Why should you consider investing in property on the east coast of Australia? And, in particular, Queensland’s capital city of Brisbane? With a thriving business hub, leading schools and universities, spectacular beaches, lush green hinterland and major tourist attractions right on the doorstep, Brisbane is quickly gaining a reputation for being one of the smartest investment choices in Australia. We spoke to Sharon King, Licensed Real Estate Agent and JP Qualified from Ray White Toowong, about investing in this rapidly growing city.
#1 Why buy in Brisbane?
If you’ve ever visited the Sunshine State, you’ll know we have over 260 days of sunshine every year in Brisbane. This makes it a perfect location for those looking for an investment or looking to buy with the future in mind. Brisbane has always been an attractive city to invest in. Investors and inter-state movers have recognised that the lifestyle, economic growth, job creation, affordability and rental yields outweigh those offered in Sydney and Melbourne. While those southern cities are now pricing out most investors, Brisbane is presenting a viable alternative, having seen a consistent median house price growth since 2012.
The recent Price Predictor Index, which tracks sales across the country, found that 29 suburbs in Brisbane were ‘rising steadily’. One standout was leafy suburb of Graceville, now the most in-demand suburb in the Queensland capital, with rising sales and potential. It also made it into the national top 50 hottest suburbs in the country. We’ve recently listed for sale one of the Graceville’s most prestigious estates, Kimbar, and we anticipate this being sold quickly as an exceptional investment choice.
#2 What benefits does a Brisbane investment offer over other cities and regions in Australia?
Investors recognise the Brisbane market as a very affordable option and there is also a strong feeling it hasn’t reached its peak yet. Brisbane’s population is growing, our infrastructure is improving, more blue-chip businesses are recognising the benefits of the city and, as a result, employment prospects are increasing.
Major big-ticket projects are already underway such as Queen’s Wharf, Howard Smith Wharves, the Cross River Rail and the airport’s second runway. Brisbane is notably ‘growing up’ and being acknowledged as a stand-out capital city in its own right, rather than a second cousin to Sydney and Melbourne.
#3 What advice can you offer for choosing an investment property?
Firstly, decide what your objectives are. A financial planner can also help you work out your budget. Do you have a long-term investment strategy in mind? Consider what stage in life you and your family will be at when you want to occupy the home. In-demand school catchments play a big role in which suburbs you should consider – this is a real driver for families and often leads to increased rental return. Access to multiple forms of public transport to and from the Brisbane central business district are also essential. If the suburb is supported by frequent bus, train or ferry services and within a 10-kilometre radius of the CBD, then that suburb will always be high on the demand list.
Other questions you should ask include: Are you looking to renovate and then sell? Is it an up-and-coming suburb where you could move onto your next purchase quickly? Executive style investment choices require a different set of considerations: What are the facilities of the building? Is it close to restaurants and bars?
Investors need to consider a number of key requirements and what the long-term strategy is when searching for their next purchase.
#4 Tell us more about the Kimbar estate you mentioned earlier, and which is currently listed for sale.
Kimbar is one of the finest residential estates in Graceville and is an eminent example of a house with faultless heritage features and vast space in the perfect location. This striking property has a rich history, having been built in the 1920s by builder and engineer Walter Taylor, who developed many of the landmark properties in Graceville and also designed many of Brisbane’s landmarks.
Set on 1009-square-metres of immaculate landscaped grounds, the 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is placed on an incredibly private landholding offering an exceptional executive rental residence or magnificent family property. Located close to many respected schools, the Graceville train station, and a restaurant and café precinct, the home features an off-street double carport, entertainer’s garden, swimming pool and deck. It’s fully air-conditioned and has retained many of its original features such as the pressed metal ceilings, decorative archways, fretwork and stained-glass windows.
#5 What does the future hold for the Brisbane property market?
BIS Oxford Economics has stated that Brisbane will lead the Australian capitals, with a 13 percent property price growth predicted by 2021. I have sold residential real estate in Brisbane for more than 10 years and I’ve been lucky enough to help all types of buyers, including investors and multiple overseas buyers, secure property in this city. I’m perfectly placed, having lived in Brisbane my whole life, and being on the ground to advise investors and seek out their ideal properties to assist with their future plans.
To enquire about Kimbar or the Brisbane property market in general, get in touch with Sharon at sharon.king@raywhite.com.
Level 2, 49 Sherwood Road
Toowong, Queensland 4066, Australia
+61 7 3870 0088 | raywhitetoowong.com.au
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