Commercial property prices in Bendigo have seen a notable increase over the past year, fuelled by a combination of local economic growth and renewed investor confidence. Data from the Bendigo Economic Development Agency (BEDA) shows that average commercial rents in the city’s CBD on Mitchell Street and the Kangaroo Flat business district have climbed by approximately 8% between July 2025 and June 2026.
This uptick comes as Bendigo's commercial sector benefits from strategic infrastructure projects and the rising demand for mixed-use developments catering to a growing population of remote workers and Melbourne commuters seeking regional opportunities. With Bendigo's population forecast to reach 120,000 by 2030, the pressure on commercial spaces has intensified.
Local Drivers Behind the Commercial Market Surge
Bendigo’s revitalisation efforts, especially under programs like the Victorian Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, have spurred investment in commercial hubs such as the Mitchell Street precinct. This area, traditionally the heart of Bendigo’s retail and professional services, is attracting tech startups and boutique consultancies drawn by improved digital infrastructure and proximity to public transport links like Bendigo Railway Station.
Kangaroo Flat, another key commercial node along Napier Street, is experiencing a shift as older industrial sites are repurposed into flexible office and retail spaces, making it a hotspot for small to medium enterprises. The City of Greater Bendigo's 2025 Commercial Development Report indicated that new business registrations increased by 15% in this suburb last year, reflecting local economic diversification.
Data Highlights and Market Implications
According to the latest Commercial Property Market Report by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV), Bendigo’s commercial property values rose by 6.5% over the 12 months to June 2026, outpacing the statewide regional average of 4.2%. Median sale prices for retail shops in Bendigo’s CBD now stand around $680,000, while office spaces average $520,000. These figures represent a shift from the more stagnant conditions recorded between 2023 and 2024, when prices remained largely flat.
Investors are also recalibrating their expectations as the REIV notes a trend toward longer lease terms with established tenants, especially in the healthcare and professional services sectors, which are expanding locally. The increased competition for prime locations has resulted in landlords tightening leasing conditions and reducing vacancy rates to below 3%, compared to 5% two years prior.
For small business owners and prospective buyers, these trends highlight the importance of timing and location in the current market environment. Areas undergoing infrastructure upgrades, such as McCrae Street and High Street, are becoming particularly attractive for commercial investments.
Rising interest rates and tighter credit conditions also mean buyers need to engage closely with lenders and financial advisors to secure favourable terms. Given the shifting market, industry experts advise prospective purchasers to conduct thorough due diligence concerning tenant profiles, lease terms, and future zoning changes under the City of Greater Bendigo’s 2026 Urban Growth Plan.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.
About this article●Beta
Published by The Daily Bendigo
Covering property in Bendigo. This article was generated by AI, under human editorial accountability and risk-based review and our reasonable editorial care. Sensitive material is held for human review before publication. See our reasonable editorial care.
Beta: AI-assisted and human-overseen. Details may be imperfect, so please verify anything important.