Brisbane Experts Weigh in on the Best and Worst Suburbs in their Industry
It’s not Sydney…yet. As Brisbane real estate continues to reach new highs in real estate prices the Brisbane property industry has weighed in on where they would, and would never buy.
Kylie Loof, Award Winning Brisbane Real Estate Agent
Top Pick
“My top pick right now would be barrier suburbs. Suburbs that are “up against nature” on one side and up against convenience on the other. In terms of housing affordability, the two bargain barrier burbs that spring to mind are Deagon and Deception Bay.”
Too Peaked
“I am skeptical about the future of suburbs like North Lakes where they’ve already seen magnificent growth, and there are more builds on the horizon. Owners risk being unable to get max sale prices for a slightly aged property, if brand new homes are available in the same price range”.
Andrew Mackintosh, veteran builder and building inspector Brisbane
Top Pick
“I’m a sucker for a beautiful Queenslander built to last. While that doesn’t mean they’re without problems, some of the most remarkable examples of well-crafted Queenslanders in Brisbane can be found in Hendra and Nundah. They’re not the most affordable suburbs but they do border Clayfield and Ascot, so the property values are pretty safe.”
Top Concern
“Not so much a specific suburb but the recent shortage on quality building materials has created a lot of building faults in brand new properties. And build where the construction was fast and cheap may well present problems in the not-too-distant future. The other cost-blowout suburbs are those constructed during the peak of asbestos use, places like Salisbury and even Chermside.”
John Salmon, principal plumber, Salmon Plumbers Brisbane
Plumbing Paradise
“There’s no pipe as effective as good natural drainage. Some of the bayside suburbs down Redlands way, while low lying and obviously still hit by floods, didn’t see anywhere near the impact of other beachside suburbs thanks too good drainage systems, natural and in the built environment.”
Plumbing Problems
“The floods really showed us the suburbs that have struggling, aged infrastructure underground. We saw plumbing infrastructure crumble in Rocklea and around the Redbank area. While there was flooding along the river and all over Brisbane, the floods were made worse by ageing infrastructure in those particular areas.”
Keith Jacobs – Brisbane Pest Control
“One of the benefits of a well-appointed new build is the latest technology in pest prevention. Builds through a reputable builder or company make all the difference. North Lakes for example, despite having mixed commercial and dense residential, has fewer pest problems than its less densely populated neighbours.”
“The suburb that I would never buy in would be Brisbane CBD. I have never seen rat and cockroach infestations like I’ve seen in the city. Highrise apartments and lots of dining – the winning combination for residential infestations. Kangaroo Point is another bad one for rats and cockies. I’d also be careful buying in the western corridor towards Ipswich without very regular termite treatments.”
Christina Carelton, Finance and Taxation Expert
“Lenders are far more open to semi-rural properties since the Covid lifestyle reshuffle. Back in the day it would be quite difficult to get a loan for a big block in say Rosewood, Wamuran or in the Scenic Rim but now banks are far more willing to lend for more remote locations.”
“While the hype is huge around Hamilton, I would be more inclined to look further East if you’re after capital growth. Buying on hype only pays off if the suburb continues to flourish. The urban lifestyle means that you’re not investing in land, you’re buying an apartment in a ‘trendy’ area. This carries a lot of risk, especially with a surge in available properties coming just down the road at Breakfast Creek and Albion.”
