This Month
US property giant buys into Perth’s student housing boom
East-coast capitals have so far absorbed much of the momentum in the fast-growing student housing sector. Now it’s Perth’s turn.
January
Hotels ready for changing travel plans in an uncertain world
Operators are optimistic they will be able to managing changing macroeconomic and global circumstances as demand outlook remains strong into 2026.
Airbnb owners rethink Olympics plans as short-stay changes loom
Owners of short-stay accommodation in Brisbane have slammed proposed fees and rules they believe will deter investment ahead of the 2032 Games.
Hotel market set to soar in 2026 as foreign cash pours in
A jam-packed events calendar and growing international interest in Australia’s hotel market could see transaction volumes rise above this year’s in 2026.
December 2025
Blackstone acquires Queensland’s Hamilton Island for more than $1b
The US private equity conglomerate has snapped up the more than 1100-hectare site from the Oatley family for around $1.2 billion, market sources say.
November 2025
Japanese investor splashes $600m on student housing giant UniLodge
Samty Holdings’ move for the operator of student accommodation is the latest in a surge of Japanese capital into Australia’s property sector.
Wellness retreat up for grabs as Gwinganna founder slows down
Wellness entrepreneur Tony de Leede is looking to sell his $20m EcoView Retreat on the Gold Coast. He is even open to offers for his famed Gwinganna retreat.
October 2025
Upmarket Crowne Plaza slated for Sydney’s ‘second CBD’
Parramatta is humming as business activity grows and the stadium’s calendar gets busy. A $750m two-tower project will host a hotel and build-to-rent apartments.
Desire for luxury travel is growing, even if it costs $3000 a night
Upmarket accommodation is the fastest-growing segment in the market, part of a global wealth trend of spending more on experiences than goods.
US giant Choice Hotels brings long stays to Australia
The New York listed operator, one of the world’s hospitality players, is confident there’s a gap in the market it can plug.
35 Australian stays rated in Michelin’s first global hotel guide
The French arbiters of taste have anointed dozens of Australian properties. How many have you been to?
The US rentals giant with a plan for 10,000 student beds
The target might look ambitious, but it would still be just a fraction of the 1 million rental units that Greystar has under management globally.
Private equity buyer Blackstone circles Hamilton Island deal
While still in preliminary stages, a deal would make Blackstone, which already controls Crown Resorts, a major force in the country’s hospitality sector.
September 2025
Accor rebrands four Elanor hotels
Australia’s largest hospitality player Accor has secured four hotels, which are expected to relaunch under its brands in the next 12 months.
Victoria’s taxes put student accommodation at risk: Property Council
The southern state has the biggest pipeline of new beds, but also the biggest taxes – and that means many of them may not be built, the industry body warns.
Lorna Jane branches into wellness with Byron Bay retreat
The activewear maven has branched into wellness retreats, buying the luxe property made famous as the location for TV series Nine Perfect Strangers.
August 2025
Mad for motels: SMSF investors are checking in
With more people travelling and accommodation scarce across the country, motel revenue is rising – and investors are taking note.
$100b Singaporean investor makes big move in student housing
Owned by the state, Mapletree has 27,800 student beds globally. It’s entered the Australian market with a Perth project. There may be more to come.
Payday at Pro-invest as hotel giant takes keys for 15 venues
Pro-invest has handed over management of 15 hotels to EVT. The fund manager has a lot more on its agenda, including developing a $1.5b build-to-rent portfolio.
July 2025
Turnaround story for motels, hospitality’s Cinderella asset
The industry is booming off the back of a resurgence in domestic travel during the pandemic, with institutions and small investors pouring into the space.
