Australia’s fast-rising population and softer capitalisation rates will fuel demand for neighbourhood malls this year, analysts said, with private investors chasing assets riding on non-discretionary spend settling three sales worth $45 million in the weeks leading to Christmas alone.

The three South East Queensland neighbourhood malls that settled late last year – Mount Warren Park Shopping Centre, Collingwood Park Shopping Centre and Spring Marketplace – were anchored by supermarkets Coles, Woolworths and IGA, respectively.