Commercial leasing activity continues to uptick: Ray White
The uptick in commercial leasing activity has continued this week with Ray White Commercial offices completing the highest volume of deals during this COVID-19 period.
The ongoing elevated level of enquiries translating into new leases being signed is an encouraging sign for the local economy. Industrial remains the asset class in greatest demand however we continue to see confidence levels improve with a growing number of retail and office transactions complete.
As we move through the staged reductions of lockdown, many restrictions have been lifted allowing property inspections at a safe social distance. Subsequently, technology has been instrumental in keeping the real estate industry active, many deals completed over the past few weeks have involved virtual inspections and during this time of limited contact, assets which have professional photography and a quality online presence have yielded impressive and rapid results.
The top three leasing deals of the week demonstrate the importance of embracing technology as a key instrument in the industry.
A 130 sqm office at Mt Derrimut Road, Deer Park in Victoria was leased earlier this month by an immigration lawyer. Ray White Commercial Ferntree Gully agent Paul Waterhouse explains, "Leased in one week after using professional photography including aerial, floor plan and 3D walk through."
An industrial property at Maiella Street, Stayplton in Queensland was leased last week through Ray White Commercial Springwood agent Adrian Hamilton. The 225 sqm property has now been leased to a metal fabrication workshop. Hamilton says, "During the COVID-19 lockdown we have continued to see strong demand for this size property in the area. The property was leased within two weeks of being on the market."
A 203 sqm retail property at Herries Street, Toowoomba in Queensland was leased to a flooring retailer by Ray White Commercial Toowoomba agent, Mark Wynhoven. "It is encouraging to see retailers having confidence in the Toowoomba market despite the COVID-19 restrictions, the high exposure of this property [is] one of its greatest advantages," he says.