
Real estate debt emerges as key alternative strategy for year ahead
THE URBAN DEVELOPER
As risk-averse banks pull back from lending, a significant opportunity is rising for developers and investors.

THE URBAN DEVELOPER
As risk-averse banks pull back from lending, a significant opportunity is rising for developers and investors.

Over the past four years since COVID, alternative investing has undergone a noteworthy expansion, particularly within private portfolios. This blog aims to delve into the democratisation of access for investors and the evolving role of alternative assets in diversified portfolios.

There are reasons to expect a better second half of 2024 for the economy: Income tax cuts will take effect from 1 July 2024, the prospect for interest rate cuts, rising real wages and a positive wealth effect for households from housing and the strength in the stock market.

As we approach the end of the interest rate rising cycle, we are seeing various indicators stabilise, including building materials, supplies, and stock. This is a positive sign that the market is adjusting, and we are closely monitoring these trends.

For Zagga, the year has begun, much like it ended, with a spate of activity. It was very pleasing, during the final quarter of 2023, to see several extended loans discharging, offering an opportunity for investors to re-cycle their money into fresher opportunities. We look forward to this trend continuing through 2024, as the industry implements solves for the various factors that caused these delays.

Cost pressures, labour costs and the interest rate hiking cycle have been headwinds to the sector in 2023. For 2024, with cost pressures easing and the labour market problems abating, the sector is poised for a stronger 2024 and 2025.

“It’s going to be a tough first half of 2024, I think, for the economy. But when we get to the second half, the tax cuts that we’re hearing so much about, will come through. If we get interest rate cuts and inflations under control, then the second half of 2024 will be a better year for the economy. And we could even have a pretty strong outlook for 2025.”

In today’s multifaceted investment landscape, sophisticated investors are seeking alternative investment opportunities which provide a more attractive return for risk proposition with lower volatility than what is currently available in the public markets.

2023 ended with a clear and marked slowdown… The key issues early in 2024 will be the extent of the fall in inflation – if it falls earlier and more aggressively than the RBA is currently forecasting, the start of the interest rate cutting cycle will be brought forward to the first half of the year.

At Zagga, we are pleased to have successfully navigated the turbulent waters of the past 12 months… We close 2023 with a sense that economic and market conditions overall will start to improve, with some sunlight now peeking through the clouds… We look forward to the continued support of all of our stakeholders as we sail into 2024. We are ready for whatever the conditions might be.
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands, seas, and communities in which we provide our services. We would also like to pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, and the continuing cultural influence they have on Australia.
Zagga Market Pty Limited (Australian Credit Licence 490904) ACN 611 662 401 acts as the Servicer of loans acting on behalf of the credit provider, Zagga Investments Pty Limited (AFSL 492354) ACN 615 154 786, trustee of the Zagga Investments Lending Trust
All portfolio numbers quoted correct as at 31 December 2025.
*Average investor return across the active portfolio as at 31 December 2025.
**Target return is after expenses and any applicable management fees for the year ended 30 June 2026. OCR = Australian Reserve Bank Official Cash Rate.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, and should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future results. Investments involve risk, fees and costs, and returns are not guaranteed. No representation or warranty is made regarding future performance, and economic conditions may change.
Prospective investors wishing to invest in a Zagga direct investment or a Zagga Fund should fully consider the Information Memorandum, ZFF Fact Sheet and/or ZWF Brochure, available from Zagga, before applying to invest. Investments are subject to risks.
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