In this episode, we unpack the trends shaping Australia’s commercial property investment market.

From 2025’s performance to predictions for 2026, CBRE's Flint Davidson, Andrew McCasker and Tom Broderick discuss transaction volumes, offshore investment flows, lender sentiment, and the outlook for alternative asset classes.

Whether you’re an investor, lender, or industry observer, this episode offers actionable insights into what’s driving capital decisions and where opportunities lie in the year ahead.

Key Takeaways

• Preliminary numbers show total transaction volumes fell 10% year-on-year to $32.7 billion, with retail emerging as the standout sector,    
• Despite overall volume declines, offshore investment rose 12% to $9.3 billion, led by U.S. investors ($2.9 billion), followed by Japan and Singapore as currency advantages and Australia’s strong fundamentals continue to attract global capital.
• On the lending front, industrial remains the preferred asset class. Meanwhile, domestic banks are pushing up leverage and reducing pre-sale requirements, making it a borrower’s market.
• High construction costs and limited new supply are expected to create tailwinds for existing assets, particularly in the retail and office sectors.
• In 2026, expect steady deal activity with more structured transactions (JVs, recaps, M&A) and continued interest in alternative sectors.