STOCKHEAD & THE AUSTRALIAN
As global volatility reshapes portfolios, private credit is drawing increased attention – but not all strategies carry the same risks, particularly when comparing US corporate lending to Australia’s real estate-backed market.
Stephen Koukoulas opens his April update by highlighting the dominant forces now shaping the economy and financial markets: oil prices, petrol supply, inflation, and interest rates.
These factors are central to the Reserve Bank’s thinking as it prepares for upcoming policy decisions.
Specialist real estate private credit investment manager, Zagga, has secured an additional $25 million for its senior secured corporate note as investors strengthen defences and prioritise income amidst persistent volatility.
Arranged by fixed income specialist, FIIG Securities, the tap issuance for the four-year note settled on 30 March and targets a yield of 7.85% per annum. It closely follows an initial issuance in December 2025, which was oversubscribed by 30 per cent.
FORESIGHT ANALYTICS
The Zagga CRED Fund has recently been assigned a VERY STRONG investment rating for the second consecutive year, indicating a strong level of confidence that the fund can deliver a risk-adjusted return in line with its investment objectives. The Fund was additionally assigned as a COMPLEX product, primarily reflecting that the underlying assets require specialist investment skills to acquire, and monitor.
As the asset class continues to scale, discipline, transparency and consistency are increasingly central to long-term success. Drawing on insights shared by our CEO & Co-Founder, Alan Greenstein in a recent Ausbiz interview, this article explores how Australia’s real estate private credit market is evolving, and what this shift means for borrowers, investors and funders alike.
Mixed news on the economy and an uptick in inflation has seen the RBA move to a neutral bias for interest rates. This means that the medium turn outlook has switched from expectations for lower interest rates to one now steady interest rate settings are expected into 2026.
At the same time, the housing market is recovering. New dwelling building approvals have rebounded strongly although the level of activity remains below the rate needed to address the housing shortage.
SELFMANAGEDSUPER
The recent experience of a fund manager specialising in private credit suggests more SMSF trustees are looking to include this asset class in their fund portfolios.
“This year since 1 July, that is the start of the financial year, over 30 per cent of the new entities that have been registered for investment with our business have been SMSFs,” Zagga executive director Tom Cranfield told selfmanagedsuper.
Consistent, steady, predictable returns, along with the magic of compounding, are what protect, preserve, and build capital. When it comes to investing for long-term wealth, it pays to be boring. While equity markets rise and fall, real estate private credit has delivered steady, uncorrelated returns.
While this may seem boring to some investors, for us, that very consistency is what makes real estate private credit worthy of consideration in every investor portfolio.
STOCKHEAD & THE AUSTRALIAN
While the benefits of CRE debt are increasingly recognised, one fundamental question persists: how should investors access real estate private credit – directly or via a fund?
Both routes can be rewarding. What also needs to be considered is manager selection and doing your research to understand the structure, liquidity terms, and underlying credit processes. Now is the time to be diversified and defensive; in today’s uncertain investment environment, Australian real estate private credit is being duly recognised as an asset class of choice.
The moderate pick up in house prices in recent months is linked to a stalling in the growth of new supply, with new listings for sale falling and immigration inflows above official forecasts in the March quarter 2025. The resilient strength in the labour market has, for now, helped to support the housing market which has been further assisted by the early effects of lower interest rates.
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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.
Articles (including white papers and audio or video content) and FAQs on this website have been prepared by Zagga Investments Pty Limited (AFSL 492354) ACN 615 154 786 (Zagga) for general information only. They do not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and are not a substitute for accounting, tax or other professional advice. Nothing in these articles or FAQs is an offer or solicitation to buy or sell a financial product, nor a recommendation to enter into or refrain from any transaction.
Any analysis provided in the articles (including white papers and audio or video content) or FAQs on this website is based on information believed to be reliable, however Zagga does not represent or warrant that it is accurate, complete or up to date. Zagga is not obliged to update the information or opinions contained in any article it. Opinions are those of the author and may change without notice. Readers should exercise their own judgment when relying on information contained in the articles or FAQs. To the maximum extent permitted by law, no member of Zagga accepts liability for any loss arising from the use of such information.
Media coverage featured reflects the independent opinions of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of Zagga.
