Chinese E-Commerce Giant Buys Brisbane Warehouse

JD.com has made its first Australian property purchase as part of a strategy to strengthen its global supply chain. The $250 million investment in Brisbane's logistics sector could significantly influence the local industrial property market.

As one of China's largest online retail platforms, JD.com has acquired a major industrial site in Wacol, Brisbane. This marks the company's first owned logistics facility in Australia and supports its growing international reach through its real estate arm, Jing Dong Property.

The Wacol Logistics Hub spans nearly 100,000 square metres and is fully leased. The site comprises six separate warehouse units across 18 hectares and accommodates tenants such as Winning Services, Myer and Fantastic Furniture. The hub was developed by Logos, a local logistics specialist now owned by regional investment group ESR, and completed in 2023.

While JD.com had been leasing property in Sydney, this acquisition reflects a long-term intention to establish a dedicated logistics network overseas. The company now owns more than 40 logistics facilities across Asia, Europe and the Middle East. The Brisbane deal, managed by Paloma Property Partners, was reportedly secured at an investment yield of around 5% which points to strong confidence in the local logistics market.

This move highlights a rising trend where global e-commerce companies invest directly in logistics infrastructure to gain more control over distribution. If JD.com expands further in Australia, it may draw additional foreign interest to the country's industrial property sector. Still, with shifting interest rates and market yields, the future performance of such investments remains uncertain.

Source: Australian Financial Review, JINGDONG Property, The Urban Developer