Childcare assets remain in high demand as investors target stable, long-term returns
The Sector > Economics > Affordability & Accessibility > Childcare assets remain in high demand as investors target stable, long-term returns

Childcare assets remain in high demand as investors target stable, long-term returns

by Fiona Alston

July 24, 2025

Investor confidence in the childcare property sector remains strong, with early learning centres again taking centre stage in Burgess Rawson from CBRE’s latest national portfolio auction, scheduled to commence in Sydney on 5 August.

 

The Portfolio Auction 178 will showcase a range of essential service properties, including supermarkets, fast food outlets and large-format retail but it is the inclusion of high-quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) assets that continues to draw strong interest from both institutional and private investors.

 

Key childcare listings include:

 

  • Eden Academy, Doreen – commanding $504,000 in annual rent
  • Goodstart Early Learning centres in Indooroopilly, Merrylands and Brighton (Brisbane)
  • Rise Early Learning, Charmhaven – delivering $443,291 in annual rent
  • Newly built Eden Early Learning, Bardon (Queensland) and Oz Education, Gunnedah (NSW), both offering fixed 4 per cent annual rent increases

 

According to Burgess Rawson from CBRE, total sales of childcare assets in 2025 have already exceeded $124 million, underscoring growing investor confidence in the sector’s resilience, long-term stability, and essential service status.

 

“The childcare sector continues to demonstrate robust demand from investors seeking stable, long-term income streams underpinned by essential community services,” said Natalie Couper, CBRE childcare specialist.

 

“Investor competition remains intense across the sector, with yields compressing to as low as 3.96 per cent for well-located centres,” Ms Couper said. “Strategic locations and partnerships with reputable operators have proven critical in delivering consistent returns and attracting continued interest.”

 

Government policy support, sustained enrolment growth and favourable lease structures have further reinforced the attractiveness of ECEC properties, particularly those backed by national operators such as Goodstart and Eden Academy.

 

The auction series will commence at the Sydney Opera House on 5 August, followed by events in Melbourne 6 August and Brisbane 7 August.

 

As investor appetite continues to grow, the childcare property market remains a standout within the broader commercial real estate landscape, offering a unique blend of financial return and social value for stakeholders committed to the future of early education.

 

For more details on the upcoming portfolio auction and childcare investment opportunities, visit Burgess Rawson from CBRE here.

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