Although cranes still dot our city skylines, the real estate and construction sector has suffered major disruption and continues to endure the perfect storm of supply chain issues, skill shortages, harsh weather conditions, rising inflation and the continued drive for sustainability.  

Market conditions are forecast to gradually improve and consumer sentiment is positive. This is underpinned by government support into infrastructure development, increasing immigration, rising incomes and recovering demand for commercial and industrial properties.  

While there are many opportunities for the sector to scale up, current market conditions and changing consumer demands will require firms to reconsider their business models to remain competitive.  

Whether your ambition is digital transformation to drive operational efficiencies, finding efficiencies in resource allocation, or managing fast-changing regulatory changes – now’s the time to reflect on your strategic objectives and set your business up for success. 

Top trends in Real Estate & Construction

  • Supply chain issues cause uncertainty
  • Digital transformation brings efficiencies
  • Cost pressures drive insolvencies
  • Supply chain issues cause uncertainty
    Supply chain issues cause uncertainty
    Delays in receiving materials caused by supply chain disruption, coupled with price volatility, strain project delivery and profitability.
  • Digital transformation brings efficiencies
    Digital transformation brings efficiencies
    While navigating labour shortages, the sector has embraced automation and digitisation to streamline processes.
  • Cost pressures drive insolvencies
    Cost pressures drive insolvencies
    Rising labour costs, tightening profit margins, regulatory challenges, and growing fraud risks are driving insolvencies in the sector.

Issues impacting businesses in Real Estate & Construction

Managing changing regulation & the complexity of compliance

The real estate & construction sector is subject to extensive legislation and regulation at the federal level (including the ATO FIRB and ASIC reporting requirements), along with multiple layers of state and territory legislation and regulation. Organisations working on projects around Australia need to be across regulations in each State they operate in, as failure to meet obligations could mean suspension of your licence to operate in that state.  

It’s a push and pull scenario when the states use regulation and tax policy to gain a competitive edge on other jurisdictions. Whether it’s tax, audit or risk, we can cut through the compliance and complexity. 

Housing affordability a major national issue

Ranking as one of the least affordable housing nations in the world, housing affordability has become a major national issue amid rising cost of living prices. Australian house values have risen at an incredibly rapid rate, resulting in deepening housing inequality.  

To address this, developers and not-for-profits are building more social and affordable housing, introducing 'help to buy' schemes, and investing in build-to-rent projects. The Federal Government is also taking action with initiatives like the Housing Australia Future Fund and the Social Housing Accelerator. Despite these efforts, the shortage of housing and rising rents continue to put pressure on renters, highlighting the need for further action to improve affordability.

Component shortages and price rises persist 

The real estate & construction sector is one link in a long supply chain, and with workforces around the world still struggling to keep up with demand, those supply chains have become sluggish. Coupled with component shortages and high freight costs – it’s no surprise that prices have risen across the sector. These price increases have had a heavy impact on organisations and consumers alike, with construction generally operating on thin margins.  

Conditions have heavily impacted construction companies’ bottom lines, often resulting in loss of profits. Those on slender margins who aren’t assessing and mitigating risks early, will see struggle with solvency. Others with a stronger balance sheet are looking at opportunities to diversify revenues, vertically integrate to manage the risk to their business. 

Digitisation is here to stay

From online property portals and virtual property tours improving client experiences, to finding efficiencies in processes and supporting our human capital – systems have enabled efficiencies in real estate and construction. Through these digital advancements, we’ve seen more precision, optimised time and resource allocation, reduced paperwork, operational efficiencies and smoother property management.  

However, this also means disruption for organisations unable to keep up with the fast pace of change, as they can quickly be left behind. The pandemic has been a clear example of that, with an acceleration of change beyond what we could have expected and digital transformation occurring across all businesses – the winners being those agile in adopting new technology. To help you embrace technology, collaboration and innovation, new grants and incentives are continuously released. Reach out to understand what support you’re eligible for. 

Cyber security issues and fraud risks rising

With recent data breaches bringing into focus the importance of cyber security and operational resilience, the issue of data protection has never been more prevalent. This should be front of mind not only from an IP and release of data perspective, with the vast amount of personal information real estate companies in particular hold, but also due to these incidents getting vast attention, scrutiny, and often resulting in loss of public and shareholder confidence. Having a strong strategy in place to prevent, minimise and rectify customer detriment is more crucial than ever.

Attracting and retaining talent

The integration of technology is transforming the sector, creating demand for a more tech-savvy and adaptable workforce. With a shortage of skilled tradespeople, companies are finding that traditional financial incentives alone aren’t enough. Non-cash benefits and employee share schemes can provide a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent while also protecting intellectual property.  

Government efforts, including increased migration caps and fee-free TAFE courses, are also helping address these shortages. Meanwhile, businesses are using technology to overcome workforce challenges, employing digital tools to enhance operational efficiency and reduce human error. Investing in continuous learning and recruiting digital talent will be essential for navigating this evolving landscape and maintaining competitiveness. 

Preparing for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics & Paralympics

Brisbane has been announced as host of the 2032 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Games can be a catalyst for development of host cities, and the opportunity for the South East Queensland region is immense. Nurturing the development opportunities, both in a physical sense as well as for building infrastructure, careers, culture and lifestyle, is crucial in ensuring the Olympic legacy is one that enriches the host city, region and nation. 

Our Real Estate & Construction services

Audit

Our expert audit approach will help you comply with regulations, and improve business strategies and internal processes.

Finance and funding

Across investments, M&A, and restructuring, we help you access finance, negotiate sustainable relationships and undertake initiatives to preserve profitability, protect and recover value.

Insolvency

Whatever your circumstance, we can help you assess business turnaround options to get you back on track and retain the most value for all stakeholders.

Restructuring and turnaround

We help clients identify and undertake restructuring and turnaround initiatives to preserve profitability and protect and recover value.

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

As the ESG landscape is rapidly evolving, we'll help you respond to changes in the regulatory environment, and local and global trends impacting your operations.

Tax

We work with clients at all stages of their business lifecycle – and through all their organisation’s major events – to navigate tax obligations.

Get in touch
Anika Reside
Partner and National Head of Real Estate & Construction
Anika Reside
Partner and National Head of Real Estate & Construction
Anika Reside

Sale of Box+Dice

Client challenge
Client challenge
Client challenge
Founded in Melbourne in 2005, Box+Dice has grown to become one of Australia's most successful real estate customer relationship management companies, servicing over 1,150 offices across Australia and New Zealand. Once Travis Williams, owner and CEO of Box+Dice, decided he was interested in selling the business, he wanted to ensure he received a premium price for his years of hard work, whilst also ensuring Box+Dice and its people would continue to be supported in the future.
The solution
The solution
The solution
Through initial discussions with Travis, Grant Thornton was able to determine the best way to present the business through the creation of an Information Brief to send to interested parties. Grant Thornton contacted a number of potential buyers in the early stages of the process, as part of a targeted buyer list focusing on companies with complementary strategies. Through a series of discussions, a shortlist of buyers was established, with negotiations held with parties to determine the most suitable buyer for Box+Dice. After a period of consideration and negotiation, the most suitable buyer was selected as they best satisfied Travis’ criteria.
The outcome
The outcome
The outcome
The acquirer, MRI Software, is a global property software company looking to expand their operations in the Asia-Pacific region. From a strategic point of view, the purchase of Box+Dice integrates nicely with their current product offering, and will enhance synergies within the company. MRI was able to pay the premium price, and also detail a clear plan of how Box+Dice will be part of MRI’s strategy going forward, and how they intend to continue to support Box+Dice’s product.
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