Australia

Australia’s real estate market is entering a new cycle defined by resilience and reinvention. The economy remains solid, supported by steady immigration, tourism-led growth, and strong interest from multinational brands. While workplace demand has plateaued and shifted toward smaller spaces, activity is picking up in Sydney and Perth. Brisbane, home to the 2032 Olympics, is also seeing an influx of projects. From new build-to-rent incentives to a surging data centre and life sciences pipeline, the Australian market is diversifying beyond offices into sports, aviation, and hospitality. Across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, demographic shifts, cost-of-living pressures, and evolving work patterns are reshaping how Australians live, work, and connect — creating both complexity and opportunity for the next wave of design innovation.
What’s Next

Sydney consolidates, Melbourne recalibrates, and Perth gains momentum.

Sydney’s office market remains in flux as occupiers consolidate space and rethink their workplace strategies. Melbourne continues to lag, facing a slower recovery. Meanwhile, Perth emerges as a bright spot driven by retail revitalisation, new planning frameworks, and renewed commercial confidence.

Conversions and mixed-use developments define the next growth wave.

Adaptive reuse moves from a niche strategy to a mainstream development play. Older office assets are reimagined as labs, residential towers, or mixed-use destinations that blend hospitality, retail, and community uses — all underpinned by national sustainability goals and mandates.

Life sciences, data centres, and Olympic infrastructure anchor new demand.

As Australia positions itself for growth in advanced industries, life sciences campuses and data centres attract global capital. The pipeline toward the Brisbane 2032 Olympics spurs national investment in sports venues, hospitality, and infrastructure.

Affordability and sustainability reshape residential and urban planning priorities.

With housing costs outpacing wages and commute times stretching, affordability remains a national concern. This drives new thinking around attainable housing, transit-oriented development, and low-carbon design strategies that align with the country’s environmental ambitions.
Notable Projects
A couple of people walking in a large building.
Chevron Perth, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
A group of people in a room.
Guulabaa (Place of Koala), Cowarra State Forest, New South Wales, Australia
A city with many trees and buildings.
Kurraba Life Sciences Campus, Waterloo, Sydney, Australia
Insights from the Gensler Research Institute

Sydney Residents Love Where They Live but They Wish It Was More Affordable

Sydney stands out as a city where residents rate the quality of life exceptionally high. Yet, the cost of living reveals a divide between lifestyle satisfaction and everyday affordability.
How satisfied are you with the following aspects of your city?
  • City as a great place to live
  • City supports overall wellbeing
  • General cost of living
  • Affordability of housing costs
Source: Gensler City Pulse 2025
Notable Areas of Expertise
Offices
Thought Leadership
A group of people in a room.
Blog

NEXT NEXT: Redefining Science Work for the AI and Machine Era

Our new concept looks at how AI and automation are redefining the science workplace and reshaping the future of labs.
A group of people sitting at tables.
Blog

The New Economics of Sports Venue Design

From NIL-driven college athletics to multi-tiered VIP lounges and mixed-use districts, sports venues are evolving into dynamic business ecosystems.
A man and woman walking in a large room with tables and chairs.
Blog

The Future of Real Estate Metrics: Human Connection

The places that thrive in the years ahead will be designed to build relationships, inspire belonging, and foster togetherness.
A person giving a presentation to a group of people.
Blog

Designing Workplaces That Work — With Your People

When employees are involved in the planning and design process, the workspaces we create are more effective, engaging, and human.
A large building with many windows.
Blog

The Evolving Role of Hotels in Retail-Driven Mixed-Use Environments

Hotels within mixed-use developments are becoming curated retail destinations and dynamic contributors to a vibrant urban experience.
A building with many windows.
Blog

Historic Buildings: A New Solution for Modern Data Centers

Repurposing historic buildings into data centers is a compelling strategy for heritage preservation, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Guulabaa Place of Koala wooden deck
In The Media

Guulabaa Wild Koala Breeding and Rehabilitation Centre Named a ULI 2025 Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence Winner

Tthe Guulabaa – Place of Koala regenerative architecture project reflects conservation-led design, Indigenous collaboration, and resilient land stewardship.
Architecture & Design
Chart, radar chart.
Research

City Pulse 2025

Gensler surveyed 33,000 people across 65 cities to uncover what makes a city magnetic — how it attracts new residents and keeps them wanting to stay.
A person walking in a server room.
Blog

How the AI Gold Rush Is Influencing Data Center Design Trends

Gensler’s Critical Facilities leaders discuss how the AI boom is influencing the shape, speed, and operations of data center design.
A person walking up a staircase.
Research

Global Workplace Survey 2025

Gensler’s Global Workplace Survey 2025 reveals the importance of in-person work and insights on how workplaces can be better designed to support all forms of work for individuals and teams.
Gensler Washington DC terrace view from above
Sustainability

Resilience by Design

Our Resilience by Design Report presents solutions for transforming the built environment to achieve a net zero carbon impact across our portfolio and the design industry.
A table and chairs on a balcony.
Blog

The Biggest Challenge to Office Conversions Isn’t Design — It’s the Status Quo

Office-to-residential conversions have the ability to unlock affordable housing and revitalize cities, but only if the market can move beyond the status quo.
A group of people sitting on a bench in a park with buildings in the background.
Blog

Creating a More Resilient Future With Green and Thriving Cities

As the demand for sustainable and liveable cities grows, urban planners and architects are adopting innovative strategies to harmonise built and natural environments.
People standing in a dark room.
WEBINAR

Experience Design Trends 2025

Gensler’s Global and APME Digital Experience Design, Strategy, and Brand leaders explore top trends for 2025 in Experience Design.
A person in a white coat in a room with white cabinets.
Blog

How AI and Emerging Technologies Will Transform the Future of Labs

From AI and machine learning to quantum computing, we explore how technological advancements are redefining how scientists work.
A large metal tower.
Blog

The Secret to Paris 2024’s Olympic Success? Reuse, Temporality, and Legacy

How an innovative, sustainable, and cleverly timed approach helped Paris avert the pitfalls many cities face when hosting the Olympic Games.
A group of people standing in a room with a large screen.
Blog

The Evolution of Sports Venue Brand Integration: From Simple to Sophisticated

The new landscape of brand in sports is more sophisticated than ever.
A large crowd of people at a concert.
Blog

Reflecting on the Paris 2024 Olympics: A Catalyst for Urban Transformation and Sustainability

A look at how the key trends emerging from the 2024 Summer Olympics are creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for sports and urban development.
Japan
Canada
Download the Report
Explore architecture and design trends in Design Forecast 2026.
Download
Get in Touch
We welcome opportunities for collaboration.
Contact Us
Conversions+™ by Gensler
Determine if an office building is a candidate for residential conversion.
Learn More