AUKUS investment is reshaping Fremantle’s commercial market.

For Fremantle commercial property owners, the implications are already becoming clear. Recent announcements confirming multibillion-dollar funding for the Henderson Defence Precinct under the AUKUS framework are translating into tangible demand for high-quality commercial office space across Fremantle and surrounding precincts.

While much of the public discussion has focused on shipbuilding and industrial capability, a less visible but equally important shift is occurring in the commercial office market.

Defence investment is driving demand for high-grade office space in Fremantle.

The scale and longevity of defence investment associated with AUKUS is reshaping Western Australia’s economic profile. Over the coming decades, defence-related activity will support thousands of highly skilled roles across engineering, research, program management, systems integration and advanced maritime services.

Many of these functions require premium commercial office accommodation located close to maritime infrastructure, transport links, and established urban amenities. Fremantle’s strategic position, combined with its evolving commercial stock, makes it a natural beneficiary of this demand.

For property owners, the key takeaway is that this is not short-term or cyclical demand. Defence-aligned occupiers typically seek longer lease terms, secure tenancy structures and buildings that meet higher operational and technical standards.

Not all Fremantle office assets will benefit equally.

As defence-led demand intensifies, a clear distinction is emerging between well-positioned assets and secondary stock.

Buildings offering modern services, efficient layouts, strong presentation, security provisions and ESG credentials are attracting stronger enquiry from sophisticated tenants. Assets that lack flexibility, technical capability or professional positioning risk being overlooked, even in a tightening market.

For Fremantle commercial property owners, this reinforces the importance of strategic leasing advice, realistic asset positioning and a clear understanding of tenant requirements, particularly for defence and defence-adjacent occupiers.

Why specialist local leasing expertise matters more than ever.

Leasing in a defence-influenced market is fundamentally different from conventional office leasing.

Many defence-related tenants operate discreetly, engage selectively and rely on trusted advisers with established local networks. Successful leasing outcomes increasingly depend on local market intelligence, sector-specific experience and long-standing industry relationships.

For property owners, engaging a commercial leasing agent with genuine Fremantle presence and proven defence-aligned leasing experience can materially influence outcomes by:

• Identifying emerging tenant demand before it reaches the open market
• Positioning assets appropriately for high-value occupiers
• Managing confidentiality-sensitive negotiations
• Structuring lease terms that protect long-term asset value

In this environment, leasing is no longer purely transactional. It is strategic.

Positioning Fremantle assets for the next phase of demand.

The impact of AUKUS on Fremantle’s commercial property market will unfold over decades. As defence, maritime and advanced technology sectors continue to expand their local footprint, demand for well-located, high-quality office space is expected to strengthen.

For Fremantle commercial property owners, the opportunity lies in being proactive, understanding where demand is heading, preparing assets accordingly, and engaging advisers with the experience and networks to capitalise on these shifts.

A note for Fremantle commercial property owners.

Norfolk Commercial works closely with commercial property owners across Fremantle and the southern Perth corridor, providing specialist leasing advice grounded in local market knowledge and long-standing industry relationships.

If you would like a confidential discussion about how evolving defence-led demand may impact your asset, or how best to position your property for the next phase of the Fremantle commercial market, our team is available to assist.