Brisbane syndicator Sentinel Property Group expands to specialist financing venture for developments

Brisbane’s property syndicator Sentinel Property Group has expanded its range of investment products, launching a specialist mortgage financing venture for residential and commercial development projects through ‘Queen Street Invest’.

Created by Sentinel founder and CEO Warren Ebert, it is also jointly owned by Jim Cossart and Daniel Holden.

The new business looks to allow investors to participate in financing new development projects through passive equity products. This includes mezzanine debt, preferred equity and first mortgage secured loans, each of which will be a standalone closed end fund for just one project.

Clearly defined exit strategies and a six to 12 months pre-determined life span will be there for each fund.

Sentinel has a portfolio of 20 office, industrial and retail properties to a combined value of more than $400 million, and average net annual returns of 12.5%.

The minimum investment for Queen Street Invest will be $100,000. Mortgage finance products will be available from $1 million to $20 million in value.

“We believe that the timing is right for this type of investment product, with market activity and construction on the rise and limited competitors in this space,” said Ebert.

“Whilst Sentinel remains focused on our core property business, we understand that some investors have a need to allocate a percentage of their portfolio to shorter-term investments. This is where Queen Street Invest can provide balance and diversity of investment.”

Queen Street Invest currently has some financing deals under review in Queensland in the residential apartment and retail sectors. They will be looking at national opportunities.