Australian real estate giant Dexus is selling three assets, including a 25% stake in Sydney's 5 Martin Place, to generate AUD 383.2 million (INR 20.4 crore) and reduce its debt. The sale of the prime office building stake, valued at AUD 148.1 million (INR 7.9 crore), comes as the company faces a decline in office property values across Australia. This move follows a reported decrease in Dexus's property portfolio value for early 2024, driven by post-pandemic remote work trends. Dexus's shares dropped 4.1% on Thursday, reflecting market concerns. The asset sales and debt reduction strategy highlight the challenges in the Australian office real estate market.
Australian real estate giant Dexus is selling three assets, including a stake in a prime Sydney office building, to generate AUD 383.2 million (INR 20.4 crore) to reduce its debt. This move comes as the company grapples with a decline in the value of office properties across Australia.
Dexus will offload stakes in three properties. The most significant sale involves a 25% stake in 5 Martin Place, a premium grade office building in Sydney's central business district. This stake is valued at AUD 148.1 million (INR 7.9 crore) and boasts a high occupancy rate of 97% with an average lease expiry of 2.9 years. The proceeds from all three asset sales will be used initially to repay Dexus's debt.
Dexus recently reported a decline in the book value of its entire property portfolio for the first six months of 2024. This decrease reflects a broader trend in the Australian office real estate market, where property values are falling due to factors like a shift to remote work arrangements post-pandemic. The news of asset sales and declining property values has impacted Dexus's share price. Shares fell by 4.1% on Thursday, marking their biggest one-day decline since October 2023.
Dexus's decision to sell assets highlights the challenges facing the Australian office real estate market. The company's focus on debt reduction suggests they are preparing for a potentially extended period of lower property values. It will be interesting to see how Dexus navigates this market shift and what strategies they adopt to adapt their portfolio and maintain profitability in the changing landscape.