In this episode we explore why Australia’s pub sector has been one of the country's most resilient property asset classes. Drawing insights from CBRE’s Raising the Bar research report, we sit down with industry leaders Danielle and Shane Richardson of Laundy Hotels and with CBRE valuer Adam Nadile to unpack the evolution of pubs from traditional watering holes to sophisticated hospitality hubs, the surge in investment activity, and the strategies shaping the future of this uniquely Australian sector.

Key takeaways include:

1. Sector Resilience: Pubs have consistently adapted to changing consumer needs—from traditional bars to family-friendly venues.
2. Investment Trends: The second half of 2025 saw a surge in pub transactions, with the top 10 deals totaling around $580 million, driven by strong investor appetite and lender confidence.
3. Operational Challenges & Scale Benefits: High entry costs, rising operational expenses, and increasing regulation pose challenges, but economies of scale allow large groups to maintain efficiency and profitability.
4. Food, Beverage & Experience as Differentiators: Quality dining and curated experiences are now critical to success, with pubs competing directly with restaurants and event spaces to attract customers.
5. Future Outlook: Despite regulatory and labour challenges, the outlook for the next 12–24 months remains optimistic, with strong demand, vibrancy reforms, and opportunities in regional markets continuing to shape the sector's performance.