As Brisbane's property market continues to attract a whole lotta buyers, knowing the lay of the land is hard if you’re not a local. Let me share some of the secrets to sniffing out the ultimate opportunity; one which is probably much closer, and affordable, than you realise.

Firstly, do you actually want to buy in Brisbane?

Did you know that Brisbane is five cities in one? So when you are looking for the best bargains in Brisbane, you might want to expand your search to include everything else the city has to offer.

There’s Logan, a mere 30 minutes to the south. A suburb that manages to blend big city opportunities with a perfect mix of lush bushland.

Let’s not forget Redlands to the southeast. It’s arguably the area’s best-kept secret as the scenic gateway to North Stradbroke Island.

Then we have Ipswich to the southwest, best known for its architecture and homes perched high on a hill that display grace with ease.

And iconic Moreton Bay to the north is recognised as one of the world’s best locations for whale watching. 

Bridesmaid Suburbs have long been Brisbane's best investments

If you are a savvy buyer, however, you could save thousands simply by purchasing an investment property in a ‘bridesmaid’ suburb.

When one suburb goes gold circle, it takes the neighbours with it. Fall in love with a Brisbane bridesmaid, a suburb that is literally on the border of some of Brisbane’s priciest postcodes. Whilst the bridesmaid suburbs may lack the same prestige, they certainly make up for it with local attractions, benefits, and proximity. And with more properties on offer, you are bound to snap up a home for a fraction of the cost. 

Location, Location, Location

As always, location is key.

Whilst the Western Corridor might be the perfect location, do you know much about the local property problems with termites, floods, and fire risks? Do you know that the iconic avenues of Sandgate, with their pricey price tags, carry flood risks? Most buyers don’t and that’s because these are the red flags that are glossed over and hidden from the grand auction brochures.

Do yourself a favour and take time to chat with an expert Brisbane Building Inspector. They’ll provide insider’s suburb-by-suburb knowledge and when you think you’ve spotted gold, they can prepare an independent pre-purchase building inspection to ensure your gold isn’t a cleverly disguised lemon.