This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
INTERNATIONAL investors have acquired a Guardian-leased childcare centre in the northern Melbourne suburb of Preston for around $9 million.
CBRE’s Sandro Peluso, Marcello Caspani-Muto and Jimmy Tat brokered the sale of 391 Murray Road on behalf of the Neston childcare development group.
The centre is licensed for 141 places and is leased to Guardian for 15 years with multiple options. It sold for a reported yield of 5.5%.
Peluso said the centre, located at 391 Murray Road, stood out to the Asian investors because of Guardian’s proven track record as a quality childcare provider with high occupancy rates.
“This marks our team’s third Guardian-leased childcare centre sale in the past six months and fourth childcare sale in the past 30 days to Asian-based investors. All of these sales had an above average transaction cap rate of circa 5.25 to 5.75% which showcases the appeal of childcare assets,” he said.
“A childcare centre with a reputable operator represents strong stability and profitability for investors. Guardian childcare centres are well-known across Victoria, so savvy investors are keen to add them to their investment portfolio,” Peluso said.
It is the team’s second childcare sale of 2025, following on from the $5.355 million sale of the Little Stars Early Learning & Kindergarten in Melton, on a yield of 6.8%.
The team has seen an increase in interest from overseas investors with a focus on healthcare, childcare, and aged care assets. Tat said that as Australia continues to offer stable and diverse investment opportunities, coupled with an improving economic outlook, it is likely to remain an attractive destination for Asian capital.
