modern floor plan,” said Coombs.

Inside, Prince Albert House has a host of charming historic detail paying homage to its Federation roots including high ornate ceilings, intricate leadlight windows, and grand marble fireplaces. The 21st Century additions like the Calacatta marble kitchen with custom butler’s pantry and seamless connections to the great outdoors are also perfectly suited to today’s must-have Sydney lifestyle.

The large layout features formal living and dining rooms with bay windows, casual family zones and big bedrooms with built-ins. In the primary bedroom suite, separated from the rest of the house on the first floor, there is a walk-through wardrobe to a deluxe bath ensuite as well as two balconies, a sitting area and an adjoining home office. Two more bedrooms also feature ensuites.

Resort style amenities of the Mosman property include a swimming pool surrounded by manicured gardens, sandstone feature walls, a gym with a sauna and ensuite, plus a large wine cellar.

Close to a long list of lifestyle locations, the house is near family-friendly harbour beaches, Taronga Zoo, Mosman’s shopping precinct, coveted schools and city ferries.

Prince Albert House at 13 Prince Albert St, Mosman is currently listed with Michael Coombs of Atlas and is scheduled to go to auction on November 2.

Commercial Market Confidence Slowly Returns

Commercial property sentiment has improved for a consecutive quarter.