The top 10 most viewed commercial properties of 2022

Among the thousands of properties advertised online, we crunched the numbers to find out what listings attracted the most views on commercialrealestate.com.au this year.

The top 10 included properties both for sale and lease, and covered the entire spectrum of sectors: hotel, accommodation, retail, office, industrial and rural.

Whether it was driven by casual curiosity, lofty daydreaming or a serious search, these properties were the most popular.

1. Dargo Hotel and Motor Inn

The most popular listing of 2022 was none other than an iconic country pub in Victoria.

Cluttered with delightful relics and memorabilia, the rustic charm of the Dargo Hotel is sure to tug on the heartstrings of veteran and prospective publicans alike.

Located in Victoria’s east at the foothills of the Alpine National Park, the pub is popular with those travelling through the high country looking for a cold beer and a hearty meal.

In addition to the historic hotel, the property also included the Dargo Motor Inn and a four-bedroom owners’ residence.

Expressions of interest closed on December 1, with listing agent Phil Mammolito of CRE Brokers fielding a whopping 700 enquiries.

“We had lots of interest,” Mammolito said. “We had multiple expressions of interest and we are now in negotiations.”

2. Elm Cottage, Tumut

Tens of thousands of commercial property aficionados have landed on this listing in the Snowy Mountains, and it’s not hard to see why.

Set on 24.7 hectares on the Goobarragandra river, Elm Cottage is a prestigious and picturesque retreat offering five self-contained cottages and a main four-bedroom homestead.

The pet-friendly accommodation has won a suite of international awards in recent years.

Interested? It’s still for sale, with a price guide of $5.6 million to $5.8 million.

3. 189 Kent Street, Sydney

The most popular office listing of the year was in the heart of Sydney’s CBD at 189 Kent Street.

With 15 levels of commercial and retail space, Austcorp Realty is still leasing numerous office suites, including some with exceptional harbour views.

Sizes range from 42 square metres to well over 900 square metres.

4. 560 Botany Road, Alexandria

Surrounded by fashion houses and artists’ studios, this building is an inner-city haven for creatives to set up shop, and it struck a chord with property searchers in 2022.

A former function centre, the building has been reimagined and restored by award-winning architecture firm Squillace. It feels modern and spacious, thanks to high ceilings, exposed brick walls and polished concrete floors.

The ground floor has already been leased to Nudy Lucy Fashion for their HQ, while a high-end pilates studio has taken half of level one.

There are still a few retail suites available to lease.

 5. 340 Flinders Street, Melbourne

Many of those looking for centrally located offices in Melbourne came across the Robert Reid & Co Building, located just a stone’s throw from Flinders Street Station.

During a difficult year for CBD office buildings, refurbished suites with end-of-trip amenities are in demand.

6. BIZ Homebush

Those following the commercial property market in recent years will know the industrial sector has had an extraordinary run, with record-low vacancy rates putting upward pressure on rents and values.

So it’s little surprise that a development of brand-new industrial warehouses for lease was among the most viewed listings. The recently completed BIZ Homebush offers warehousing, office space, showrooms and storage units.

At the time of publishing, there were just four spaces left to lease.

7. 2585 Kyneton-Redesdale Road, Redesdale

An affordable rural farm in central Victoria appealed to thousands of property searchers.

The 2.5-hectare property, which includes a renovated cedar homestead, is still on the market for $700,000.

8. 81-83 Lambeck Drive, Tullamarine

“Why pay huge rents at storage facilities when you can have your own?”

The listing asks a good question, with storage units for sale from just $45,000.

Of the 18 units that were up for sale, only three are still available.

9. Carmel Village, Box Hill

A new neighbourhood shopping centre in Sydney’s north-west offered 30 retail tenancies covering 10,000 square metres. Dozens have been snapped up by an array of enterprises including major brands like Coles, Zambrero, Snap Fitness and Choice Pharmacy.

The mall is set to open in April of next year.

10. Leighton Park, Hornsby

Rounding out the top 10 was the Leighton Park Industrial Complex in Hornsby, offering modern facilities for small- to medium-sized businesses in Sydney.