Melbourne’s commercial real estate market is served by a range of specialist agencies, with the most active including CBRE, Colliers, Knight Frank, JLL, and Cushman & Wakefield operating across the CBD and metropolitan fringe. Local independents such as Teska Carson, Gross Waddell ICR, and CVA Property Consultants handle significant volume in inner-suburban and suburban markets. The right agent depends on property type, location, and whether you are buying, selling, or leasing.
Major National and International Agencies in Melbourne
The big five global firms (CBRE, Colliers, JLL, Knight Frank, Cushman & Wakefield) all maintain substantial Melbourne offices, typically on St Kilda Road or in the CBD. They handle large-format transactions: office towers, industrial parks, retail centres, and development sites. CBRE and Colliers consistently record the highest commercial sales volumes in Victoria. These firms suit vendors or tenants dealing with assets above $5 million, or occupiers requiring dedicated tenant representation across multiple locations.
JLL has a particularly strong industrial leasing presence in Melbourne’s west and south-east corridors. Knight Frank is well regarded for its CBD office sales and hotel and hospitality asset work. If your transaction involves a listed entity, an institutional buyer, or a cross-border investor, these agencies have the networks to reach that audience.
Melbourne-Based Independent Commercial Agents
For assets in the $500,000 to $5 million range, Melbourne-based independents often outperform the large firms on local knowledge and principal-level attention. Teska Carson covers metropolitan retail and commercial. Gross Waddell ICR is active across investment sales and commercial auctions, particularly in the inner north and east. CVA Property Consultants focuses on small-to-medium commercial and industrial transactions city-wide.
Other notable local operators include Fitzroys (retail and commercial investment), Savills Melbourne (office and industrial), and GormanKelly (eastern suburbs commercial). Many of these agencies publish regular market reports specific to Melbourne suburbs, which can give sellers a clearer picture of current buyer demand and yield expectations before going to market.
Choosing the Right Agent for Your Property
Match the agent to the asset class. Industrial property in Dandenong South or Truganina suits specialists with south-east or west corridor databases. A St Kilda Road office suite calls for an agent with CBD and near-city office market experience. Retail strips in suburbs like Richmond or Fitzroy are better served by agents who run regular metropolitan auctions rather than those focused on large shopping centre transactions.
Fee structures vary. Most commercial agents charge between 1.5% and 2.5% commission on sales, with some negotiation possible on higher-value assets. Leasing fees are typically calculated as a percentage of the total lease value or on a per-square-metre basis depending on the deal structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a commercial and residential real estate agent in Melbourne?
Commercial agents specialise in properties used for business purposes: offices, warehouses, retail spaces, and development sites. They require a full real estate licence in Victoria and typically have specific training in commercial leasing legislation, yield analysis, and business valuation concepts that residential agents do not carry.
Do I need a buyer’s agent for commercial property in Melbourne?
It is not mandatory, but a commercial buyer’s agent can be useful when you are unfamiliar with a specific market segment or location. They charge fees separately from the vendor’s agent, usually between 1% and 2% of the purchase price, and work exclusively in the buyer’s interest.
Which Melbourne suburbs have the most active commercial property markets?
The CBD, Southbank, and St Kilda Road remain the busiest for office transactions. Industrial activity is concentrated in the south-east (Dandenong, Hallam) and west (Truganina, Laverton North). Inner-suburban retail investment is most active in Fitzroy, Richmond, Prahran, and South Yarra.
