Shifting Gears: Where Property Lenders Are Placing Bets

Large Format Retail (LFR) has come a long way from its early “big box” beginnings. Once considered a more volatile, discretionary retail asset class, the sector is now attracting stronger attention from investors, landlords and retailers - supported by resilient consumer demand, low vacancy, constrained new supply and more than $100 billion in annual retail sales. CBRE’s National Director of LFR Leasing, Shane Cook, and CBRE’s Pacific Head of Retail Property Management, Sheree Griff, unpack what’s driving the sector’s momentum in this latest episode of Talking Property.They discuss why LFR is increasingly becoming a convenience and lifestyle story, how tenant demand is evolving across wellness, pet, entertainment and home categories, and why new concepts such as Kmart Home and Restoration Hardware point to the next phase of growth. They also explore the sector’s investment appeal, the impact of planning and supply constraints, and why physical retail remains highly relevant in categories where consumers still want to see, touch, compare and experience products in person. If you want to know more, you can read CBRE’s new Large Format Retail Outlook report. 

What if art could do more than just decorate an office - what if it could boost productivity, strengthen culture, and make people want to come to work? In this episode of Talking Property with CBRE, we explore the growing role of art as a strategic tool in modern workplaces. With organisations under pressure to “earn the commute,” art is emerging as a powerful way to transform offices into engaging, human-centred destinations. Host Kathryn House is joined by Shehan Wijayawardana from Mallesons, Emilya Colliver from Art Pharmacy, and CBRE’s Jenny Liu to unpack how thoughtfully curated art collections are influencing everything from employee wellbeing and creativity to client experience and brand identity. Drawing on real-world insights from Mallesons’ Sydney office transformation, the conversation reveals how art can: Enhance workplace culture and storytelling Create more memorable and engaging client experiences Support talent attraction and retention in a competitive market  The key takeaway? Art is no longer a finishing touch. It’s becoming a core part of how organisations design spaces that perform. 

This episode of Talking Property, we explore how commercial real estate lenders are navigating Australia’s shifting market conditions.Host Kathryn House is joined by CBRE’s Andrew McCasker and Nuveen’s Dugald Marr to unpack the latest findings from CBRE’s H1 2026 Lender Sentiment Survey. Together, they discuss lender appetite, evolving sector preferences, interest rate expectations, and the growing impact of construction costs and global uncertainty. Dugald also shares insights into Nuveen’s strategy and where the firm sees opportunity across the region.

Australia is becoming a nation of long-term renters - but the housing system isn’t keeping up. In this episode of Talking Property, we explore the growing disconnect between strong rental demand and the limited supply of new homes drawing on fresh research from CBRE and REA Group, and insights from the Property Council of Australia’s recent National Housing Solutions Summit. Assemble CEO Carolyn Viney, REA Group Senior Economist Anne Flaherty and CBRE’s Pacific Head of Living Sectors Capital Markets Andrew Purdon discuss how renters are staying longer, facing greater affordability pressures, and making deeper compromises as well as the roadblocks to developing more rental housing in Australia.   From planning constraints and rising construction costs to shifting renter preferences and evolving investment strategies, the conversation examines the key “frictions” holding back supply. The episode also highlights where opportunity lies, including the growing role of build-to-rent, co-living and mixed-tenure developments in meeting demand. 

Australia is in a global race for AI infrastructure — but are we moving fast enough to compete? In this episode of Talking Property with CBRE, host Kathryn House is joined by Belinda Dennett, co‑founder and CEO of Data Centres Australia, and Matt Madden, CBRE’s Senior Managing Director of Data Centre Solutions for Asia Pacific, to unpack the rapid evolution of the data centre sector and what’s at stake for Australia. As capital accelerates, demand intensifies and AI reshapes the digital economy, the conversation explores whether Australia can attract and retain AI workloads — or risks falling behind regional competitors.  The episode also delves into the rise of neocloud operators and why data centres are no longer just “warehouses” of the digital economy, but factories creating intelligence, jobs and long‑term economic value. 

This episode of The House View explores what a rapidly shifting economic and geopolitical landscape means for Australian real estate. Recorded earlier than planned amid rising global tensions, higher oil prices and a reset in the interest rate outlook, the episode tackles the big question facing investors and occupiers alike: what has truly changed, and what fundamentals still hold? CBRE's Phil Rowland and Sameer Chopra explore the growing impact of energy costs and bond yields on construction viability, why supply constraints are set to intensify across key sectors, and how rent growth is surprising on the upside in parts of the market despite near‑term volatility. They also dig into capital markets dynamics, cap rate expectations, and why agility has become essential as investment cycles shorten. The conversation rounds out with a forward‑looking discussion on AI, employment trends and the “flight to power” as access to energy becomes a defining factor in real estate performance. 

The Brisbane 2032 Games promise global attention, investment momentum and major infrastructure—but they also bring delivery pressure, supply constraints and real execution risk. In this episode of Talking Property, CBRE experts across research, hotels and infrastructure unpack where the genuine opportunities lie and the decisions that will influence Brisbane’s growth long after the closing ceremony.  The discussion looks at what was already underway before the Games, what changes because of them, and what Brisbane must get right to turn a moment into long‑term momentum.   To find out more you can explore CBRE’s new report: Brisbane 2032: Separating the Real Estate Myths from Realities.  

In this episode of Talking Property, host Kathryn House speaks with global futurist and bestselling author Michael McQueen about what the future of work really looks like beyond the AI hype. The conversation explores how leaders can navigate rapid technological change without eroding trust, culture or human connection — and why judgement, curiosity and readiness matter more than prediction. The episode explores: Why trust and human connection will be critical differentiators in an AI‑driven workplace How leaders can stay future ready amid disruption and uncertainty What AI agents mean for organisations — and what risks to watch Why younger generations are rethinking remote work How to overcome resistance to change and lead with clarity  

Discover how airport‑led precincts are reshaping cities, economies and driving long‑term property value in this latest episode of Talking Property with CBRE. Max Wilson, General Manager, Commercial Property at Western Sydney International Airport, and Peter Funder, General Manager, Development at Essendon Fields unpack the strategies behind two very different aviation‑anchored precincts—one a major 24/7 greenfield airport set to redefine Western Sydney; the other a mature, privately owned mixed‑use hub that has evolved into one of the country’s most successful aviation‑led communities. Hear how both leaders are curating diverse tenant mixes, investing in placemaking, and building destinations that go far beyond the runway. 

Step inside the world of Luxury Escapes as CEO Adam Schwab reveals how the digital travel giant is rewriting the rules of retail. From Apple‑inspired store design to sky‑high in‑store spend and global expansion plans, discover why immersive, consultant‑led travel experiences are winning big. In this episode of Talking Property with CBRE, we delve into the future of experiential retail and the evolution of the modern travel brand. We also explore Adam’s candid views on the shift to working from home — and why he believes the future of great businesses lies firmly in being together, not apart.  You can also explore CBRE’s Regional Shopping Centres Reimagined research report to find out how landlords are amping up the customer experience to ensure shoppers stay longer and spend more