[SideswipeMember@sideswipeJoin Date: 2003Post Count: 3]

January 26, 2003 - 2:35 am

I work in commercial real estate, and there seem to be a number of factors driving the market in commercial property:
1. Performance of stock market is driving investors out and into the commercial property sector. The most activity is for buildings between 500k and 1.5 mill.
2. Commercial property has higher returns than residential property. With low bank rates, positive cash flow is achievable.
3. Commercial follows residential. The net migration to Queensland is positive, whilst Victoria is losing population, for example. I believe this is the start of a long term trend.
4. There are also business operators who wish to purchase commercial property due to low interest rates, rather than lease, depending on the size of the business of course.

The amount of enquiry regarding both leasing and buying of commercial property has increased of late; properly chosen commercial property can be right for an investor who want to lower his/her risk by choosing a building with multiple tenancies in a good location, etc. Refer to previous posts from several people on selecting commercial property.

[SideswipeMember@sideswipeJoin Date: 2003Post Count: 3]

January 21, 2003 - 9:51 am

Hello,
Queensland Real Estate Agents are legally bound by a code of conduct. Contact the REIQ and ask them for their opinion. If there has been unconscionable conduct or misleading statements then you may be able to claim your losses.

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January 21, 2003 - 9:43 am

Hello,
I invest in commercial property, and I am a sales and leasing agent for a commercial company here in Brisbane. One further comment about a small investor purchasing commercial property.
Depending on the purchase price (which depends on the income of course), try to get a multiple tenanted property. Then if one tenant vacates, you are not up the creek.
When I choose a property, I look for the following:

1. location – must be convenient
2 good access and egress
3. general condition of building
4. age of building. For certain buildings vendor must supply asbestos report before it is leased or sold
5. who are the tenants? Is the tenant mix right?
6. Is it over leased or leased to the market? It is not a wise thing to purchase an over leased propery (ie a property whose lease values per sq. meter are above the general market)
7. Parking is essential
8. What are the city council plans for the area?
9. Confirm the leasing terms, options and amounts. Confirm whether figures include or exclude GST.
10. Confirm whether the commercial tenants pay outgoings such as rates, insurance, fire protection, security, lawn and garden maintenance etc.