finance
Adelaide CBD Market Trends Signal Steady Growth for Local Businesses
Job numbers, office absorption and worker spending data give firms clear signals on where demand is rising.
How we reported this
The Adelaide CBD economy grew 5.7 percent in the last fiscal year, with a three-year average GRP growth rate of 6.6 percent.
These figures arrive as the district continues to rebuild employment and business activity after earlier disruptions, giving operators a measurable picture of where spending and space demand are heading.
Employment and Business Counts
Local jobs rose 19 percent between 2019 and 2023, moving from approximately 142,000 to 170,000, and reached 172,652 workers across the CBD and North Adelaide by 2025. GST-registered businesses climbed 10 percent above 2019 levels to 12,338. Peak-day worker foot traffic has returned to 94 percent of pre-pandemic volumes.
These numbers show a larger daytime population that supports retail, hospitality and service operators along key corridors. Firms already located in the core can use the job totals to plan staffing and inventory for weekday demand.
Office Absorption and Rental Movement
Adelaide's CBD office market recorded 115,500 square metres of positive net absorption between the first quarter of 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2025. Year-on-year rental growth reached 13.0 percent as of the first quarter of 2025.
The absorption figure indicates tenants are taking additional space at a faster pace than other periods, while the rental increase points to tighter supply in prime stock. Landlords and expanding tenants can use these trends to time lease negotiations and fit-out schedules.
Workers in the CBD and North Adelaide spend an estimated 2.5 billion dollars annually, with an average daily outlay of 72 dollars per worker that contributes 205 million dollars each month to local businesses. Companies supplying food, transport and professional services can align promotions and opening hours with these consistent weekday flows.
Businesses should review current lease terms against the 13.0 percent rental growth rate and track monthly worker spending patterns to adjust offerings ahead of the next quarter.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.