Commercial property decoded: Timing, traps, and tactics with Sam Gordon

In a recent episode of How I Met My Broker, SPI host Liam Garman and director of Strategic Brokers Hung Chuy are joined by director of Australian Property Scout (APS) Sam Gordon to discuss the challenges and opportunities in commercial property investment. Chuy highlights the busy end-of-year lending period, noting that clients are seeking guidance amidst changing market conditions. Gordon reflects on APS’s strong growth in 2025, including recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year and inclusion in the Australian Financial Review (AFR) Fast 100, setting the stage for a strategic 2026. The conversation explores the complexities of commercial property, including understanding yields, tax benefits, vacancies, and asset selection, emphasising that insufficient knowledge can lead to costly mistakes. Both Chuy and Gordon stress the importance of building a solid residential portfolio before transitioning into commercial investments to establish equity and minimise risk. Differences between residential and commercial lending were explained, including typical loan-to-value ratios (LVRs) and the potential pitfalls of cross-collateralisation. The trio also highlights the income potential of commercial properties, noting that passing most outgoings to tenants can offer higher net yields than residential assets.