Setting the Barometer for Yields

Off the back of an incredible year of transactions, Burgess Rawson has announced the appointment of three key personnel in our Sydney Office.

Yosh Mendis has been brought on as Partner | Head of Agency for NSW and is joined by a strong team including Director, Geoff Sinclair and Sales Analyst, Mimi Wylie.

Yosh will become an integral part of the leadership team, as it continues to expand its NSW operations amid strong 2021 results, including the sale of more than $1.7 billion of commercial real estate. We sat down with Yosh to talk about what attracted him to Burgess Rawson, his vision for the business and what our clients can expect from his team in 2022.

Why did you choose to join Burgess Rawson?

“The people and incredible business growth. Over the last 12 months I have seen Burgess Rawson go from strength to strength. They’ve brought together some of Australia’s best investment sales specialists by merging their offices along the eastern seaboard and have successfully sold a record number of investment assets at auction across Australia.

The sheer strength of Burgess Rawson’s national portfolio platform is formidable, and the consolidation of the Burgess Rawson businesses has taken this to new heights. They have truly cemented themselves as the only national investment sales business offering an unrivalled national Portfolio Auction Platform. I am excited to join the business during this exciting next phase of significant growth.”

You need a competitive edge in the commercial real estate market. What edge do you think Burgess Rawson has?

“Their national Portfolio Auction platform. They boast one of Australia’s largest commercial property investor networks and this allows them to continually set the ‘barometer’ for Australian commercial property yields across every major market sector. Their national reach, combined with their reputation for holding Portfolio Auctions every six weeks, has continued to foster long term success.”

What is your market outlook for commercial real estate in 2022?

“I believe we will see continued growth in activity following a very successful 2021. With continued record low interest rates as well as uncertainty in financial markets, investors continue to see commercial property as one of the safest investment vehicles for 2022. Despite financial market volatility, commercial property remains an attractive source of secure long term income streams with consistent rental and capital growth. As investors redirect large flows of capital into the commercial property sector, demand and competition for these investments will continue to grow.”

As Head of Agency for Burgess Rawson, New South Wales, what is your vision for the business?

“Exponential growth. The sheer reach and success of the auction platform in the sale of premium commercial investment properties across Australia is something that cannot be replicated. I see that as one of the most competitive foundations for serious growth.Over the last 20 years Burgess Rawson have solidified their position as the one and only Portfolio Auction specialists in Australia. This was evident with a record-breaking year of transactions, seeing total sale volumes increase from 184 properties sold in 2020 to over 360 properties in 2021. They’ve displayed incredible acumen and expertise in completing large transactions across the national business, including record results in the recent sale of a $60m+ retail investment and $100m investment portfolio. We will continue to drive success in these markets and set new benchmarks with the results we achieve for our clients across Australia.”

What do you see as the key market segments for investment in 2022?

“Convenience retail, industrial, childcare, non-discretionary and essential services. In a flow on from 2021 we are seeing an ongoing trend toward ‘flight to quality’. Increased appetite for commercial investment opportunities throughout the pandemic has reflected the continued resilience of the market. Demand in these particular segments is being fuelled by attractive underlying investment fundamentals, business growth, government support and the increasing importance of supply chain logistics.”

How did you start your career in the Commercial Real Estate industry?

“Whilst I was completing my Bachelor of Regional and Town Planning at the University of Queensland, almost 10 years ago, I was offered an entry level position as a Property Analyst at a local commercial real estate firm. After just a few days, I knew I wanted to progress my career in the real estate industry. From there I secured my first sales role at Brisbane based Wright Property, which soon became Cushman & Wakefield Queensland. I then took the opportunity to move into their Sydney Investment Sales team where I spent several years specialising in the sale of blue-chip commercial investment properties. Burgess Rawson have been one of my strongest competitors throughout my career and I’m excited to start this next chapter with them.”