Friends With Money #260: Commercial property - buy or pass?

Published
Share

From shopping centres to data centres, the world of listed property has changed dramatically, and investors are taking notice.

This week on the Friends With Money podcast, Money's editor-in-chief Michelle Baltazar speaks with Justin Blaess, principal and portfolio manager at REIT specialist Quay Global Investors, to explain real estate investment trusts (REITs) and how investors can earn investment income through them.

They discuss REITs as listed businesses that own buildings and collect rent, how the sector has evolved since the late 1990s and the GFC, and new opportunities beyond traditional retail, office and industrial property.

Friends With Money #259 Commercial property - buy or pass

Episode timestamps

01:05 What Is a REIT?

01:48 How REIT investing evolved

03:29 Investment hotspots: data centres, storage and senior living

05:59 Expected returns basics

09:34 Interest rates myth

12:43 How to start investing

Listen to this episode of Friends With Money

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

Watch on YouTube for closed captions

Subscribe to Friends With Money

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

Friends With Money podcast FAQ

What is the Friends With Money podcast?

Friends With Money is a weekly personal finance podcast by Money magazine, offering expert insights on investing, budgeting, superannuation, property, and other money strategies for everyday Australians.

Where can I listen to the podcast?

You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube (with closed captions available).

Who hosts Friends With Money?

Episodes are hosted by Vanessa Walker and Tom Watson from Money magazine, featuring expert guests and real conversations about money.

Is the podcast suitable for beginners?

Yes! It's designed to be accessible for beginners while still offering valuable insights for seasoned investors.

What topics does the podcast cover?

The Friends With Money podcast covers topics including banking, property, budgeting, superannuation, investing, saving, insurance, employment, travel and more.

How often are new episodes released?

New episodes are released weekly, so you can stay up to date with the latest financial tips and trends.

Can I watch episodes with captions?

Yes, full episodes with closed captions are available on YouTube.

Why subscribe to the Friends With Money podcast?

Boost your financial literacy anytime, anywhere with the Friends With Money podcast from Money magazine. Whether you're commuting, working out, or relaxing at home, this weekly podcast makes it easy to grow your money knowledge on the go.

Each episode dives into real conversations about money - how it's earned, shared, saved, and grown - with tips and insights that make finance simple and relatable. Perfect for beginners and seasoned investors alike, it's your go-to guide for building better financial habits.

Subscribe to the Friends With Money podcast today and start learning when it suits you.

Get stories like this in our newsletters.

Related Stories

Michelle Baltazar is editor-in-chief of Money magazine and an award-winning journalist, editor and publisher. She has worked at BRW, Shares Magazine (London) and industry newspaper Financial Standard, and has written about superannuation, wealth management, investment technology and financial advice. Connect with Michelle Baltazar on LinkedIn.

Justin Blaess is principal and portfolio manager at Quay Global Investors, with extensive experience across investment management, investment banking and equities research. Prior to co-founding Quay, he was part of Deutsche Bank's real estate investment banking team in Australia, where he specialised in corporate finance and international real estate transactions. He has also held roles at Merrill Lynch and ING Investment Management. Justin holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of South Australia and a Graduate Diploma from the Securities Institute of Australia. Connect with Justin Blaess on LinkedIn.