20/10/2026
Specialised commercial assets like car washes are being snapped up by investors chasing long-term leases and land value growth in Melbourne's expanding outer suburbs.
This particular asset sits roughly 30 km from the Melbourne C*D on a 1,665 square metre block next to a McDonald's, with dual 40-metre frontages on the Princes Highway and Olive Road. Those frontage figures matter, as high-visibility highway sites typically command stronger land valuations over time and attract tenants willing to commit to longer lease terms.
The numbers here are worth understanding clearly. The purchase price was $2.65 million, requiring around $1,065,000 upfront when you factor in a 35% deposit, stamp duty of approximately $128,000, and legal costs. The tenant covers 100% of outgoings including rates, insurance, and management fees, which removes a significant layer of holding cost uncertainty that residential investors often deal with.
At an 8.5% interest-only rate, the asset is negatively geared by roughly $380 per week. The lease is fixed for 10 years with built-in annual rental increases, which could potentially narrow that gap progressively without any active management required from the owner.
Commercial assets like this tend to attract a different risk and reward profile compared to residential property. The yields can potentially be more compelling, but financing conditions, deposit requirements, and lender appetite vary considerably across lenders, and not every commercial deal suits every investor's financial position.
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