Best Suburbs In Brisbane For Homebuying

The Brisbane property market continues to thrive, cementing its status as one of Queensland’s most desirable areas for both homebuyers and investors. With affordability that surpasses Sydney and Melbourne, excellent infrastructure projects in the pipeline, and the coming spotlight of the 2032 Olympics, Brisbane promises strong growth in property value and livability.

Data from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) shows Brisbane achieved impressive house price growth of 16.16% for the year to June 2024, ranking as one of the state’s top performers, second only to Ipswich. The city’s median house price has reached a substantial $1.15 million, reflecting its appeal and the ongoing demand for properties. This demand is further evidenced by Brisbane achieving the highest house sales volume in Queensland during the June 2024 quarter, with 3072 houses sold.

Best Suburbs To Live In Brisbane

As a first-home buyer or someone relocating to Brisbane, your priorities might include affordability, access to schools and parks, and proximity to work and transport. The suburbs of Brisbane featured below are divided into different regions: Inner-City Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Eastern Side Suburbs, Western Suburbs, and Southern Suburbs.

The list below is based on our research of median house prices and the amenities and features available.

Inner-City Suburbs

New Farm

• Median House Price: about $1.8 million
• Features: Trendy cafes, parks (including New Farm Park), and proximity to the Brisbane River. It is known for its vibrant lifestyle and cultural scene, making it ideal for young professionals and families.

Kangaroo Point

• Median House Price: about $1.5 million
• Features: Scenic views of the city skyline, parks, and easy access to the CBD via ferry. Popular for its outdoor lifestyle and recreational activities.

Northern Suburbs

Wilston

• Median House Price: about $1.34 million
• Features: Family-friendly atmosphere with parks and schools. Offers a mix of character homes and modern developments, making it attractive for families.

Chermside

• Median House Price: about $980,000
• Features: Major shopping centre (Westfield Chermside), good public transport links, and a variety of dining options. A well-rounded suburb for families and professionals.

Eastern Suburbs

Bulimba

• Median House Price: about $1.8 million
• Features: Riverside living with cafes and shops along Oxford Street. Known for its community feel and quick access to the city via CityCat ferry services.

East Brisbane

• Median House Price: about $1.3 million
• Features: A mix of historic homes and modern units, with parks and good school options. Ideal for families wanting a quieter lifestyle close to the city.

Western Suburbs

Indooroopilly

• Median House Price: about $1.2 million
• Features: Close to major shopping centres, schools and parks. Offers a suburban lifestyle with excellent transport links to the CBD.

Graceville

• Median House Price: about $1 million
• Features: Leafy streets with a strong sense of community, parks, and recreational facilities. Attractive for families seeking a peaceful environment.

Southern Suburbs

Camp Hill

• Median House Price: About $1.2 million
• Features: Family-friendly with plenty of parks and schools. Offers a mix of older homes and new developments.

Carina Heights

• Median House Price: about $1.12 million
• Features: Quiet suburb with good access to shopping centres like Carindale. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere.

Affordable Brisbane Suburbs For First-Home Buyers

For those looking for more affordable housing options in Brisbane, consider these suburbs:

Best Suburbs For Property Investors In Brisbane

Investors often focus on factors like rental yields, vacancy rates, and long-term growth. These Brisbane suburbs stand out for their potential to deliver solid returns:

1. Chermside

• Median Property Price: about $980,000.
• Rental Yield: around 3%.
• Amenities: Chermside is known for its expansive shopping precincts, including Westfield Chermside, which offers a variety of retail, dining, and entertainment options. The suburb has excellent public transport links and is family-friendly, featuring numerous parks and schools.
• Demographics: Attracts families, young professionals and retirees, due to its amenities and accessibility.
• Key Features: Strong rental demand due to its amenities and proximity to the CBD makes it an appealing choice for investors.

2. Wynnum

• Median Property Price: about $1.15 million.
• Rental Yield: about 3.3%.
• Amenities: Located along the bayside, Wynnum offers beautiful waterfront parks, recreational activities, and a strong sense of community. The suburb features local cafes and shops that enhance its coastal lifestyle appeal.
• Demographics: Popular among families and retirees seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle.
• Key Features: Ongoing waterfront developments and recreational facilities are expected to boost property values further.

3. Oxley

• Median Property Price: about $830,000.
• Rental Yield: about 4.2%.
• Amenities: Oxley is appreciated for its modern amenities, lush green spaces, and convenient transport links. The suburb has good public transport options and several schools nearby.
• Demographics: Attracts families looking for a suburban lifestyle with access to nature and city conveniences.
• Key Features: Railway upgrades are enhancing access to Brisbane City, making it an attractive option for families and investors alike.

4. Upper Mount Gravatt

• Median Property Price: about $993,000.
• Rental Yield: about 3.3%.
• Amenities: The suburb is known for its major shopping centres, like Westfield Garden City, and excellent educational institutions. Its robust public transport network facilitates easy commuting to the city.
• Demographics: Appeals to families and young professionals, due to its amenities and accessibility.
• Key Features: Urban renewal projects create a vibrant community atmosphere while boosting property values.

5. New Farm

• Median Property Price: about $2.9 million.
• Rental Yield: around 2.3%.
• Amenities: New Farm is renowned for its vibrant café culture, beautiful parks (including New Farm Park), and proximity to the Brisbane River. It offers a blend of upscale living with cultural attractions nearby.
• Demographics: Attracts affluent buyers, professionals, and young couples seeking a lively urban lifestyle.
• Key Features: High demand, due to its desirable location close to the CBD, ensures strong rental yields.

6. Paddington

• Median Property Price: about $1.965 million.
• Rental Yield: about 2.3%.
• Amenities: Paddington is characterised by its trendy atmosphere filled with cafes, restaurants and boutique shops along Latrobe Terrace. Its proximity to the CBD makes it appealing for those who work in the city.
• Demographics: Popular among young professionals and families who appreciate the vibrant lifestyle.
• Key Features: Ongoing development in the area continues to enhance its appeal as an investment location.

7. Ashgrove

• Median Property Price: about $1.475 million.
• Rental Yield: about 2.7%.
• Amenities: Ashgrove is known for its leafy streets, quality schools (like Ashgrove State School), parks, and community facilities that cater to families.
• Demographics: Primarily attracts families looking for spacious homes in a peaceful environment close to the city (about 4km away).
• Key Features: High growth rates make it an attractive investment despite higher entry costs.

8. Bardon

• Median Property Price: about $1.723 million.
• Rental Yield: about 2.57%.
• Amenities: Bardon offers access to nature, with Mount Coot-tha and various parks nearby, while still being close to the CBD. It features quality schools that cater well to families.
• Demographics: Appeals to families seeking an active lifestyle in a tranquil setting.
• Key Features: Its combination of natural beauty and urban convenience makes it desirable for home buyers.

9. Stafford

• Median Property Price: about $940,000.
• Rental Yield: about 2.9%.
• Amenities: Stafford has various amenities, including shopping centres (Stafford City), schools, parks like Kalinga Park, and good public transport options (although there is no train service).
• Demographics: Attracts families and young professionals due to its accessibility and community-focused environment.
• Key Features: High demand ensures that properties in Stafford remain valuable investments.

10. Redcliffe Peninsula

• Median House Prices: It varies by suburb, but many suburbs in this area have prices at or below $550,000.
• Rental Yield: Ranges from 3.4% to 4.3% for houses; units yield between 3.7% and 5.9%.
• Amenities: The peninsula offers beautiful beaches, parks, shopping centres like Peninsula Fair Shopping Centre, schools, and recreational facilities that enhance living standards.
• Demographics: It attracts first-time home buyers looking for affordable coastal living and retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle near the water.
• Key Features: Investment in infrastructure has led to rapid property price growth while maintaining affordability, compared with other Brisbane suburbs.

Tips For Researching Suburbs In Brisbane

• Use online platforms like CoreLogic and SQM research to obtain valuable information on property prices, growth trends, rental yields and vacancy rates.
• If possible, you could even spend time in the areas you’re considering to get a feel for the community and amenities.
• Engage with local real-estate agents or buyer’s agents who are knowledgeable about the ever-changing Brisbane property market.
• Look for infrastructure developments in Brisbane. The government is planning new and improved support for the Brisbane Metro.
• Some suburbs of Brisbane are prone to flooding. Stay updated on the latest available flood maps on the city council’s website.