Don’t limit your search

Chances are you have a pretty good idea of the area that you want to live in. Typically our customers want to buy in the same area they live in now, or have lived in before. It makes a lot of sense—you know the area so it makes you feel a lot more comfortable living there.

But if you limit yourself just to those areas that you are familiar with, you’re severely limiting your choices.

Don’t be afraid to buy somewhere unfamiliar to get what you want. We all know that real estate is about “location, location, location”, but moving a bit further out can give you way more bang for your buck. There are some great buying opportunities in the outer suburbs.

There’s no denying it: Brisbane’s market is heating up. That means if you’re looking to buy, it will help if you’re flexible (and realistic).

Where to Start in Brisbane?

We researched a good mix of some of Brisbane’s most popular suburbs and a few little-known ones based on the following goals.

I want a suburb that’s walkable

If you want walkable, look no further than the city and surrounds, with Fortitude Valley being a trendsetter’s delight. Almost 50% of the residents here are young and independent, giving this inner-city area undisputed cool cachet and excellent bars and nightlife. ‘The Valley’, as it’s known, is the entertainment precinct famous for great food, live music, clubs and its bustling Chinatown.

Have a look at Fortitude Valley, Bowen Hills and Newstead.

It’s easy to walk to Brisbane’s CBD from The Valley, Bowen Hills and Newstead.

I’m a young professional

Home to Italian migrants in the fifties and an altogether rougher, grungier crowd in the eighties, New Farm has gradually gentrified over the past 20 years. Young professionals love the area for its proximity to the city and cool sensibility, but a new wave of empty-nesters are selling their family homes and moving here to enjoy the low-maintenance lifestyle offered by New Farm’s apartments and converted lofts in Teneriffe.

Have a look at New Farm and Teneriffe.

Looking for Family Friendly suburbs in Brisbane is easier than the other major cities across Australia.

I’m looking for something family friendly

With mainly established couples and families, Cannon Hill is like a country town just outside the city. A lovely, friendly community vibe pervades the air here, and it’s close to the CBD, airport, shops, schools and lovely bush walks. Convenience and a peaceful vibe make Cannon Hill popular with commuters. Recent construction at the East Village and the newly renovated Carindale Shopping Centre have only added benefit for local residents. Another area close to the city with great transport and motorway links, Morningside is only five kilometres from Brisbane and within easy access to shopping in the CBD, New Farm, Carindale and Woolloongabba.

Have a look at Morningside and Cannon Hill.

There are lots of leafy suburbs like Morningside and Cannon Hill just across the bridge.

I’d love to be on the water

Far enough from the city to feel like another town but close enough to commute every day, these bayside suburbs are tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Brisbane CBD and are mostly populated by mature couples, families and retirees. Manly’s north-east facing aspect, village shopping centre, parkside esplanade and boat harbour provide the perfect setting for enjoying the good life near the water. It’s a clean and friendly village with most conveniences available and good local schools and childcare centres. Homes are a variety of old and new, with many ‘Queenslanders’ in good condition or ripe for renovation.

Have a look at Birkdale, Manly, Wynnum and Lota.

We want some room to move

Only 12.5 km from the city, Aspley is a well-established suburb with good access to local shops such as the Hypermarket and Chermside Shopping Centre, as well as decent schools, transport and medical facilities. Mostly populated by older couples and mature families, it’s a residential suburb with some professionals who commute to the city. Bracken Ridge has changed a lot in the past decade, with many shops and homes being renovated and a wider variety of people moving in.

Have a look at Aspley, Albany Creek, Bracken Ridge and Chermside.

Need room to move? Have a look at Aspley, Albany Creek, Bracken Ridge and Chermside.

What about starter homes?

Formerly down at heel, times have changed for Annerley. Only five kilometres from the city, its mix of colonial homes and apartments makes it a magnet for professionals and families, and the air rings with the industrious sound of renovation. Multicultural and safe, it has a neighbourly atmosphere and offers lifestyle and convenience with suburban charm. A central hub for transport and shopping, the suburb offers both buses and trains in and out of the CBD, easy access to the M3 and is within close proximity to Woolworths.

Have a look at Annerley, Buranda and Moorooka as well as Fairfield Gardens and Stones Corner.

Annerley and Buranda are a short drive across the Story Bridge to Brisbane’s city.

‘Depending on what type of home you are looking for the suburb has the biggest impact. Anything with a train line is always going to be in higher demand when you go to sell later on (investors from down south seem to love trains). If buying a unit try and pick up something on the ground floor, courtyards make a huge difference to liveability of your outside area’—Adam Stefan, Real Estate Agent, Brisbane.