Commercial market hits the new financial year running
Queensland’s commercial property market has kicked off the 2026–27 financial year
with plenty of energy, with strong activity across industrial, office and retail property
pointing to continued confidence from buyers, landlords and businesses.
July proved there was little appetite for a slow start to the new financial year.
Across Mackay and Townsville, transactions were completed in multiple commercial
sectors, while strong enquiry and leasing activity continued to put quality property firmly
on the radar.
For Jordan Miller, Director, the breadth of activity is one of the most encouraging signs.
“What stands out is that we’re not seeing activity confined to one part of the market.
There’s genuine demand across industrial, office and retail, which gives us confidence
about the months ahead.”
Industrial market remains active for quality assets
Industrial activity continues across the Queensland market, with sales completed in both
Mackay and Townsville during July.
The transactions reflect an ongoing appetite for quality industrial assets, with well-
positioned properties continuing to attract attention from investors and owner-occupiers.
Jordan said buyers remained active when the right opportunities came to market.
“Quality industrial property continues to be tightly held, so when a well-located asset
becomes available, buyers are ready to act. That competition is helping maintain
momentum in the sector.”
Office space is moving — fast
The office leasing market also delivered a strong month.
Net rental rates achieved during July ranged from $300 to $360 per square metre, but
perhaps the most telling result was this: two leases were secured before the properties
even reached the market.
It is a clear sign that businesses are not simply looking for office space — they are
prepared to move quickly when the right space becomes available.
Kelisha Day, Sales and Leasing Executive, said tenants were increasingly focused on
finding premises that worked for their business from day one.
“Businesses know what they want. Presentation, functionality and location are all
important. Whether it’s working with a tenant to create a space that meets their specific
requirements, or an existing tenancy that already ticks all the boxes, the right
opportunity can attract strong interest very quickly.”
That creates an important opportunity for landlords, particularly those willing to ensure
their properties are well presented and ready for occupation.
“There are tenants actively looking, so preparation really matters,” Kelisha said. “A
quality property presented to the market in the right way can generate strong interest
very quickly.”
Mackay CBD continues to attract tenants
Retail also added to July’s positive results, with a lease secured in the heart of Mackay’s
CBD.
For businesses, the fundamentals of a strong CBD position remain compelling: visibility,
accessibility and proximity to complementary businesses and services.
The transaction is another positive signal for Mackay’s city centre and shows that
businesses continue to see value in securing the right location.
A strong start — and plenty still to come
One month does not make a year, and broader market conditions will continue to
evolve.
But July has given commercial property owners, investors and businesses good reason
to watch the market closely.
Strong enquiry, improving leasing conditions and continued investment activity across
three distinct sectors point to a resilient market — and a healthy level of confidence
heading further into 2026–27.
As Jordan puts it:
“It’s only the beginning of the financial year, but the level of activity we’ve seen already
is encouraging. If this momentum continues, there should be some excellent
opportunities ahead for investors, landlords and businesses.”
The new financial year may only be getting started, but Queensland’s commercial
property market certainly hasn’t wasted any time.
For more information: www.explorepropertycommercial.com.au
Or contact our team:
Jordan Miller - jmiller@exploreproperty.com.au
Or Kelisha Day - kday@exploreproperty.com.au
