🏙️ Melbourne Brokers on the Rise: Commercial Property Rebound and Strategic Shifts

Melbourne’s broker ecosystem is undergoing a quiet transformation—one shaped by renewed investor confidence, commercial property momentum, and a growing appetite for diversification. After a sluggish 2024, the city’s commercial property market is showing signs of life, and brokers are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this rebound.

📈 Market Pulse: Commercial Property Comeback

According to NAB’s latest Commercial Property Index, Melbourne’s office space demand surged by 21 points in Q2 2025—the first upward shift since the pandemic. Retail space is also seeing increased interest, signaling a broader recovery across the sector [1].

Bernard Desmond, CEO of Blank Financial, sees this as a golden opportunity:

“Small business owners are a great opportunity for brokers to service them in their commercial needs… It’s a buyer’s market, and brokers can help clients acquire spaces they’ve been renting—creating new assets and revenue streams.” [1].

🔄 Diversification: Beyond Residential Lending

As residential lending faces headwinds, brokers are pivoting toward commercial and asset finance. Non-bank lenders like Pepper Money are leading the charge, with a 53% surge in new mortgages and a 171% spike in commercial prime loans in H1 2025 [2].

CEO Mario Rehayem notes:

“Consumer confidence is rising, rates are coming down, and borrowers now have higher capacity. This opens doors for construction loans, refinancing, and auto financing.” [2].

This shift is not just tactical—it’s existential. Brokers who once focused solely on mum-and-dad homebuyers are now building portfolios that include small business owners, commercial investors, and asset finance clients.

🧭 Legacy Moves: Lessons from McLardy McShane

Melbourne-based brokerage McLardy McShane offers a blueprint for long-term success. Founders Don McLardy and Mike McShane recently transitioned to board roles, handing the reins to a new generation. Their growth was fueled by equity partnerships in regional Victoria and a strategic pivot toward AR networks [3].

Their story is a reminder: broker businesses thrive when they embrace shared ownership, regional expansion, and adaptive licensing models.

💡 Strategic Takeaways for Brokers

Here’s how Melbourne brokers can ride the current wave:

  • Expand into commercial lending: Office and retail spaces are rebounding—help clients transition from renters to owners.
  • Partner with non-bank lenders: Leverage flexible products and rising consumer confidence to offer tailored solutions.
  • Build equity-based networks: Consider joint ventures in regional areas to scale sustainably.
  • Stay agile with hybrid work trends: Office demand is rising, but hybrid work remains dominant. Brokers should advise clients on flexible property investments.