Molendinar as the Industrial Heart of the Gold Coast
Introduction: Molendinar as the Industrial Heart of the Gold Coast
Molendinar is the undisputed engine room of Gold Coast’s light industrial market. Located just 10 minutes from Southport and 5 minutes from the M1, the suburb offers a strategic position for logistics, warehousing, trade-based businesses, and manufacturer-distributors.
With over 500 commercial properties zoned for industrial use, and very few new land releases, demand in 2025 continues to exceed supply, pushing up both values and yields.
At Norton’s Real Estate, we are proud to be active selling agents in the Molendinar market, assisting buyers, business owners, and investors in acquiring strategic commercial assets — both on-market and off-market.
Quick Facts: Molendinar Commercial Market Snapshot (2025)
Market Indicator | Value (2025) |
|---|---|
Median Industrial Unit Price | $1.18M (200–350m² unit) |
Median Freehold Site Price | $2.1M (400–700m²) |
Industrial Vacancy Rate | <2% |
Rental Yield Range | 5.8% – 6.6% |
Owner-Occupier Demand | 48% of all active buyer interest |
Commercial Property Types Available in Molendinar
Molendinar offers the broadest variety of commercial property in the central-northern Gold Coast.
1. Strata-Titled Warehouses (120m²–250m²)
Ideal for electricians, cabinetmakers, flooring businesses
Often located in small industrial complexes
Highly in demand by trade-based business owners
Body corp fees vary: $3,000–$5,500/year
2. Freestanding Industrial Buildings
400–700m² on lots 800m²+
Often includes showroom, mezzanine, or yard space
Highly desirable for businesses needing delivery trucks or machinery
3. Dual Unit Industrial Lots
One title, two separate tenancies
Ideal for owner-occupier in one, investor in the other
Often fully leased prior to sale
4. Trade Sheds + Mixed Use
Metalwork, small manufacturing, fit-out, auto repair
Zoning: Low Impact or Medium Impact Industry
3-phase power and high roller doors preferred
Why Molendinar Works for Commercial Property Buyers
Molendinar combines prime location, road access, and business ecosystem maturity.
Key Benefits:
Centrally located on the Gold Coast
Excellent access to Brisbane via M1
Zoned industrial suburb with limited residential conflict
Surrounding suburbs (Ashmore, Southport) feed workforce and clients
Stable tenant base across service and supply trades
Buyer Profiles in 2025
Buyer Type | Target Asset | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
Trade Business Owners | 200–350m² units | Need permanent workshop/showroom |
Manufacturing SMEs | Freehold buildings w/ yard | Growth phase operations |
SMSF Investors | Leased dual-tenant warehouse | Passive income + depreciation |
Commercial Developers | Split-lot projects | High land-use efficiency |
Leasing Dynamics in Molendinar
Rental demand is strong for:
Units between 150–300m²
Premises with mezzanine or office component
Buildings with signage visibility
Most tenants prefer 3-year initial leases with 3-year options
Annual increases of 3–4% are standard
Vacancy periods under 45 days are typical with well-presented stock
Key Considerations for Buyers
Before buying in Molendinar, Norton’s recommends reviewing:
Zoning confirmation: Some pockets may fall under constraints
Roofing & drainage: Older stock may require upgrade
Tenancy lease terms (if investing): Rent increases, break clauses, lease-back potential
Site access: Consider truck turning circles, shared driveways, and loading zones
Power & services: Ensure 3-phase power, roller door height, and NBN connectivity
We conduct a full due diligence report for our buyers before any commercial offer is made.
Notable Industrial Complexes in Molendinar
Enterprise Street Complexes: Ideal for trade use, small workshops
Industrial Avenue Precinct: Larger freestanding assets, often yard access
Activity Crescent: Newer stock, mezzanine + office, low body corp
Harley Street Blocks: Mixed-use units with partial showroom potential
Sell Smart: Norton’s Sales Process for Molendinar Owners
Norton’s offers a strategic commercial sale approach tailored for the Molendinar market:
For Owner-Occupiers:
Pre-sale lease exit strategy planning
Buyer profiling by trade and usage
High-impact signage, drone footage, and commercial-specific ads
For Investors:
Lease auditing + presentation
Buyer targeting: SMSF, funds, local passive investors
Full info memorandums + data room for qualified buyers
Why Off-Market Commercial Sales Work in Molendinar
Norton’s currently maintains an off-market buyer list
Unit size
Price range
Tenant preference
Usage approvals required
If you’re considering selling in Molendinar, our private sale method can help you avoid overexposure and attract clean offers from high-quality buyers.
Summary: Why Molendinar Outperforms
Molendinar continues to be one of the top-performing commercial precincts in Queensland, offering:
Location: central to all trade zones
Product: diverse warehouse sizes and layouts
Demand: strong from both users and investors
Stability: no high-rise or mixed-residential interference
Long-term upside: land scarcity ensures capital pressure
Work With Norton’s: The Commercial Property Experts
Norton’s Real Estate is an experienced commercial sales team working with:
Trade-based business owners buying their first commercial space
Investors seeking leased industrial assets
Owners preparing for exit with long-term tenants
Developers needing acquisition feasibility advice
We provide:
Asset performance reviews
Site suitability analysis
Buyer match programs
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only. Norton’s Real Estate Agency does not accept liability for decisions made based on this content. Always seek professional legal, financial or property advice before purchasing or selling commercial real estate.