Where and what people have for lunch can be a really interesting indicator about getting the location of business premises right.

(more…)

It is extremely easy for most of us to be lulled into thinking a quoted rental price is the main cost when entering into a commercial property lease. But lurking beneath that highly visible tip of the iceberg are some nasty extras.

I frequently experience people who enter into long term commercial property leases focussed on the rental cost per square metre. They see that as their main cost and don’t consider (more…)

As New Zealanders we pride ourselves on our DIY can-do attitude and it gets us a long way.

But for a while now, business commentators have been challenging this approach saying the downside, particularly on the world stage, can be that a DIY approach is detrimental.

Our top businesses have it mastered, and in (more…)

Desperation is biting in the commercial real estate industry.

There are very few commercial tenants looking for space right now, and many agents that specialise in commercial leases are consequently struggling.

With tough times come dirty tricks.

One ploy that is on the rise is where a (more…)

I once heard a New Zealand export manufacturer talking positively about this country’s competitive advantage against some of the really big players in the world such as China and the U.S.

He said our advantage was (more…)

High vacancy levels in the commercial lease market are starting to see landlords make some real efforts to woo tenants.

I’ve started to see landlords undertaking refurbishments to make their buildings more attractive to tenants. There is also a trend to not simply take on cosmetic improvements, but to  (more…)

It’s now just over two years until the Rugby World Cup is staged in New Zealand.

The biggest impact is likely to be in Auckland where there will be eight games including the semi finals and final at Eden Park. But stadia (more…)

A government select committee has this week started to listen to submissions on Auckland’s governance and how people view the plans and legislation for a Super City.

It is going to be fascinating to see the impact it will have on the region once the changes are implemented.

In the commercial property lease market, the way the councils throughout the region are reorganised could have a range of impacts. (more…)

With frosts on the ground it might seem a little early to be talking about spring.

But when it comes to the property lease market and looking out to the future, the market’s current sway in favour of tenants is an ideal time to  (more…)

Since time began, cities around the world have offered the allure of seeking and making your fortune. Great world cities such as London, New York, Hong Kong and Sydney still hold that promise for many. (more…)

I’ve been posting this blog for well over a year now, and I’d like to think we give readers a good heads-up on trends in the property lease market, as well as some insights into how the market works behind the scenes.

So it was interesting for me this week to take some of this expertise into the mainstream news media as a commentator on TVNZ’s business programme: NZI Business June 5: Renters’ market for office space

(more…)

To steal a line from the well-known telco ad, now is good for having a close look at reviewing commercial leases across New Zealand. There are a number of reasons why now is good.

Firstly, I think it’s time we moved on from a wait and see attitude about the markets and international economic conditions.

Secondly, there are very few new leases being drawn up at the moment. Many new building projects are on hold, and the majority of Parallel Direction’s work with tenants right now is getting better outcomes on renewals and rent reviews. (more…)