The Five Best Investment Suburbs North of Brisbane River

Residential real estate holds great value in Australia, totalling over $10.4 trillion, surpassing other major assets like superannuation and listed stocks. National home values have also continued to grow, underscoring the value of property investments, presenting opportunities for buyers seeking investment returns and long-term capital growth. 

Finding the right investment suburb for you is dependent on several factors:

  1. Budget
  2. Property demand and supply
  3. Overall goals 

It is important to note that your investment requirements will alter the suburb recommendations that best suit your needs. However, general guidelines can help steer you in the right direction. 

Firstly, blue-chip areas with character homes such as woolstore or art-deco properties can offer high-demand with their limited replication potential. We suggest looking for suburbs with established amenities, good schools, and easy transport access, as these indicate areas primed for growth. These areas typically hold affluent surroundings, inner-city convenience, and desirable features like riverfront views.

Secondly, focusing on areas with high demand and low supply is key. Look for well-established suburbs with limited housing expansion potential, especially those with sought-after school catchments. For units, prioritise locations with high walk scores and easy access to amenities and transport, like those found in bustling café culture hubs.

Lastly, proximity to good infrastructure, such as train lines or major motorways, enhances a suburb’s investment potential by ensuring ease of commute and connectivity. Keeping these factors in mind can guide you towards suburbs primed for capital growth in Brisbane.

Whether you are seeking capital growth or a consistent income, buying your first investment property or growing your property portfolio, Cohen Handler’s property Buyer’s Agents will help guide you to property investing success. With access to market and economic insights, and hundreds of years of combined experience, Cohen Handler’s Buyer’s Agents source the right investment properties at the right price for your exact needs. 

Our Senior Buyer’s Agent and investment specialist, Anna Ellis, lists her top 5 investment suburbs north of Brisbane River and shares expert insights on why they provide great return: 

Anna Ellis

5 BEST INVESTMENT SUBURBS NORTH OF THE RIVER

NEW FARM

Average rental yield: 2% for houses, 3.6% for units

Average vacancy rate: 1.6%

Median apartment/unit price: $888,308

Median house price: $2,962,905

  • Blue-chip inner-city locale located less than 5 km to the CBD with limited housing availability and soaring demand
  • A vibrant lifestyle hub, offering an array of excellent dining options, weekend markets, green spaces, retail outlets, and recreational activities. 
  • Easily accessible with public transport, a high walkability score, and a reputation for safety 

SANDGATE

Average rental yield: 3.3% for houses and 3.6% for units

Average vacancy rate: 0.7%

Median apartment/unit price: $730,964

Median house price: $1,104,520

  • A convenient 35-minute direct train ride to the CBD, with diverse amenities including shops, cafes, and restaurants
  • High desirability among families yet significant undervaluation
  • Waterfront suburb filled with character homes, abundant parks, and scenic walking tracks. 

STAFFORD HEIGHTS

Average rental yield: 3.4% for houses, N/A for units

Average vacancy rate: 0.6%

Median apartment/unit price: N/A for units

Median house price: $1,010,000

  • The tree-lined community within 7km of the CBD, while remaining relatively affordable
  • Well connected to larger amenities such as Westfield Chermside, the airport, and Bruce Highway
  • Currently undergoing a welcome gentrification, indicating the potential for increased property values

HAMILTON 

Average rental yield: 2.4% for houses, 5.4% for units 

Average vacancy rate: 0.9%

Median apartment/unit price: $635,503

Median house price: $2,287,059

  • River-side suburb in a prime location midway between the city and the airport
  • Boasts a vibrant dining scene with cafes and restaurants and the anticipated developments in North Shore and Eagle Farm in preparation for the upcoming Olympics
  • Diverse range of property types and price points from entry-level units to luxury townhomes and prestigious hillside mansions.

TOOWONG 

 Average rental yield: 3% for houses, 5.1% for units 

Average vacancy rate:  1.3%

Median apartment/unit price: $658,141

Median house price: $1,436,744

  • Vibrant and energetic river-side neighbourhood on the west noted for its character-rich cafés, and proximity to universities, hospitals, and the city. 
  • Excellent infrastructure, including transportation options like trains, buses, and ferries, as well as a thriving shopping centre and restaurant scene. 
  • Ongoing construction and new developments continually rejuvenate the area

Explore the South side of Brisbane if the North side isn’t meeting your preferences. Click here to find out more. 

SOURCES

Yield: Core Logic

Vacancy rate: SQM Research

Median prices: Core Logic