For businesses looking to expand into Australia, commercial property can feel like a game of “where’s the value?” without a clear rulebook. High foot traffic might sound great until you’re wedged between a vape shop and a questionable kebab joint. Then there’s the rent, which can either be surprisingly reasonable or completely cooked.

So, where is the smart money going? That depends on your industry, appetite for risk, and whether you want a skyline view or a solid industrial shed with room for forklifts. If you’re after offices for lease in Melbourne, or simply scouting for strong commercial hubs, here are six locations worth a closer look.

1. Melbourne – Diverse, Dense, and Always Doing Something

Melbourne is a commercial beast. Its CBD mixes finance, creative industries, education, and tech without too much fuss. Inner suburbs like Southbank and Docklands offer shiny towers and river views, while fringe areas such as Richmond and Collingwood bring a more grounded, start-up feel—think converted warehouses, polished concrete floors, and the occasional office dog.

Office vacancy rates fluctuate, but there’s a steady stream of businesses moving in, growing, or reshuffling. That movement creates opportunity. Whether you’re after a sleek office suite or something more flexible, Melbourne offers variety with scale. Just make sure you’re within walking distance to coffee or risk a mutiny.

2. Sydney – Expensive, Yes, But Still Worth It

Sydney is not for the faint-hearted when it comes to commercial rents. It’s the priciest city in Australia, with some of the highest per-square-foot costs in the region. That said, it’s also the biggest, busiest, and arguably most high-profile place to set up shop.

The CBD remains a corporate stronghold, while suburbs like Parramatta are rapidly developing as secondary hubs with better pricing and fewer parking dramas. If your business needs visibility, proximity to major players, or an address that carries weight, Sydney ticks the boxes. Just budget accordingly and prepare for meetings to occasionally feel like endurance sports.

3. Brisbane – Business-Friendly With Room to Grow

Brisbane doesn’t try too hard. That’s one of its strengths. It’s growing fast, has a lower cost of living, and is increasingly popular with interstate migrants who’ve had enough of Sydney or Melbourne prices.

Its commercial property market is following suit, particularly in areas like Fortitude Valley and South Brisbane. You’ll find everything from polished office towers to smaller, functional spaces that won’t chew through your entire quarterly revenue. Plus, there’s a more relaxed pace here. Still professional, just less likely to induce an ulcer.

4. Adelaide – Quietly Getting on With It

Adelaide rarely makes the headlines, which is why it’s so appealing. It offers affordability, reliable infrastructure, and a growing business ecosystem, especially in defense, health, and tech sectors.

The CBD is compact and efficient. You won’t need to battle traffic or wait in line for 40 minutes to get a sandwich. Commercial property prices are reasonable, and there’s often more flexibility with leases. If your business doesn’t rely on big-city chaos to thrive, Adelaide can provide a quieter, more stable platform.

5. Perth – Resource-Rich and Still Underestimated

Perth is the western outlier. Geographically remote, yes, but with real economic clout thanks to mining, oil, gas, and engineering industries. It’s got the money, even if it doesn’t always shout about it.

Commercial properties in the CBD and West Perth cater to mid-to-large companies, while fringe areas like Subiaco and East Perth offer alternatives with a bit more charm and better parking. If your operations touch the resources sector—or benefit from proximity to Asian markets—Perth could make strategic sense.

6. Hobart – Small Size, Big Opportunity

Tasmania’s capital used to be off the radar. Now, not so much. A surge in population, tourism, and investment has sparked interest in Hobart’s commercial sector. It’s still relatively small, but that’s part of the draw for businesses wanting to avoid overcrowded markets.

Office space in the CBD remains accessible, both in terms of price and layout. There’s room to move, time to plan, and less pressure to keep up with whatever trend Sydney is pushing this month. If your business values calm over chaos, it might be worth a squiz.

Australia offers no shortage of commercial property options. Some cities provide scale and speed, others give you space to think. Whether you’re eyeing offices for lease in Melbourne or wondering if Perth is worth the trek, the key is to match the location with how your business works. Less sparkle, more strategy. Or, as the locals might say, don’t muck about.