Pub portfolios expand as Sydney venues hit the market
Sydney’s pub scene is undergoing a wave of ownership change, as several prominent venues across New South Wales are listed for sale. The movement is being driven by strong demand from well-capitalised hotel groups seeking to expand their presence.
Several city-based establishments have recently entered the market, with industry experts citing increased acquisition activity from long-established hospitality families. This surge is being supported by lower interest rates and sustained revenue from electronic gaming operations.
One of the latest assets to be offered is the Agincourt Hotel, a multistorey venue located in Sydney’s southern central business district. It reportedly brings in around A$5.2 million annually from bar, food and gaming operations. The property includes late-night venue Club 871 on the first floor and basement entertainment space The Alley.
Other pubs currently for sale include the Rose Hotel in Chippendale, the Kurrajong Hotel in Erskineville, The Hampton in Potts Point, Bills Barry’s Hotel in North Sydney, The Harold in Forest Lodge and the Blues Point Hotel in McMahons Point.
The listings follow the recent A$22 million acquisition of the Union Hotel in North Sydney by Watering Hole Hotels, taking its portfolio to 15 venues across the state. Meanwhile, JDA Hotels – led by the Feros family – added the Crystal Palace Hotel in Haymarket to its 14-venue strong stable.
Sales of several of these pubs, including the Agincourt, are being managed by national agency HTL Property.
“There has been a noticeable surge in buyer inquiry in the last six months, spurred on by now consecutive and further forecasted interest rate cuts,” said HTL Property national director Dan Dragicevich.
HTL managing director Andrew Joliffe added, “The Agincourt, like the Crystal Palace sale last week, is one such example and further validation of our view that investors will continue to front run the improved aesthetic and availability of credit to take positions in hard yielding property assets.”
The Agincourt Hotel has been under the same ownership for 25 years and is strategically located near major developments, including the A$3 billion Tech Central and Central Place precincts, as well as Central Park, the University of Technology, Broadway Shopping Centre and Darling Square.
Jonathan Jackson, 27th May 2025
