Melbourne, July 2025
The 2025 Financial Year has marked one of the most active periods for offshore Asian investment into Australian retail property, according to the Stonebridge Asia Practice team. Over the past 12 months, the team has transacted over $236 million worth of commercial property to Asian investors nationwide — a 61% increase year-on-year.
The key asset classes which have drawn the Asian buyer attraction include Childcare centres, fast food investments, petrol stations, supermarkets and shopping centres.
Kevin Tong, Partner at Stonebridge, commented:
“A key driver for this increased interest has been growing buyer confidence following two years of lower activity and a favourable interest rate environment.”
“What we’re seeing is that many Asian investors aren’t tied to a specific asset class — they’re focused on long-term security, and that’s why they’re comfortable transitioning between supermarkets, childcare, and fast food. That flexibility gives us a major advantage when matching buyers to the right assets.”
The report also highlights a rise in interstate bidding, particularly with Victorian-based Asian investors acquiring assets outside their home state.
Notable examples include:
- Officeworks Subiaco (WA), sold to a Victorian Chinese investor
- Little Lions Wahroonga (NSW), also acquired by a Victorian Chinese investor
Tong added:
“Many of these buyers aren’t new to Australia — they’ve been in the market for 6–12 months, actively watching for opportunities. What sets them apart is their decisiveness and long-term view, especially when high-quality assets are presented.”
In FY2025, 61% of Stonebridge’s retail transactions in Victoria were acquired by Asian capital, with local buyers accounting for 39%.
A selection of key transactions includes:
| Property | Sale Date | Sale Price | Passing Yield | Purchaser |
| Officeworks Subiaco, WA | Jul-25 | $11,400,000 | 5.84% | VIC based Chinese investor |
| Hungry Jack’s, Ocean Grove VIC | Jul-25 | $4,650,000 | 4.85% | NSW based Asian Investor |
| Bluebird, Koo Wee Rup VIC | Jun-25 | $5,038,000 | 5.85% | Offshore Chinese Investor |
| Little Lions, Wahroonga NSW | May-25 | $10,378,888 | 5.94% | VIC based Chinese Investor |
| KFC, Acacia Ridge QLD | May-25 | $4,230,000 | 4.56% | QLD based Asian Investor |
| KFC, Waurn Ponds VIC | May-25 | $3,120,000 | 3.54% | NSW based Asian Investor |
| Officeworks, Oxley QLD | Apr-25 | $9,500,000 | 5.39% | Taiwanese Investor |
| Melbourne Stratum, Dan Murphy’s VIC | Apr-25 | Confidential | Confidential | Private Chinese Investor |
| Affinity, Point Cook VIC | Mar-25 | $5,700,000 | 5.47% | Private Hong Kong Investor |
| Nino, Ashburton VIC | Feb-25 | $10,795,000 | 6.43% | Offshore Hong Kong Investor |
| El Jannah, Ferntree Gully VIC | Dec-24 | $5,520,000 | 5.34% | Private Chinese Investor |
The Stonebridge Asia Practice will continue to service and support the growing interest from offshore Asian capital, delivering tailored investment solutions and insights across the Australian retail sector.
For media enquiries or further information, please contact:
Kevin Tong
Partner – Asia Practice
kevin.tong@stonebridge.com.au
Stonebridge Asia Practice is Australia’s largest dedicated team specialising exclusively in connecting offshore Asian capital with commercial property opportunities across the country. Established over a decade ago, our Asia Practice team has successfully transacted more than $3.18 billion in retail investments for Asian investors, with demand for income-producing assets continuing to grow year on year.
Our 8-member team brings sector-specific expertise, covering retail investments, development sites, retail strip shops, and office buildings, ensuring tailored solutions for every client. With a proven track record and a deep understanding of both the Asian investor landscape and the Australian property market, Stonebridge Asia Practice is the trusted partner for clients looking to have their properties exposed to this buyer pool.
Join The Discussion