National and Global Firms with Melbourne Offices
The large international agencies concentrate on office towers, large industrial estates, retail centres and institutional-grade investments. Most hold their Melbourne offices in the CBD, along Collins Street, Bourke Street or the Docklands precinct.
- CBRE: strong in office leasing, capital markets and industrial logistics across Melbourne’s west and south-east.
- JLL: active in CBD office leasing, retail and project management for corporate occupiers.
- Colliers: broad coverage of office, industrial and retail sales and leasing, plus valuation and advisory services.
- Cushman & Wakefield: focuses on tenant representation, occupier services and large-scale leasing.
- Knight Frank: handles office, industrial and development advisory work, including land and project sales.
These firms suit businesses seeking floor plates above 1,000 square metres, investors buying assets valued above $20 million, or occupiers wanting a single adviser across multiple states.
Melbourne-Based and Specialist Agencies
Smaller and mid-sized agencies often deliver more direct attention for deals under $10 million. Burgess Rawson specialises in investment sales, including auctions of retail, industrial and medical properties. Charter Keck Cramer is known for development sites and residential project advisory. Gross Waddell works across industrial, office and retail in Melbourne’s suburbs. Stockdale & Leggo Commercial and similar suburban networks are useful for local shops, small offices and warehouses in areas such as Moonee Ponds, Dandenong, Ringwood and Geelong Road corridors.
Independent boutiques also operate in specific precincts. Richmond, Collingwood and Fitzroy have agents who focus on creative offices and converted warehouses, while Tullamarine, Laverton North and Truganina have industrial specialists familiar with logistics demand in the west.
How to Choose a Commercial Agent
Ask for a list of transactions the agent has completed in the past 12 months within your suburb and property type. A proven track record in the same precinct matters more than the size of the firm. Confirm the agent’s licence on the Consumer Affairs Victoria public register, and ask whether the agency charges for marketing separately or includes it in the commission.
Fees vary by transaction type. Sales commissions on commercial property commonly range from 1% to 2.5% of the sale price, depending on value, with lower percentages for larger deals. Lease agents typically charge a percentage of the first year’s rent, often around 10% to 15%, though this is negotiable. Always request the fee structure in writing in the agency agreement before signing.
Tenants should consider engaging a tenant representative, whose fee is usually paid by the landlord but whose duty is to the occupier. Landlords and vendors should compare at least three appraisals and ask each agent to explain how they reached their price guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do commercial real estate agents charge in Melbourne?
Sales commissions generally fall between 1% and 2.5% of the sale price, with larger transactions attracting lower rates. Leasing fees are commonly around 10% to 15% of the first year’s gross rent. Fees are negotiable and must be set out in the agency agreement.
Do commercial agents in Victoria need a licence?
Yes. Agents who sell or lease commercial property in Victoria must hold an estate agent’s licence under the Estate Agents Act 1980, regulated by Consumer Affairs Victoria. You can check a licence on the CAV public register before engaging an agent.
Should I use a national firm or a local agent?
National firms suit large office, industrial and investment deals that need institutional buyer or tenant networks. Local agents often perform better for smaller properties and suburban markets, where knowledge of nearby rents, vacancy and recent sales drives results.
