With two major CBD buildings coming onto the market over the past six months, Brisbane’s office market vacancy has unexpectedly risen to a new record high.
The Property Council of Australia’s latest Office Market Report, released today, shows the headline vacancy rate for Brisbane’s CBD has increased from 14.9 per cent to 16.9 per cent, over the six months to July.
“Given over 115,000 square metres have come online over this time, the Brisbane market has demonstrated its resilience through being able to absorb much of the new supply,” Queensland Executive Director of the Property Council, Chris Mountford said.
“After the Government’s 1 William Street development is completed later in the year (75,853sqm), there is little further space expected to enter the CBD market in the short to medium term.
“While the recent supply additions had a negative impact on the headline vacancy rate, there is positive news for Brisbane, with net demand for CBD space reaching five times it historical average over the same period.
“The slight increase in the fringe office vacancy from 12.7 to 12.9 per cent is directly attributable to negative demand.
“With the ongoing ‘flight to quality’ and historically high levels of sublease vacancies, tenants are seeing an opportunity to move from the fringe into the CBD.
“Importantly, this CBD demand continues to be in the Prime and A Grade, with lower grades continuing to experience negative demand.
“Through its new report, An Open City, Brisbane City Council has presented an overview of the CBD revitalization initiatives in place to stimulate activation of the city centre, including opportunities for adaptive reuse of older buildings.
“Many of these initiatives have been the catalyst for the redevelopment of underutilised office buildings into student and visitor accommodation, with incentives for retirement living and aged care currently being investigated by BCC.”
For more information or to purchase the July 2016 Office Market Report, click here.
Media contact: Chris Mountford | E [email protected]