In profile: Knight Frank’s Sydney city commercial specialist John Bowie Wilson

Knight Frank's Sydney investment sales specialist, John Bowie Wilson says investors are testing the water in the Sydney commercial market for the right opportunity.

Agent: John Bowie Wilson

Position: NSW Director - City Sales

Company: Knight Frank

Office location: Sydney

How long have you been in the industry?

14 years but the last five feel like ten.

What’s happening in the area you specialise in?

There are more buyers in the Sydney commercial market than there have been in a while. As the cost of debt has come down and yields have blown out, potential investors are feeling encouraged to seek out the right opportunities. However, the market is not cheap and while the outlook on the global economy remains uncertain there is still limited urgency to invest money.

Describe the most interesting property you have sold

Many years ago I was lucky enough to sell the smallest freehold building in Clarence Street in the Sydney CBD. The site area was 40 sqm and the total building area was around 80 sqm. From memory I sold it for $900,000. The real highlight of the building was the internal staircase, which, for space saving purposes, had to be pulled down from the ceiling to ascend to the upper level.

What are the ingredients to being successful in your job?

Being persistent, proactive, positive and personable plus the ability to work smart.

What aspects of your role do you enjoy the most?

Finding a solution for a client in a difficult market that results in a successful outcome for both parties.

Where would you invest a spare $750,000?

In my home. Owning your own principal residence outright is the best and most tax effective investment you can ever make.

Which football team do you support?

I love all football but am not a diehard fan of any specific code, however, I do support the Sydney Swans and the NSW Waratahs.

What’s your favourite app or techno gadget?

Not sure it is a techno gadget but my Nespresso coffee machine. It is the only thing that’s keeping me awake during the day after a night up with my new born twins – liquid gold.

How do you use social media?

To stay in touch with my business network and overseas friends and family.

Connect with John Wilson Bowie: On LinkedIn