Step into the world of commercial real estate and join us for Talking Property with CBRE. In this podcast series, industry-leading experts discuss what’s shaping the property industry and what this means for businesses like yours. If you have any questions from this episode or property topics that you’d like CBRE to answer in future episodes, please email us at: talkingproperty@cbre.com .
In this third edition of The House View for 2026, Phil Rowland and Sameer Chopra revisit the Australian real estate outlook after a volatile first half shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, sticky inflation, higher interest rates and the Federal Budget. Despite these headwinds, the Q2 data points to a more resilient market than many expected. Investment activity rebounded, leasing demand remained strong in key office markets, cap rates were broadly stable, and rent growth continued to surprise on the upside - particularly for prime, well-located assets. Phil and Sameer explore why fundamentals such as supply and demand continue to matter most, how a constrained development pipeline is supporting rent growth, and what the Federal Budget could mean for private capital flows into commercial real estate. They also discuss the impact of AI on office demand, the outlook for construction costs and economic rents, and why access to quality stock in quality locations remains a defining theme for occupiers and investors. The episode closes with Sameer’s key predictions for the second half of 2026.
In this special edition of Talking Property, the first to be recorded in front of a live audience, CBRE's Global Head of Research, Dr Henry Chin, explores the forces reshaping global real estate. From the outlook for global capital flows and investor sentiment to the growing influence of AI, data centres and productivity challenges, Henry shares his perspective on where the biggest opportunities and risks are emerging. The conversation also revisits Henry's well-known comment that Australia was in "La La Land" two years ago when it came to asset repricing, and whether his view has changed amid shifting market conditions. Tune in for insights on supply and demand dynamics, the global flight to quality, return-to-office trends, and what investors, occupiers and developers should be watching over the next 6–12 months.
Large Format Retail (LFR) has come a long way from its early “big box” beginnings. Once considered a more volatile, discretionary retail asset class, the sector is now attracting stronger attention from investors, landlords and retailers - supported by resilient consumer demand, low vacancy, constrained new supply and more than $100 billion in annual retail sales. CBRE’s National Director of LFR Leasing, Shane Cook, and CBRE’s Pacific Head of Retail Property Management, Sheree Griff, unpack what’s driving the sector’s momentum in this latest episode of Talking Property. They discuss why LFR is increasingly becoming a convenience and lifestyle story, how tenant demand is evolving across wellness, pet, entertainment and home categories, and why new concepts such as Kmart Home and Restoration Hardware point to the next phase of growth. They also explore the sector’s investment appeal, the impact of planning and supply constraints, and why physical retail remains highly relevant in categories where consumers still want to see, touch, compare and experience products in person. If you want to know more, you can read CBRE’s new Large Format Retail Outlook report .
What if art could do more than just decorate an office - what if it could boost productivity, strengthen culture, and make people want to come to work? In this episode of Talking Property with CBRE , we explore the growing role of art as a strategic tool in modern workplaces. With organisations under pressure to “earn the commute,” art is emerging as a powerful way to transform offices into engaging, human-centred destinations. Host Kathryn House is joined by Shehan Wijayawardana from Mallesons, Emilya Colliver from Art Pharmacy, and CBRE’s Jenny Liu to unpack how thoughtfully curated art collections are influencing everything from employee wellbeing and creativity to client experience and brand identity. Drawing on real-world insights from Mallesons’ Sydney office transformation, the conversation reveals how art can: Enhance workplace culture and storytelling Create more memorable and engaging client experiences Support talent attraction and retention in a competitive market The key takeaway? Art is no longer a finishing touch. It’s becoming a core part of how organisations design spaces that perform.
This episode of Talking Property , we explore how commercial real estate lenders are navigating Australia’s shifting market conditions. Host Kathryn House is joined by CBRE’s Andrew McCasker and Nuveen’s Dugald Marr to unpack the latest findings from CBRE’s H1 2026 Lender Sentiment Survey . Together, they discuss lender appetite, evolving sector preferences, interest rate expectations, and the growing impact of construction costs and global uncertainty. Dugald also shares insights into Nuveen’s strategy and where the firm sees opportunity across the region.
Australia is becoming a nation of long-term renters - but the housing system isn’t keeping up. In this episode of Talking Property , we explore the growing disconnect between strong rental demand and the limited supply of new homes drawing on fresh research from CBRE and REA Group, and insights from the Property Council of Australia’s recent National Housing Solutions Summit. Assemble CEO Carolyn Viney, REA Group Senior Economist Anne Flaherty and CBRE’s Pacific Head of Living Sectors Capital Markets Andrew Purdon discuss how renters are staying longer, facing greater affordability pressures, and making deeper compromises as well as the roadblocks to developing more rental housing in Australia. From planning constraints and rising construction costs to shifting renter preferences and evolving investment strategies, the conversation examines the key “frictions” holding back supply. The episode also highlights where opportunity lies, including the growing role of build-to-rent, co-living and mixed-tenure developments in meeting demand.
Australia is in a global race for AI infrastructure — but are we moving fast enough to compete? In this episode of Talking Property with CBRE , host Kathryn House is joined by Belinda Dennett, co‑founder and CEO of Data Centres Australia, and Matt Madden, CBRE’s Senior Managing Director of Data Centre Solutions for Asia Pacific, to unpack the rapid evolution of the data centre sector and what’s at stake for Australia. As capital accelerates, demand intensifies and AI reshapes the digital economy, the conversation explores whether Australia can attract and retain AI workloads — or risks falling behind regional competitors. The episode also delves into the rise of neocloud operators and why data centres are no longer just “warehouses” of the digital economy, but factories creating intelligence, jobs and long‑term economic value.
This episode of The House View explores what a rapidly shifting economic and geopolitical landscape means for Australian real estate. Recorded earlier than planned amid rising global tensions, higher oil prices and a reset in the interest rate outlook, the episode tackles the big question facing investors and occupiers alike: what has truly changed, and what fundamentals still hold? CBRE's Phil Rowland and Sameer Chopra explore the growing impact of energy costs and bond yields on construction viability, why supply constraints are set to intensify across key sectors, and how rent growth is surprising on the upside in parts of the market despite near‑term volatility. They also dig into capital markets dynamics, cap rate expectations, and why agility has become essential as investment cycles shorten. The conversation rounds out with a forward‑looking discussion on AI, employment trends and the “flight to power” as access to energy becomes a defining factor in real estate performance.
The Brisbane 2032 Games promise global attention, investment momentum and major infrastructure—but they also bring delivery pressure, supply constraints and real execution risk. In this episode of Talking Property , CBRE experts across research, hotels and infrastructure unpack where the genuine opportunities lie and the decisions that will influence Brisbane’s growth long after the closing ceremony. The discussion looks at what was already underway before the Games, what changes because of them, and what Brisbane must get right to turn a moment into long‑term momentum. To find out more you can explore CBRE’s new report: Brisbane 2032: Separating the Real Estate Myths from Realities.
In this episode of Talking Property , host Kathryn House speaks with global futurist and bestselling author Michael McQueen about what the future of work really looks like beyond the AI hype. The conversation explores how leaders can navigate rapid technological change without eroding trust, culture or human connection — and why judgement, curiosity and readiness matter more than prediction. The episode explores: Why trust and human connection will be critical differentiators in an AI‑driven workplace How leaders can stay future ready amid disruption and uncertainty What AI agents mean for organisations — and what risks to watch Why younger generations are rethinking remote work How to overcome resistance to change and lead with clarity
Discover how airport‑led precincts are reshaping cities, economies and driving long‑term property value in this latest episode of Talking Property with CBRE. Max Wilson, General Manager, Commercial Property at Western Sydney International Airport, and Peter Funder, General Manager, Development at Essendon Fields unpack the strategies behind two very different aviation‑anchored precincts—one a major 24/7 greenfield airport set to redefine Western Sydney; the other a mature, privately owned mixed‑use hub that has evolved into one of the country’s most successful aviation‑led communities. Hear how both leaders are curating diverse tenant mixes, investing in placemaking, and building destinations that go far beyond the runway.
Step inside the world of Luxury Escapes as CEO Adam Schwab reveals how the digital travel giant is rewriting the rules of retail. From Apple‑inspired store design to sky‑high in‑store spend and global expansion plans, discover why immersive, consultant‑led travel experiences are winning big. In this episode of Talking Property with CBRE, we delve into the future of experiential retail and the evolution of the modern travel brand. We also explore Adam’s candid views on the shift to working from home — and why he believes the future of great businesses lies firmly in being together, not apart. You can also explore CBRE’s Regional Shopping Centres Reimagined research report to find out how landlords are amping up the customer experience to ensure shoppers stay longer and spend more
In this first edition of The House View for 2026, CBRE’s Phil Rowland is joined by Sameer Chopra to explore the outlook for the Australian property sector. They discuss the impact of constrained supply, where investment and rental growth are set to emerge, and which sectors and cities could outperform. The episode wraps with a discussion around key risks and Sameer’s top predictions for the year ahead - including why developers may look back and ask why they didn’t build sooner. Discover more in CBRE’s 2026 Pacific Market Outlook report: Pacific Real Estate Market Outlook 2026 | CBRE Australia
To kick off 2026 we've canvassed four Australian property leaders to discover where they see the best market opportunities, the potential industry game changers or challenges, the areas ripe for transformation and to find out what market trend or issue they think everyone will be talking about this year. We’ve already heard in Part 1 from Mirvac Group CEO and Managing Director Campbell Hanan and Aware Super’s Senior Portfolio Manager, Property Investments, Anjana Moran. To round us out, we’re joined by the co-head of Australia for Brookfield’s Real Estate Group, Ruban Kaneshamoorthy and by Centuria Capital’s co-founder and joint CEO Jason Huljich. We hope you enjoy their insights.
Happy New Year! To kick off 2026 we canvassed four Australian property leaders to discover where they see the best market opportunities, the potential industry game changers or challenges, the areas ripe for transformation and to find out what market trend or issue they think everyone will be talking about this year. For this same Predictions series in 2025, we zeroed in on Australia’s new property CEO’s, who had been in the hotseat for less than 18 months. This time around we’ve gathered perspectives from a major superannuation fund, a global investor, an Australian REIT/developer, and a fund manager with a big private wealth following. Leading us off is Mirvac Group CEO and Managing Director Campbell Hanan and Aware Super’s Senior Portfolio Manager, Property Investments, Anjana Moran. Then we’ll be back on January 29 with the co-head of Australia for Brookfield’s Real Estate Group, Ruban Kaneshamoorthy and Centuria Capital’s co-founder and joint CEO Jason Huljich. We hope you enjoy their insights.
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.
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: Sector Resilience : Pubs have consistently adapted to changing consumer needs—from traditional bars to family-friendly venues. 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. 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. 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. 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.
In this episode of Talking Property, we delve into the Mandala Report, a pivotal study examining the impact of taxation on global investment into the Australian property market. Joined by Torie Brown, Capital Markets Executive Director at the Property Council of Australia, and Pete Menegazzo, CEO and President of the Property Council's Capital Markets Divisional Council, the discussion highlights the significant effects of foreign investor surcharges in Victoria and Queensland. Key takeaways include: Foreign investment in Melbourne fell 53% after Victoria doubled its surcharge. Queensland’s investment has flatlined despite strong fundamentals. Frequent tax changes create sovereign risk , eroding investor confidence and liquidity. Removing surcharges could unlock $8.1B in new investment , $3.6B GDP growth , and 8,400 jobs nationally. Brisbane could become Australia’s second property gateway market if it reforms taxes before Victoria. Tune in to understand the broader implications for Australia's property sector and the role of international capital in shaping the nation's economic future. You can read more about the Mandala report here (this is available only to Property Council of Australia members until November 25 and will then be available to everyone).
Explore the fast-expanding self storage sector with two of the top three players in Australia and New Zealand: Nikki Lawson from Abacus Storage King and Sam Kennard of Kennards Self Storage. Discover why this asset class is attracting global attention, billions of dollars in annual revenue, and big investments from local and offshore players in our latest episode of Talking Property with CBRE. Get insider perspectives on what's driving growth and the unique challenges and opportunities ahead. Key topics up for discussion include: How the resilience of the self storage market post Covid has put Australia on the global map. The mispricing that's driving interest in self storage investment opportunities. The likely headwinds and tailwinds for the sector. Why self storage is a very human business linked to life events and the way in which this is influencing the sector's evolution. While this is one of our longer episodes, stay with us to find out some of the more unexpected uses of self storage as well as what's next for Abacus Storage King and Kennards Self Storage.
In this latest episode of Talking Property, we dive into the evolving landscape of modern workplace design and its profound impact on employee engagement and productivity. We're joined by Ashurst's Global Director of Workplace Michael Blitz and CBRE Director of Workplace Consulting Jenny Liu, to analyse the role innovative office spaces play in attracting and retaining top talent. Topics on the agenda include: The generational shifts shaping workplace expectations and experience as Gen Z overtake the Baby Boomers. How to earn the commute (without mandates). The importance of technology and flexibility in creating a thriving work environment. The underestimated role that stairs can play in creating moments that matter. Tune in to discover how leading organisations are redefining their workspaces to foster collaboration, innovation, and a sense of community.
