From January to November 2020 the Office Middle Markets witnessed a 53% reduction in sales transactions and a 54% decrease in capital investment. Despite this, market confidence has increased throughout the second half of 2020, with a number of key sales (highlighted in this report) taking place. This suggests positive sentiment for commercial investors and should restore market confidence in Q1 2021, providing Australia’s management of the virus continues as is. Fortunately for commercial office markets, values have tightened as limited supply has been taken to market. Assets which did go to market, held their value, saw a flurry of offers and restored confidence amongst vendors.
Through our diligent market tracking over the past two years, we have built a somewhat clear picture of how COVID-19 has impacted transaction numbers, capital values, interstate and overseas investment as well as what actions need to be taken to add-value to your commercial asset in 2021.