AUSBIZ
The growth of Australia’s real estate private credit market is gaining significant attention, with the segment forecast to near $90 billion by the decade’s end. In this Ausbiz interview, Zagga CEO & Co-Founder Alan Greenstein shares his thoughts on the tailwinds driving the demand for, and growth of, real estate private credit – from domestic and offshore participants.
The sudden and unexpected about-face in economic conditions saw the RBA move from cutting interest rates with a bias for more cuts in August 2025, to hiking them with a bias for more hikes in February 2026.
In simple terms, the facts on the economy changed.
In data since the rate hike, there has been confirmation that household spending growth is registering moderate growth; business investment is lifting; unfortunately the recovery in the number of dwelling building approvals has stalled while consumer sentiment remains pessimistic.
Zagga concluded the December quarter with $410 million in originations, bringing the FY26 year-to-date total to $663 million. The Zagga Feeder Fund (ZFF) grew by 155% in CY25, now comprising over 85 active investments.
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.
STOCKHEAD & THE AUSTRALIAN
As ESG stops being a buzzword and starts shaping real investment decisions, Zagga’s move to join the UN’s Principles for Responsible Investment shows how responsible capital is now being used to build, not just profit from, Australia’s future.
The RBA appears content to leave policy on hold for the foreseeable future. With inflation under control and the economy showing cautious improvement, aggressive rate cuts are unlikely in the remainder of 2025. Any shift in policy is more likely to be down than up — but timing will depend on how consumer demand and the labour market evolve.
At the recent Commercial Property & Development Finance Summit, industry leaders came together to discuss one of the most significant shifts in Australia’s commercial real estate finance — the rapid rise of private credit.
SMSF ADVISER
Tax has historically been levied on realised gains – profits made, not valuations. Division 296 breaks that tradition, creating a scenario where investors may owe tax on unrealised gains – values that could just as easily reverse.
This adds complexity for investors: it’s no longer just about selecting asset classes, but about structuring portfolios to manage tax exposure.
INVESTOR DAILY
In buoyant times, it’s easy to overlook the role of the steady and stable parts of a portfolio – the conservative income-generators that don’t make headlines. But these are exactly the assets that provide stability when everything else is in flux. Yet the traditional 60/40 portfolio is no longer proving a robust stronghold among record volatility. Traditionally, multi-asset portfolios have relied on the negative correlation between bonds and equities for diversification. However, increasingly, we are seeing a positive correlation in public markets. The year 2022 was an extreme example, where we saw significant correlated dips in both bonds and equities, and it is what we have again seen repeated in the most recent bout of market volatility.
STOCKHEAD & THE AUSTRALIAN
With ASIC shining a light on fast-growing private markets, finding the sweet spot between regulation and investor protection is critical explains Alan Greenstein, CEO and co-founder of specialist real estate private credit investment manager Zagga.
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.
