The fresh scent of paint might seem like a simple cosmetic detail, but for commercial property managers across Australia, it represents thousands of dollars in asset value. While location and market conditions dominate property valuation conversations, strategic painting—from lobby entrances to exterior façades—is often overlooked as a powerful, cost-effective lever for increasing returns.
We’ve seen many property managers focus exclusively on structural improvements while neglecting the immediate visual impact that influences both tenant decisions and valuation assessments. Having the right paint job isn't just about aesthetics—it's about communicating value before a single word is spoken.
So what exactly makes commercial property painting a critical investment in today's competitive market? And how can you leverage current design trends to maximise the value of your commercial property without blowing your maintenance budget?
To answer these questions, we must first understand the broader factors influencing the value of commercial property, and then explore the actionable strategies savvy property managers use to transform their assets through strategic painting projects.
Factors affecting the value of commercial property
- Economic conditions: Unsurprisingly, interest rates, inflation and market stability influence commercial property values. While fluctuating interest rates may impact buyer affordability in the short term, properties that maintain consistent quality through professional painting and upkeep tend to command a higher market value across economic cycles. Strategic maintenance becomes even more important during market shifts, as it helps properties stand out in competitive markets.
- Sustainability trends: For buyers and tenants, eco-friendly commercial property has become highly sought after. Properties with strong environmental credentials often achieve higher values, reflecting buyer preferences and practical benefits. Green buildings also offer lower operational costs through reduced energy consumption, making them increasingly attractive to buyers.
- High tenant expectations: Commercial tenants seek spaces that enhance productivity, well-being, and brand image. If your property offers appealing aesthetics, modern amenities, and well-maintained common areas, you'll likely achieve higher occupancy rates and rental premiums.
- Regulatory compliance: Legislation continues to transform the commercial property sector. Building codes and standards are regularly updated with new compliance requirements - and properties that proactively address these typically enjoy higher valuations. Quality painting programs help demonstrate ongoing compliance and care, which can positively influence property assessments.
Key considerations for your painting projects
With these broader market factors in mind, let's explore the key considerations for your commercial property painting projects:
1. Choose impactful colours and finishes
Choose the right colours and finishes to influence the perception of value in your commercial property.
Contemporary neutral palettes (soft greys, warm white, charcoals and taupes) are typically the best choice for exterior applications, offering broad appeal while projecting quality and professionalism. Interior colour schemes require greater consideration but should reflect the specific function of each space while maintaining a cohesive overall aesthetic.
Beyond colour selection, finish type dramatically impacts both appearance and maintenance costs. While flat finishes may be less expensive initially, semi-gloss and satin finishes in high-traffic areas reduce maintenance costs due to superior stain resistance and cleanability.
Well-executed colour schemes and quality finishes create positive first impressions that can translate to faster leasing, stronger tenant retention and potentially higher rental values.
2. Opt for low-VOC paints
Use low-VOC paints to improve indoor air quality and attract tenants with environmental priorities. Sustainable painting practices can contribute to achieving green building certifications, and add value to your property when the market is competitive.
The application of low-VOC products requires minimal changes to standard painting procedures but delivers substantial benefits:
- Reduced odour during application, allowing for painting to occur during business hours
- Faster re-occupancy times after project completion
- Elimination of many health concerns associated with conventional painting
3. Select durable paints
Select premium paints to reduce wear and tear and maintain building quality for longer periods. Depending on the location of your property, you should also consider climate-appropriate selections, such as epoxy or reflective coatings, to reduce fade. Quality applications extend repaint cycles, creating cost efficiencies that will indirectly impact the value of your property.
Premium coatings also offer specialised performance benefits beyond simple durability:
- Anti-microbial properties for healthcare and food service environments
- Washability for high-traffic areas like stairwells and corridors
- Elastomeric qualities for surfaces prone to movement or cracking
4. Work with experienced commercial painting contractors
Engage an expert painting contractor to ensure positive painting outcomes and sustained value of your commercial property. Professionals with commercial property experience understand tenant considerations, access challenges, and material specifications. Choose a contractor with quality assurance processes and warranties to give you even greater peace of mind.
5. Plan strategically
Time your painting projects strategically and communicate clearly to minimise tenant disruption. Implement staged approaches to balance property presentation needs with tenant comfort. An experienced contractor will work with you to create a plan that helps maintain tenant satisfaction during work and protects your rental income.
Beyond timing, effective communication strategies significantly improve tenant satisfaction during painting projects:
- Provide clear advance notice with detailed timelines and impact expectations
- Establish dedicated communication channels for questions or concerns
- Create visual displays showing anticipated results to build tenant excitement
- Offer regular progress updates throughout the project lifecycle
6.Stay ahead with new technologies
Explore innovative painting technologies to enhance property appeal and differentiate your property from competitors. Specialised coatings with performance benefits like anti-graffiti, anti-microbial, or insulative properties create distinctive advantages. Use digital colour visualisation tools to make confident decisions about property appearance and reduce costly mistakes.
In today's market, strategic painting represents one of the most reliable ways to enhance the value of commercial property. While market factors like interest rates and economic conditions fluctuate, the impact of quality painting on tenant perception, property competitiveness, and asset value remains consistently strong. By treating painting as a strategic investment rather than routine maintenance, you position your property for enhanced returns through higher rental rates, reduced vacancies and strengthened asset value.
Higgins Coatings is Australia's premier commercial painting contractor with 75 years of experience in providing cost-effective painting and tailored maintenance solutions to a broad range of industries including hospitals, aged care, schools, and strata. If you need quality painting services delivered on time and within budget, contact us today.