Southport commercial office market heating up‏

Southport has been attracting more commercial tenants and investors in the recent times resulting in decreasing office vacancy and rising capital values, according to Colliers International.

Southport is the largest commercial precinct on the Gold Coast with over 150,000sqm of office space.

Cameron Wilson, director in charge at Colliers International on the Gold Coast, said Southport’s office vacancy rate is expected to further tighten over the coming three years with the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Queensland Government’s Priority Development Area designation and provisions being the key drivers.

“Current office vacancy in Southport is assessed at 13.8%; five years ago this figure was close to 22%. As a result rental rates are firming and with that, capital values are rising and investment yields are compressing," he said.

“Two years ago, there was over 5,000sqm of small strata offices for sale in Southport Central that were achieving prices of around $2,200 to $2,700 per square metre. In the last 6 months we have seen this on market rate decline to around 1,500sqm and a rise in capital values of about 20 per cent, which equates $2,500 to $3,200 per square metre.

“Colliers International is aware of several tenants relocating into Southport to take advantage of Queensland Government provisions and ease of planning, with the top two industries moving into the area being educational/training providers and health/medical groups.

“Over the past 12 months, sales of major commercial holdings in Southport indicate a strong appetite from investors looking to secure a foothold into the area for both passive investment and future mixed use developments." 

According to James Crawford, director of investment services at Colliers International, Gold Coast City Council’s infrastructure developments in the area are supporting its growth.

“Recent Smith Street Motorway upgrades have improved commuter access during peak times. In addition to this the Broadwater Parklands Stage 3 upgrade is well underway and continues to improve the overall amenity."