Canberra office market remains stable with strong demand: HTW Commercial

The Canberra office market maintained a steady pace through the first half of 2019 with a stable market benefiting from low unemployment, continued low interest rates and a strong local economy, according to the latest commercial report from property valuation firm Herron Todd White.

The report found, demand for leasing deals has continued to show strength with good levels of enquiry from tenants evolving into leases at Childers Street and Moore Street in the CBD, both tenants securing sub-3,000 square metres.

The A grade market has a vacancy rate of 1.7% and due to a lack of new stock in the short term, the market is anticipated to see a further drop in vacancy levels whilst construction of new premises is underway with completion due in 2020.

Rents for A grade space are averaging between $405 and $475 per square metre.

The valuers stated, "secondary B grade stock continues to reflect increased vacancy levels, currently at 13.9%, which will rise as a result of the relocation of both Home Affairs to the airport and the ACT Government to the CBD and Dickson with pre-commitments for the new space due in 2020."

"Recent sales volumes have been down on previous years however demand is persisting mostly from institutional and foreign investors with five-year plus WALEs and national tenants being features sought after by investors."

"Yields are 6% to 8% for prime buildings and 6.75% to 10.75% for secondary grade. Secondary space rents are around $300 to $330 per square metre," they concluded.