If the idea of working from home was a dream for some, it is now a reality for many.

Since COVID-19 hit, more Australians have been balancing work/home life, both temporarily and for the long term. The work-from-home news story has become its own genre. In the past week the AFR has given it the nod for everything from ‘increased productivity’ to a potential ‘regional property boom’.

Without searching too far and wide, we found plenty of commercial/residential investments on offer in our inner-city markets.

All on-market with BresicWhitney.

Start with 46 Langley Street, Darlinghurst. This is the best example we’ve seen in a while.

A work-from-home residence or commercial investment, this landmark building from architect Dale Jones-Evans is a renowned creative space. Most recently it was leased to entertainment group Concrete Playground.

With mixed-use zoning, the layout allows for flexible upsizing/downsizing for businesses. It can be configured in a number of ways with open or private workspaces, and break-out zones to which employees can retreat.

Alternatively, it could be enjoyed as the hippest laneway house around.

The concrete floors and use of glass send natural light throughout the premises. In an urban position, it looks out to quiet tucked-away views, with street art and laneway renewal backdrops. In an elevated pocket of Darlinghurst, the CBD skyline makes cameo appearances.

It’s a layered design over 4 levels, with double-glazed windows, and a lock-up garage with direct internal access. With 162sqm of total space, it packs plenty of functionality into its well-designed package.

Nearby in Surry Hills

Closer to Central Station, another commercial/residential landmark looks tempting for both owner occupiers and strategic investors.

A two-level corner building, 216 Devonshire Street is strategically positioned on the Surry Hills Light Rail Station which now sees more than 300 trams pass through every day on a direct line into the CBD.

It’s a retail/commercial space on the ground floor, with a well-renovated one-bedroom apartment above with it’s own separate entrance, with B4 zoning allowing for a variety of uses.

One block to Crown Street and 500m to Central, it’s offered with the flexibility of a lease back option, or with vacant possession. 

Around the corner

On a north-facing corner in the heart of Surry Hills, 67 Reservoir Street is another chance to secure a landmark urban site, right on the city fringe.

With a laundry lease until January 2023, and the level-1 residential lease expired, the entire rental income is $58,156 a year, including GST.

On 80sqm of land, it has huge flexibility and potential over 3 levels. The wrap-around courtyard has side access, and the upper-level opens up to a northeast-facing balcony. 

With some of Sydney’s best cafes and dining as your neighbours, you’re in good company here, in a thriving pocket of creativity and business.