Buyer’s agent Matt Srama is backing the Gold Coast’s commercial real estate market
A new wave of investors is pulling their cash out of the residential market and pouring it into commercial property to dodge the fallout of the 2026 Budget shake-up.
Among them, former Gold Coast buyer’s agent Matt Srama has made his first commercial play, securing the home of a Broadbeach dining institution for $2.2 million.
Mr Srama acquired the 2657 Gold Coast Hwy site, home to Hideaway Kitchen & Bar, in an off-market deal, front-running what experts predict will be a frenzy of commercial activity.
The property generates a $150,000 per annum rental return, with high-profile local restaurateur Scott Imlach recently signing a five-year lease extension.
Scott Imlach opened Hideaway Kitchen + Bar in Broadbeach ten years ago
“I see huge potential in commercial property, but specifically that blue-chip landholding right across from the upgraded Star Casino and a light rail stop,” Mr Srama said.
The former NRL hooker said hospitality wasn’t originally on his radar.
“I made an exception for two big reasons: the unbeatable highway frontage, and the strength of the existing tenant.”
Mr Srama’s pivot comes at a critical turning point. Under incoming reforms, negative gearing will be restricted to new residential builds from 1 July 2027, while the longstanding 50 per cent capital gains tax (CGT) discount will be replaced by a 30 per cent minimum tax on net gains.
Matt Srama: ‘Huge potential’
“For decades, Australian residential property has been built around a simple equation,” RWC CEO James Linacre said.
“These structural changes begin to reward yield, income and cash flow over speculative long-term capital appreciation.”
Jackson Rameau, director of RWC Pacific Group, said inquiry levels from private investors and self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF) buyers have already skyrocketed.
“We expect the proposed Budget changes to push more investors toward commercial property,” Mr Rameau said.
“Commercial assets continue to appeal because of stronger income returns, longer lease terms and the ability for tenants to often cover outgoings, creating a far more predictable investment structure.”
Arundel was a hot commercial market pick. This development, anchored by Harvey Norman, is on the market for the first time in 25 years
With 2027 tax deadlines looming, Mr Rameau tipped a frenzy of activity over the coming months.
“Industrial property across the Gold Coast remains extremely tightly held, with limited supply continuing to support pricing and buyer competition,” he said.
“The second half of 2026 could present one of the strongest selling windows before more stock potentially comes to market leading into the proposed 2027 CGT changes.”
To capture this shifting demand, Mr Srama is expanding his agency’s model, advocating for “pigeon pairing”, or using a safe residential foundation to support a higher-yielding commercial asset.
A ground-floor warehouse at Molendinar on the market at $1.25m
MORE NEWS
US-style ranch with city views up for grabs
Interstate winner’s $2.2m prize home could be yours
Tradies turn market’s ‘accidental investors’
But commercial roundtable guests for Mr Srama’s Buying Gold Coast podcast warned the asset class required extreme diligence.
Gold Coast accountant Reuben Bigola of New Wave Group cautioned against rushing into purchases, noting structural setups and GST considerations required months of planning.
Commercial buyer’s agent Alberto Da Grava said building equity relied on understanding complex zoning and lease configurations.
“If you buy the right asset, know the market rent, and attract a sticky tenant, you can instantly lift the property’s valuation without spending a dollar on renovation,” Mr Da Grava said.
Currumbin Waters’ evolving commercial precinct hosts new developments such as The Lanes
Where to Buy Next
For investors looking under $2m, the panel highlighted industrial precincts in Currumbin Waters, Arundel, and Molendinar as top targets.
Tapping into this demand, Lacey West Commercial recently launched The Lanes, a 17-warehouse master-planned industrial precinct designed to combat a severe undersupply in Currumbin Waters.
Lacey West director James Borbidge said premium developments in these tightly held southern catchments were an “extreme rarity.”
But whether it’s a high-spec southern warehouse or Mr Srama’s Broadbeach play, visibility remains the ultimate prize.
“Any sort of frontage on the Gold Coast Highway is scarce,” Mr Srama said. “As the population rises, more businesses are going to want to get on that ‘golden strip’.”