A Malaysian-based investor has acquired a flagship childcare centre located in the growth suburb of Werribee for $7.071 million following a competitive expressions of interest campaign.
CBRE’s Australian Healthcare & Social Infrastructure team of Sandro Peluso, Marcello Caspani-Muto, and Jimmy Tat, brokered the sale of the property at 24 Scotsburn Grove which is leased to provider Explorers Early Learning, a highly respected private childcare operator.
Mr Tat noted the property generated significant market interest, attracting four competitive offers and enquiries from over 80 distinct investors.
“The extraordinary interest in this asset highlights the strong demand in this sector and a highly active investor base. What made this deal stand out for us is that over 75% of the offers came from international investors. Enquiry levels also show more than $75 million in capital searching for quality assets—highlighting both strong appetite for Australian opportunities and the competitiveness of the market,” Mr Tat said.
Built in 2024, the centre is strategically located within Werribee a suburb which is expecting strong population growth with a forecast increase of 60% over the next 20 years. Over 15,000 new dwellings are expected in the next two decades, underpinning sustained demand for childcare services.
Sandro Peluso added, “Based on our observation over the past 10 years, assets with Explorers Early Learning as tenants have always been considered an attractive childcare investment due to a proven track record of high occupancy rates across its portfolio, instilling confidence in buyers seeking strong passive income. Investor interest in this centre was further enhanced by its strategic location within an Activity Centre Zone and the potential for development of up to five levels, coupled with the median housing price in the area could double over the next 10 years.”
The CBRE team have now transacted four childcare centres leased to Explorers Early Learning Centres over the past 24 months, reflecting a total transaction amount of almost $50,000,000 with a 100% success rate with a further centre currently on market in Greenvale Victoria. “More than half the Victorian childcare centres we have transacted this year have been purchased by offshore buyers, reflecting the continued perception of Australia, and particularly recession-proof sectors like childcare, as safe and defensive portfolio additions. Childcare centres are especially attractive due to stable demand, long-term leases, and strong government support. Victoria currently leads the country in yield / return, offering returns 100–150 basis points higher than Queensland or New South Wales, supported by steady population growth and rising median housing prices. Together, these factors reinforce both the strength of the market and the unique appeal of this asset class,” Mr Tat added.
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