Universal ‘goes Moko’ in Eastwood
JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group is pleased to announce the successful off-market sale of the leasehold interest in Moko Hotel, Eastwood. JLL Senior Vice President Kate MacDonald and Managing Director, Ben McDonald, were exclusively appointed to manage the discreet sale on the behalf of industry heavyweight Paul Dirou and partners.
Universal Hotels has acquired Moko Hotel as part of its continued expansion strategy. This represents the company's fourth transaction in 2025, following the divestment of leasehold interests in Darling Pavilion and Newtown Hotel, and the acquisition of the freehold going concern interest in Lord Roberts Hotel in East Sydney.
Strategically positioned in the heart of Eastwood’s high street, Moko Hotel opened in late 2014 as a modern Korean restaurant with a hotel licence. Over the years, the space organically transformed into an efficient and highly popular 695 sqm pub generating income from bar, food and 30 gaming machines.
“Moko is the 3rd largest leasehold pub sale in NSW surpassed only by the Criterion Hotel in Sydney’s CBD and Glenquarie Tavern, Macquarie Fields, both sold by JLL in 2023 and 2022 respectively,” suggested JLL Senior Vice President Kate MacDonald. “Long-term leases with favourable terms are exceptionally rare to find.”
JLL Managing Director, Ben McDonald emphasised the ongoing strong demand for leasehold hotels. "These high-yield ventures, particularly those with compact footprints, offer efficient complementary assets for portfolios seeking to diversify revenue streams or offset other investments. We're pleased to partner with groups like Universal Hotels to identify strategic opportunities that support their growth objectives."
Moko shareholder and licensee Paul Dirou reflected on building the hotel from scratch and the journey over more than 10 years; “It has been a terrific experience and a time that we will look upon fondly. The pub and the community of Eastwood have been very good to us, and we wish Universal the best of luck moving forward.”
Dirou continued; "We extend our gratitude to Kate and Ben at JLL for their exceptional management of this transaction. Throughout the entire process, we felt we were their primary focus, and we are overjoyed with the outcome and professional service they delivered."
Commenting on the sale, Universal Hotels CEO Harris Kospetas added "We look forward to connecting with the local community and further building on the strong foundations already established under the stewardship of Paul & Peter.”
As foreshadowed at the midway point of 2025, JLL’s National pubs platform is witnessing heightened deal flow and transaction momentum at all levels of the value scale and most notably at the premium end of the market where increased capital demand is particularly evident. Transaction activity is set to continue with JLL noting close to $250m in sales soon to be announced.
JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group, 1st October 2025
