Australia's Global Safe Haven - Why Global Investors See Our Market As Stable

Australia’s appeal to global investors

Australia’s appeal to global investors is clear. With its strong rule of law, transparent regulatory framework, and high quality of life, it’s increasingly positioned as a safe haven for Asia-Pacific and global capital.

Data from CBRE shows that offshore investment in Australian commercial property was up 17 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2025, with foreign capital accounting for 28 per cent of total investment. On the returns front, housing has outperformed equities in six of the past ten years, delivering total returns of 132.6 per cent compared to 126.4 per cent for equities — underscoring real estate’s resilience as a long-term asset class.

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What underpins this shift

Australia’s stable economy, strong fundamentals, and insulation from many global trade tensions continue to attract attention. For many global investors, it’s not about chasing speculative growth — it’s about finding a dependable, well-regulated market in a volatile world.

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A different lens

For those of us working within property, finance, or advisory sectors, it’s important to understand this perspective. While local headlines often focus on affordability or auction clearance rates, global capital looks at Australia differently — as a low-risk, high-trust market with consistent governance and sound institutions.

That doesn’t mean the market is without cycles or challenges. Even analysts caution that calling Australia a “safe haven” oversimplifies a complex landscape of regional variations, planning changes, and affordability pressures.

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Conclusion

But the broader message is clear: in a world of instability, Australia’s reputation as a safe, transparent, and investable real-asset market continues to strengthen.

It’s a reminder that while property may feel like a local obsession, globally it’s viewed as one of the few dependable long-term stores of value. And that perspective — how the world sees Australia — will keep shaping our markets, partnerships, and opportunities for years to come.

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