Toowoomba’s Grow Early Education Childcare Centre in Darling Heights Heads to Auction Through Burgess Rawson

Investors and “non-traditional” buyers are already circling a newly-built Toowoomba childcare centre, which goes under the hammer next month. Noted childcare sales specialist agency Burgess Rawson has listed the Grow Early Education centre on Platz Street in Darling Heights for sale. Built in 2018 by Australian Childcare Solutions, the 80-place facility is running at 100 per cent occupancy and features a lease with options until 2043. Co-lead agent Natalie Couper said Burgess Rawson, which moved nearly $500m in assets last year at auction, was confident the centre would find a new owner.

“It was constructed in 2018, so there are significant depreciation benefits, really strong occupancy rates and the location is in proximity to Darling Heights State School,” she said.

“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of childcare to families — conducting Zoom meetings with three young kids at home is hard, so access to affordable childcare is very important.

“So we’re seeing an increased emphasis on demand for childcare, but the added level of support provided from the government is making it more affordable.”

Ms Couper said investors had flocked to commercial property during the pandemic to secure reliable passive income during a turbulent period.

“Investors are placing an emphasis on bricks and mortar — they’ve gone through a period where there’s a real change and people are coming back to commercial property,” she said.

“We’ve seen a greater number of non-traditional childcare buyers of late.”

Burgess Rawson listed two Toowoomba centres for sale last year, including Genius Childcare in Kearneys Spring and Imagine Childcare in the CBD