The Elephant in the Room
The property podcast for the thinking person.

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Episode 399: Commercial Property 101: The Rules, Risks & Rewards

Commercial property is often seen as too complex or too risky, but it’s quickly becoming a powerful way to build wealth beyond residential real estate.

In this episode of The Elephant in the Room, we sit down with Helen Tarrant from Unikorn Commercial Property to unpack what makes a strong commercial property investment — and how to avoid the traps.

We explore the differences between residential vs commercial property, the mindset shift buyers need to make, and the fundamentals every investor should know before buying a commercial property. Helen explains the key drivers of value — lease terms, tenants, yields, and location — and why getting these right is critical to maximising returns.

You’ll also learn how to build a balanced real estate portfolio with commercial assets, the truth about yield on commercial property, and when a commercial property syndicate or syndication of real estate could give you access to bigger, safer investments. Whether you want to invest in commercial property for stable cashflow, long-term growth, or to diversify your portfolio, this conversation gives you a practical commercial property investment strategy you can use right away.

Whether you want to invest in commercial property for stable cashflow, long-term growth, or to diversify your portfolio, this conversation gives you a practical commercial property investment strategy you can use right away.

🎧 Listen now to learn how commercial property can generate income, strengthen your portfolio, and unlock the kind of “unicorn” opportunities most investors overlook.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Welcome

01:07 – Meet Helen Tarrant: Commercial Property Expert

01:44 – Differences Between Residential and Commercial Investing

02:21 – Understanding Commercial Property Fundamentals

04:50 – Evaluating Commercial Property Investments

08:23 – Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

12:30 – Identifying the Right Commercial Property

16:47 – Navigating the Commercial Property Market

25:09 – Price Points and Investment Strategies

28:36 – Understanding Syndication in Real Estate

29:16 – Securing High-Value Properties

30:10 – Mechanics of Shareholding in Syndicates

31:42 – Common Mistakes in Commercial Property Investment

34:22 – Strategies for Flipping Commercial Properties

38:00 – Identifying and Fixing Problematic Properties

41:24 – The Importance of Due Diligence

45:32 – Case Study: Rescuing a Client's Investment

50:51 – Final Thoughts and Advice

About our Guest:

Helen Tarrant is the Founder of Unikorn Commercial Property, a specialist buyer’s agency helping everyday Australians access and succeed in the commercial property market. With a background in commerce and law, and over a decade of firsthand experience as both an investor and advisor, Helen has built a reputation for turning complex deals into strategic, high-performing investments.

Known for her candid, straight-talking approach, she has educated thousands through free webinars, content, and in-person events, demystifying an asset class often seen as too risky or opaque. Her expertise spans portfolio strategy, tenant risk assessment, syndicate structures, and value-add opportunities, with a focus on creating balanced portfolios that deliver both income and growth.

Passionate about investor education, Helen is committed to helping clients avoid the costly mistakes she’s seen too often in the industry, and to empowering them to think — and act — like seasoned commercial players.

Connect with Helen:

Website: https://unikorn.com.au/

Website: https://helentarrant.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helentarrant/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@helentarrantcommercial

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/helentarrantcommercialproperty/

Resources:

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Chris Bates