Insights

Perspective that moves decisions.

Market reports, leasing trends, and investment analysis from the principals of Holden & Vale Commercial.

Melbourne Office Vacancy Reaches Inflection Point

After 18 months of steady absorption, the city's overall office vacancy rate has dropped below 22% — the first meaningful decline since 2020. What it means for lease negotiations.

Ellis Vale·1 May 2026·8 min read

Leasing Trends

The Return of the Long-Term Lease

Five-year commitments are back. Why tenants who locked in short-term deals during the downturn are now willing to sign for stability.

Ellis Vale·15 April 2026·6 min

Industrial warehouse exterior with modern windows

Investment

Adaptive Reuse: Converting to Opportunity

How industrial-to-lab conversions in Richmond and Collingwood are generating returns that new construction can't match.

Mara Holden·20 March 2026·10 min

Boutique retail storefront on cobblestone street

Market Report

Retail Resilience in Fitzroy

While national retail struggles, Melbourne's historic Fitzroy district is quietly becoming a model for boutique commercial retail.

Noor Hadid·28 February 2026·7 min

Investment

The 1031 Exchange Window Is Narrowing

Proposed federal changes to like-kind exchange rules would cap deferral at $500,000. For commercial investors, the time to act is now.

Mara Holden·15 January 2026·9 min