Transaction data defies critics
In the 12 weeks of Federal Government imposed restrictions, multiple opinions regarding the impact to various business sectors were publicly shared. In March 2020, after only a few weeks of restrictions, HTL Property socialised the view that the hotel industry would, as it has done so historically on numerous occasions, both weather the headwinds the global pandemic had created for all business models; and would adapt and emerge on the other side a more resilient and determined version of itself.
Critical to this period of forced incubation however, was the need to stay both active and connected.
"As such HTL Property didn't go gardening, didn't relocate office chairs and didn't retreat into the darkness and uncertainty so readily available; only to return when the sun began to shine light at the end of a challenging tunnel" advised HTL Property Managing Director, Andrew Jolliffe.
"Instead, as a long term and meaningful stakeholder in the national marketplace, HTL Property kept the doors open and the lines of communication with its valued audience both clear and accessible" Jolliffe added.
The direct result being a total of 18 transactions approaching $175m in value; and ranging from Top 50 gaming hotels, through to inner city leaseholds, North and South Coast Freeholds and key assets in Regional Centres.
"This level of activity, strangely not apparent to industry critics and others who should know better, is emblematic of an asset class which remains engaged, innovative and with the welcomed and patent support of the senior debt markets leaders; who our colleagues at HTL Capital advise are continuing to write new and material business into the sector" concluded Jolliffe.
"From an agency perspective the number one theme right now appears to be a distinct lack of stock publicly on the market: and for this reason we anticipate off-market deals and unsolicited offers to be the norm in the short term" advised HTL Property National Pubs Director, Dan Dragicevich.
"Undoubtedly volumes are currently down on last year, however we would contend that the primary reason is the distinct lack of stock rather than an unwillingness for purchasers to participate" said Dragicevich.
"Whilst many industry participants have been espousing a doom and gloom type scenario, the reality is that we are just not seeing that and well priced stock, appropriately marketed by a stable brokerage firm will sell" added Dragicevich.
"In fact, now is a good time to be bringing properties to the market as well-capitalised hotel groups with strong balance sheets remain hungry for acquisitions" concluded Dragicevich.
There have been wide-scale personnel changes within both the pubs and accommodation brokerage sectors, and which has perhaps further stymied transactions during the period; however stable brokerage outfits have continued to report strong sales across the board.
"Gaming continues to be a sought after revenue stream, and the sub-market for poker machine entitlements has remained particularly resilient in the face of COVID-19" advised HTL Property's Xavier Plunkett.
"Enquiry for accommodation assets with access to domestic travel origins remains strong, and we expect this to increase further with the continued easing of internal travel restrictions" added HTL Property Accommodation Director, Nic Simarro.
- Neath Hotel, Neath
- Australian Hotel, Cooma
- North Coast NSW Freehold
- Post Office Hotel, Moree 5. Yenda Hotel, Yenda
- Royal Hotel, Condobolin
- South Coast Freehold
- Gregory Hills Hotel, Gregory Hills
- Acacia Ridge Freehold, Brisbane
- McLaren's Landing Qld (Leasehold), Stradbroke Island
- Regional Centre Freehold
- The Mill (Leasehold), Bondi Junction
- Sly Fox (Leasehold), Enmore
- Illinois Hotel, Fivedock 15. Hunter Valley Freehold
- Top 50 Sydney Gaming Hotel Freehold
- $4 mill worth of Hotel Licences and PME
- Fitzroy Hotel, Windsor
HTL Property, 19th June 2020
