Car wash in Melbourne's Dandenong changes hands for $1.9 million

A car wash with potential for further development in Dandenong North in Melbourne’s south-east has sold for $1.9 million on a 6.25 percent yield.

The nearly 1,400 sqm site at 99-101 Gladstone Road was sold to a private investor by Ray White Commercial's Ryan Trickey and Ben Ainsworth.

The sale following an expression of interest campaign.

Trickey said the property provided a secure commercial investment opportunity as the property enjoyed main road exposure and a well-established car detailing business tenant returning net rental of about $115,000 per annum.

“With an increase in high density living around Melbourne's activity centres, car wash businesses are a great place to invest,” Trickey said.

“Find one on a corner or in high profile location and cash flow should be secure as a good car wash should be easy to lease and retain tenants.”

Trickey said car wash assets can deliver strong returns in comparison to other investments. The property has development upside subject to council approval.

“A site such as the Gladstone Rd one is returning net rental of approximately $115,000 per year which is a lot stronger than the $40,000 gross rent you might receive from two adjoining rental houses in the same location.”

The tenant is on a five-year lease with a further option of 5 years. 

There are fixed annual 4 percent increases.

Ainsworth said the six-bay car wash is on the major intersection of Gladstone and Heatherton roads and benefits from both homebound and inbound traffic.

“Residential and commercial development in this area is well documented, both landlord and tenant should gain from the increase in consumers in this area,” he said.