Commercial Buyers Are Changing...
Jacob Wallace & James Mulholland
Over the past 12 months, the commercial property market stretching from South Murwillumbah through to Varsity Lakes has remained surprisingly resilient
While residential headlines have been dominated by interest rates, the Federal Budget and tax reform, commercial property has quietly become a bigger part of the conversation for investors, business owners and self-managed super funds (SMSFs)
What we're seeing isn't necessarily a rush of buyers It's a market becoming more deliberate, with purchasers asking better questions, scrutinising leases more closely, and placing a greater value on quality assets than ever before
The Budget Changed the Conversation
The 2026 Federal Budget has undoubtedly shifted investor sentiment
With proposed changes to residential investment, including negative gearing and capital gains concessions for existing homes, many investors have begun exploring alternatives to traditional residential property While every investor's circumstances are different, commercial property has become a far more common topic of discussion than it was even six months ago
At the same time, broader commercial investment activity across Australia has remained healthy, with transaction volumes increasing through the first half of 2026 despite ongoing economic uncertainty
Local Buyers Are Focusing on Fundamentals
Across the southern Gold Coast and Northern Rivers corridor, buyers are becoming increasingly selective.
Rather than chasing speculative opportunities, they're prioritising assets with strong fundamentals:
Established industrial precincts
Secure, long-term leases
Reputable tenants
Functional warehouses and mixed-use spaces
Properties with future flexibility or redevelopment potential
Industrial property continues to be one of the strongest-performing sectors, particularly around South Murwillumbah, Tweed Heads South, Currumbin Waters, Burleigh Heads and Varsity Lakes, where available stock remains relatively limited.
Instead of asking, "What's the cheapest building available?", many buyers are asking, "What's still going to make sense in 10 years?"
The Rise of SMSF Conversations
One of the biggest trends we're noticing locally is simply the number of conversations involving SelfManaged Super Funds.
For many Australians, commercial property has long been an investment class that can be purchased through an SMSF, provided it complies with Australia's superannuation laws and regulations. In particular, business owners purchasing premises for their own business through an SMSF has become a well-known strategy,
although every situation requires specialist financial, tax and legal advice
Recent proposed changes affecting residential investment through super have also prompted more discussion around commercial property, particularly because commercial assets are not impacted in the same way as some of the proposed residential lending restrictions.
While we can't comment on whether commercial property is suitable for any individual investor, it's clear that more buyers are seeking information and exploring their options than we've seen in recent years.
A Region That's Growing Together
The corridor between South Murwillumbah and Varsity Lakes continues to benefit from strong population growth, improving infrastructure and increasing business activity
Businesses are expanding across both sides of the Queensland–New South Wales border, and many investors are recognising that tenants often view this entire region as one connected economic market rather than two separate states That broader perspective is creating opportunities across industrial estates, business parks and commercial precincts that continue to attract both local and interstate interest. Population growth and continued infrastructure investment remain key drivers supporting longterm business demand throughout South East Queensland.
To be continued next page
Looking Ahead
Commercial property has always been a market driven by fundamentals rather than headlines. Quality tenants, sensible lease structures, strong locations and long-term demand continue to shape buying decisions far more than short-term market noise
If there's one noticeable shift this year, it's that buyers are spending more time doing their homework. They're looking beyond purchase price and focusing on income security, future flexibility and asset quality.
In many ways, that's creating a healthier market one where informed decisions are becoming more valuable than fast ones
Reach out to the team today for a no-obligation conversation and the latest snapshot of your local commercial market
223m²*
Clear-span
488m²*
High-quality automotive car hoist optional with purchase
Three on-site car parks
Strong entry-level industrial investment
1&2/162 Lundberg Drive South Murwillumbah, NSW 2484
Current net rental: $94,733.87 p.a.* combined
Brand-new builds in a development of just 5 units
Two 235m²* air-conditioned warehouse units
Lease term: 3 years + 3 x 3 year options for both assets
Eight allocated on-site car parks
Prime flood-free corner location
Versatile sizing: Units ranging from 106m²* to 214m²*
Thirty on-site car parks across the entire complex
Secure complex with access-controlled automatic gate
4m* electric roller doors, 3-phase power, 3m* mezzanine
Strategic, flood-free precinct
Secure tenant leased until 30/04/2027
Front-of-complex unit offering maximum exposure
Built-in kitchenettes and private bathroom facilities
High-access rear roller door for secure deliveries
13/4-5 Tierneys Place
Tweed Heads South, NSW 2486
Total building area: 368m²* floor area
8m* internal clearance with 6m* automatic roller door
Two heavy-duty 28kW industrial ducted A/C systems
Full 3-phase power capability throughout warehouse
3 exclusive-use car spaces in secure gated complex
Strategic corner position offering rear truck loading
Meet Our Team.
With a strategically positioned office servicing both the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers, we offer a seamlessly connected commercial database spanning the entire border region. Backed by a well-versed team of commercial property experts, we provide unmatched opportunities and local market insight for investors, owners and tenants across this dynamic market.
