CBRE: Canberra hotel market a ‘standout performer’

Canberra’s hotel market continues to gain momentum as the nation’s stand out performer, with the sale of the Aria Hotel for $35 million capping off a strong year of sales activity for the nation’s capital.

CBRE Hotels’ Andrew Jackson negotiated the sale of the Aria Hotel to Sydney fund manager Aligned FM – representing the group’s first acquisition in Canberra. The group also owns assets in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, as well as several regional across NSW.

Glen Boultwood, CEO of Aligned FM commented on the group’s latest purchase: “The acquisition of the Aria Canberra provides further diversification to our existing portfolio, access to a market with strong trading performance and the ownership of a well built and maintained property.  The property will be rebranded to an Adina on 1 March 2018.”

Located at 45 Dooring Street, Dickson, Aria Hotel is a medium-rise serviced apartment complex comprising 128 large apartment-style hotel guest rooms, café and onsite parking for 107 vehicles.

Positioned on a 2,691sqm landholding, the hotel was sold with vacant possession being previously owned and operated by a local operator.

The sale comes amid strong activity in Canberra’s hotel market, with CBRE Research highlighting its nation leading performance.

CBRE Research Manager Ben Martin-Henry commented: “The surprising stand out performer for the 2017 has been the Canberra hotel market, which has managed to absorb the wave of new supply it experienced over the last couple of years.

“Stable supply and strong increases in tourism in 2017 gave operators the confidence to raise room rates without fear of occupancy falls.”

Mr Boultwood added: “Aligned FM has been selectively acquiring hotels and serviced apartment complexes around Australia to create a diversified portfolio for its investors.”

“Over the past 18 months Aligned FM has exchanged contracts on four properties worth around $100 million including the Aria Canberra, Quest Nowra, Quest Penrith and one other. Upon completion of these assets the portfolio will grow from 940 rooms to 1,261 rooms.”