The 15 Cheapest Suburbs in Brisbane
We're going to dive deep into the 15 cheapest suburbs in Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, Australia. Brisbane is known for its diverse and vibrant real estate market, offering a wide range of options for homebuyers and investors alike. As a Brisbane-based buyer's agent, I wanted to talk through the 15 cheapest suburbs, providing valuable insights and analysis on each one. I’ll explore the unique characteristics, potential investment opportunities, and factors to consider when exploring these budget-friendly options.
Oxley: Oxley is the most expensive suburb on the list, with a median house price of $830,000. Oxley offers some attractive features, such as its location 13 km southwest of the Brisbane CBD and good access to major roads and infrastructure. The suburb has a commercial vibe, with a mix of businesses, including a Bunnings store, wreckers, and manufacturers. One notable factor is the low average days on market for three-bedroom homes, indicating strong demand in the area.
Zillmere: Next, we have Zillmere, with a median house price of $808,500. This suburb is surrounded by more expensive areas, such as Boondall, Taigum, and Fitzgibbon, which may lead to ongoing gentrification and property value appreciation over time. However, Zillmere has been known to have slightly higher crime rates, so investors and homebuyers should be aware of this factor.
Doolandella and Bald Hills: Doolandella and Bald Hills, priced at $800,000 and $771,000 respectively, offer more affordable options due to their smaller lot sizes and the presence of arterial roads cutting through the suburbs. While this can bring down the median prices, it's important to note that properties in the better locations within these suburbs can be significantly more expensive.
Forest Lake and Deagon: Moving down the list, we have Forest Lake and Deagon, both offering median house prices below $800,000. Forest Lake is characterised by smaller, cottage-style homes on compact blocks, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers and investors. Deagon, on the other hand, faces significant flood risks, with some houses selling for as low as $400,000 due to the impact of past floods.
Richlands, Durack, and Fitzgibbon: All priced between $730,000 and $699,000, and located in more industrial areas, with concerns around the quality of new builds and the impact of nearby commercial activities. Fitzgibbon, in particular, has a unique subdivision pattern, with tiny houses packed together and accessed from the rear, which may not align with traditional investment preferences.
The final three suburbs on the list – Acacia Ridge, Inala, and the cheapest, Rocklea – present both challenges and opportunities. These areas have historically had lower socioeconomic standards, but are gradually undergoing gentrification. Acacia Ridge and Inala, in particular, are worth considering for investors willing to take on the noise and commercial impacts, as well as the potential for further improvements in the neighborhoods. Rocklea, the cheapest suburb at $575,000, is heavily flood-affected, with some houses going underwater during major flood events. Buyers must be extremely cautious when considering properties in Rocklea, as flood-free homes can cost significantly more than the median price.
The Top 5 Picks for Investment Potential
1. Oxley: Well-located with good infrastructure and less commercial impact than some other areas.
2. Zillmere: Potential for continued gentrification as the surrounding suburbs become more expensive.
3. Bald Hills: Strategically located on the border of Brisbane and Moreton Bay, with good access to major roads and amenities.
4. Acacia Ridge: Careful selection of properties can yield good returns, despite the noise and commercial factors.
5. Inala: An affordable option for those with a tighter budget, as long as the buyer is aware of the suburb's challenges.
This is not financial or investment advice. If you’re looking for a Brisbane based buyers agent, book in a free strategy session with myself today.
