The way families use childcare has shifted, and for childcare centre owners and operators, that’s changing the way you should approach your property too.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in August 2025, 36% of Australians usually worked from home. While slightly down from 37% in 2023, this was four percentage points higher than pre-pandemic levels.

This shift in how and when people work has reshaped childcare usage patterns. Ray White Commercial data supports this, showing that mid-week occupancy of childcare centres (Tuesday to Thursday) is now substantially higher than on Mondays and Fridays.

This reflects the reality that many parents only require care on the days they commute into the office.

While this flexibility benefits families, it introduces new challenges for childcare operators. Fluctuating occupancy can make income more variable and cash flow harder to predict. This is even more concerning for centres in city CBDs, where demand has softened even further.

By contrast, suburban centres continue to benefit from more consistent enrolment and long-term growth. According to Ray White, nearly 47.3% of 2025 childcare property transactions (to 1 May) occurred outside major metro areas, highlighting a growing preference for regional and suburban centres.

This trend may continue with the federal government’s 3-Day Guarantee program, part of a $5 billion commitment to universal early childhood education. The initiative aims to ensure access to at least three days of care per week, particularly in underserved areas, further supporting steady enrolment in regional and suburban centres.

How does this affect mortgages?

For childcare centre owners, these changes could present challenges when looking for finance for property. When applying for a mortgage, a lender will assess your business’s financial standings, income and expenses and existing debt. If your income fluctuates from week to week, it may be harder to secure traditional finance terms.

That’s why more owner-operators are turning to specialist brokers who understand the sector’s challenges. By analysing occupancy trends, responding to policy shifts and helping find loan solutions tailored to you, a broker like those at Ligo Finance can help owners secure finance that’s built for the reality of operating a childcare centre today.  

Ready to explore ownership options for your childcare centre? Securing the right financing will be key. Our team of expert mortgage brokers can help you find tailored loan solutions. Contact Ligo Finance today.

 

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