Queensland childcare centres sell for combined $24 million

Brisbane Cushman & Wakefield has announced the combined $24,075,000 sale of four childcare centres in Queensland, to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane based investors.

The sites, owned by a local childcare centre developer and operator all achieved record sale prices and yields, representing strong investor interest in some of the first modern large format centres to be sold in Queensland. 

The 28 Dixon Drive, Pimpama, Gold Coast centre sold for $6.2 million to a Sydney based high net worth family investor, representing a 6.12% yield.

The 5,950 square metre land area located on the Gold Coast is leased by the national centre operator, Petit Early Learning Journey, under a newly signed 15 year lease, plus a 9 year lease to Rackley’s Swim School – collectively generating a net income of $380,000 per annum.

The 38 Wellington Street, Wooloowin, Brisbane property located sold for $6.015 million to a Melbourne based listed property trust.

Sold on a 6.65% yield, the 2,539 square metre property has a new 15 year lease in place with national childcare operator, Petit Early Learning Journey.

The 536 Logan Road, Greenslopes, Queensland centre was sold for a near record $6 million to a high net worth private investor, representing a 6% yield.

The 2,434 square metre site is operated by an independent childcare provider, Harmony Early Learning Journey, under a newly signed 15 year lease.

The 146-148 West Burleigh Road, Burleigh Heads, property was marketed as a ‘state of the art’ 3-level childcare centre which sold for $5.86 million on a 5.8% yield with a new 20 year lease in place.

The 1,067 square metre site is adjacent to Stockland Shopping Centre anchored by Woolworths and Aldi, and situated 2 kilometres from other retail outlets and the James Street precinct. The centre is currently operated by Petit Early Learning Journey.

According to Cushman & Wakefield research, the market for childcare centres in Queensland remains well supported by underlying fundamentals, as government subsidies are expected to extend from a total of $7.2 billion in FY17 to over $10 billion in 2021.

Cushman & Wakefield completed the above transactions over the course of the second half of 2017.

Mitchell Willet said these were four of the largest centres sold in Queensland to date, with the Pimpama site setting a new record for the highest quantum dollar paid for a freestanding centre in Queensland.