Three Property Types, Three Demand Engines

Offices depend on business usability, employee access, fit-out and parking. Retail depends on visibility, footfall, frontage, permitted activity and customer access. Residential demand follows commute practicality, layout, management and lifestyle services. Analyse each asset through the indicators relevant to its use. Understand the central corridor

• Office: business usability
• Retail: customer access
• Residential: daily practicality

How to Read Office Demand

Review likely company size, licensing compatibility, fit-out condition, parking, visitor access and public transport. A fitted office may reduce setup time; shell-and-core offers flexibility but requires capital and time. Compare total occupancy cost, not purchase price alone, and assess whether the building experience supports client-facing businesses. Browse commercial options

• Check licensing
• Compare fit-out costs
• Review parking and access

Retail and Residential Need Different Evidence

Retail analysis should examine frontage, exposure, loading, neighbouring operators and catchment fit. Residential analysis should examine layout, noise, natural light, service charges, amenities and commute. Transaction data can establish context, but shops, offices and apartments should never be blended into one price benchmark. Use market data correctly

• Retail needs catchment analysis
• Homes need liveability analysis
• Do not mix asset classes

Build a Like-for-Like Comparison

Create a separate shortlist for each asset class. Compare offices with similar fit-out and parking, retail with similar frontage and permitted use, and apartments with similar units in comparable towers. Then calculate ownership costs and assess the depth of the tenant and resale pool. Speak with an advisor

• Separate asset shortlists
• Compare total ownership cost
• Assess tenant and resale depth