Five homebuyer hotspots in Brisbane - February 2024

By Rich Harvey, CEO & Founder, propertybuyer.com.au

The housing market in southeast Queensland has gone absolutely gangbusters over the past few years – especially in its sunny capital.
Since the start of the Covid pandemic, dwelling values in Brisbane have soared by a staggering 50 per cent and it remains one of the top-performing major city markets in the country.
Demand is particularly high for houses, especially in middle-ring suburbs, so those looking to buy right now face some tough competition.
Finding a neighbourhood that’s still reasonably affordable and has good capital growth potential is tricky at the moment, but our Propertbuyer expert in Brisbane Glen Sainsbury has shared his five top picks for the year ahead. Here’s what Glen had to share with me when we explored the options.

Wavell Heights

Situated just 10 kilometres north of the Brisbane CBD, this leafy pocket is well on its way to being the city’s newest prestige suburb.
Not too long ago, that notion would’ve been laughable, given Wavell Heights was known for its dated homes and not a lot else.
But a rush of urban renewal has totally transformed the place and it’s notched up some impressive and record-breaking sales as a result.
The median house price isn’t low by any stretch – it’s sitting at $1.19 million – but that’s thanks in large part to an insatiable appetite for those stunningly renovated homes I mentioned.
Wavell Heights still boasts a plethora of fixer-uppers, from old piles with few redeeming qualities but sitting on enormous blocks to traditional and character-filled Queenslanders ripe for improvement.
Aside from its renovation potential, the area has a lot of other desirable qualities, from its abundance of parks and playgrounds to its safe and family friendly feel.
And it’s right next door to Chermside and its sprawling Westfield, and a short drive from the airport.
There are good road links into the city Nundah Train Station isn’t too far away, making this a city commuter’s dream.

Kenmore

Buyers looking for a strong sense of community should look no further than leafy Kenmore, 13 kilometres southwest of the CBD.
Peaceful and safe streets, friendly locals, more trees than you can poke a stick at, proximity to several excellent schools… what more could a family want?
It’s also a convenient place to live, well-serviced by buses and close to major road links, and a stone’s throw from major shopping centres in Indooroopilly and Mount Ommaney.
Those who call Kenmore home are spoiled for choice when it comes to amenities, from the local shopping outlets to an array of cafes and restaurants.
There’s a mix of housing on offer too/ Modest single-storey brick homes through to double-storey Queenslanders and architect-designed mansions are all available to buyers.
Regardless of the design, chances are your dwelling of choice sits on a generously sized block – that’s just how they make ‘em here.
The median house price is $1.145 million but there are good buys well below this figure to be found in older-style properties that have room to add value.

Carina

Buyers looking for incredible convenience combined with a sense of peace and quiet can enjoy the best of both worlds in Carina.
Located seven kilometres east of the CBD, this suburb has become firmly in demand of late thanks to its exceptional location, abundance of nature, and family friendly appeal.
Carina is a bit of a paradox.
On the one hand, the suburb is very centrally located and boasts easy access to the M1, the airport and the CBD, and there are three train stations just to the north.
And everything you could possibly need or want is very close by, from the massive Westfield at Carindale to a host of specialty stores at Cannon Hill.
But on the other, it’s quiet and very, very green.
The way it feels, with its tree-lined streets and countless parks and nature reserves, you could be on the absolute outskirts – not moments from the action.
The median house price is sitting at a neat $1 million but expect that to continue growing.
After all, on top of its many sought-after characteristics, Carina is also next in line after prestigious but pricey Coorparoo and Camp Hill.

Forest Lake

Thirty odd years ago, this part of Brisbane was almost entirely farmland and bush, but it’s now a vibrant community that’s home to more than 22,000 people.
Forest Lake, about 10 kilometres southwest of the CBD, is almost a city within the city, with several distinct neighbourhoods, a number of great schools, plenty of parks and open spaces, and a host of amenities.
If you want bang for your buck, this is where you go, with a median house price of $728,000 and the chance to secure a slice of the Great Australian Dream without breaking the bank.
Development of this master planned community began at the start of the 1990s and was completed in 2006, so it feels modern and carefully thought-out.
Forest Lake Shopping Centre provides an array of shops and services, and the mammoth 11-hectare lake at the centre of the suburb is a hotspot for outdoor recreation.
The whole of Forest Lake is linked by a network of walking trails and bike paths, all taking in the beautifully maintained natural surrounds.
The area is home to young families and professional couples, giving it a really vibrant feel.
It’s just down the road from the mega Springfield community – another master planned suburb and now a major employment and education hub. 
As prices elsewhere in Brisbane skyrocket, Forest Lake continues to grow in appeal because of its comparative affordability and exceptional way of life.

Jamboree Heights

Young professionals and growing families are flocking to this Centenary suburb thanks to its relatively affordable housing and extremely welcoming vibe.
Jamboree Heights, sitting 16 kilometres southwest of the CBD, has a very attractive median house price of $810,000, which has thrust it onto the radars of more and more buyers.
When those prospective purchasers arrive, they’re probably wondering what the catch is.
Safe streets, an abundance of nature, countless great local schools, well-built and generously proportioned brick homes, friendly neighbours… all for that price?
It’s also very convenient to boot.
The large Mount Ommaney Shopping Centre is nearby, and excellent public transport and road links make getting where you’re going a breeze.
And if you’re a fan of Vietnamese food, Darra and its endless dining options is a few minutes down the road.

There are outstanding opportunities to buy well for long term growth in Brisbane – but key to achieving the best outcome is asset selection. By working with an experienced, local buyers’ advocate you can unearth the right property for your needs, both now and in the future. If you are looking to acquire a Brisbane home, reach out to Glen to discuss the options. He is the best placed professional to ensure you get exactly what you need at the right price (and often before others even know the home is available to purchase).

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