Did you know that at least 1.5 million people will move to Brisbane over the next 20 years? With its sunny weather, rich local culture and unique brand of charm, Brisbane is a great place where you can raise your family and enjoy an excellent quality of living.

So, if you’re moving to Brisbane, you’ve made the right choice! And the suburbs are a perfect place to move to!

And what’s your first order of business? Learning about these family suburbs, of course. Let’s get right into it, shall we?

Getting to Know Brisbane

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Brisbane is everything that you’d want in a city and more. 

Known for being Queensland’s sunshine capital, Brisbane enjoys 283 sunny days per year, so you have plenty of time to spend outdoors.

Although it used to be just a gateway to other cities like the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, Brisbane has carved its own identity of being a city where culture, good food and a great crowd meet.

So, what exactly makes Brisbane so special?

• You get to enjoy sunny weather for most of the year.

Although Brisbane experiences periodical summer storms, it’s sunny for most of the year. 

Winter is also not as cold as other parts of Australia, so you still get to enjoy the outdoors.

• The city has something for every interest and budget.

You could be a fan of the arts, a foodie or just someone who loves nature. No matter what your interests are, Brisbane surely has something to offer for you.

• You get to indulge in a laidback city lifestyle.

It’s not too often that you find a city that has all the modern conveniences but still maintains a chill and laidback atmosphere.

But in Brisbane, you get to experience all that. No wonder, 35% of the city’s population are migrants.

•  The city is a historical and cultural hub.

Out of the 11 World Natural Heritage Listed areas in Australia, five are located in Queensland. 

Being in Brisbane gives you access to these sites including Fraser Island, the Scenic Rim National Parks and the Wet Tropics World Heritage Site.

Of course, you can’t forget about the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Securing Your Ideal Home in Brisbane

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Moving to Brisbane and buying a house is definitely an exciting time.

But before you go out there and browse through what the different suburbs have to offer, you need to prepare yourself for the long and sometimes tedious process ahead.

Getting Your Bearings

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Buying a house in Brisbane is a huge financial decision. With the city’s median house price reaching AUD 742,500, it’s very important to get your bearings before diving into the property market.

The first step to doing that is making sure that you have enough money for a downpayment, which is 20% of the property’s purchase price.

Although you can pay at least 5%, 20% is the right threshold for you to not pay too much mortgage, avoid paying the lender’s mortgage insurance and get approved for a loan faster.

You might already have some money saved in the bank. But since you’ll need a big sum for a downpayment, you also need to look for a trustworthy lender to help you with the finances.

Doing Your Homework

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A down payment isn’t the only thing you need to purchase a house in the suburbs of Brisbane. You also need to do your due diligence by following these tips:

• Be familiar with property prices.

Property prices in Brisbane will depend highly on the suburb where you choose to live. 

With a budget in mind, it’s best to be familiar with different locations and their prices to know which area you should focus on looking.

• Decide between a bank or mortgage broker.

When getting a home loan, you have two options: a bank or mortgage broker.

Applying for a loan directly with a bank means that you can only choose from their offers. But if you already have a bank in mind, this would be the best option.

On the other hand, if you want to compare what’s out there, it’s best to go with a mortgage broker who will act as your “middleman” with different banks.

• Learn about the home buyer’s grant.

One of the best things about buying a property in Brisbane is that you get to apply for a first home buyer’s grant.

If granted, you’ll get AUD 15,000, which will surely be a huge help towards buying your first home.

• Find the right conveyancer.

The paperwork will be one of the most tedious parts of buying a home in Brisbane. 

To save you the hassle, it’s best to hire a conveyancer who will help you with everything that needs to be done to purchase your property. 

The Most Expensive Suburbs in Brisbane

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Massive properties, stunning views and a luxurious lifestyle – these are just some of the things that you can enjoy in Brisbane’s most expensive suburbs.

Teneriffe

Median House Price	AUD 1,862,500
Median Unit Price	AUD 550,000
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 650

Teneriffe has consistently claimed the title for the most expensive suburb in Brisbane for many years.

Located 2.5 kilometers northeast of the City Business District, Teneriffe used to be a wool trading zone before it was designated as a suburb in 2010.

Because of its proximity to the city center and only a few properties available, Teneriffe attracts many young high-earning residents who want to enjoy exclusivity and accessibility.

This inner suburb also has a limited number of properties, so you’ll be extra lucky if you get offered a house for sale in this affluent area.

New Farm

Median House Price	AUD 1,.437,500
Median Unit Price	AUD 537,500
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 770

Boasting the riverside lifestyle, New Farm is a trendy suburb about two kilometers east of the city’s business district.

Because of its waterfront location, you’ll find a lot of beautiful luxury homes offering stunning views of the river adding to their value.

New Farm also has a distinct classic ambiance because of the many heritage homes and Art Deco apartments that you can find in the area. 

Being a resident also gives you access to a laidback lifestyle where you can enjoy coffee dates by the river, visits to galleries and museums, and shopping in many designer shops. 

Chandler

Median House Price	AUD 1,400,750
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 560

If you don’t mind moving away from the river in exchange for greener surroundings, Chandler is a bit cheaper than New Farm.

This outer suburb on the southeastern part of the city is known for big blocks with some extending up to four hectares.

This means that there’s only a limited number of properties in the area adding to its exclusivity. But if you get lucky, expect to pay a premium for a house in Chandler.

Ascot

Median House Price	AUD 1,281,750
Median Unit Price	AUD 460,000
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 760

Ascot used to be the most expensive suburb in Brisbane until newer suburbs started to take over the list.

But if you want to live in an area that preserves Brisbane’s old world charm, Ascot is lined with beautiful historic and old-world style homes that will surely take you back in time.

Driving around this suburb with roads lined by beautiful trees, you’ll understand why Ascot used to be the most coveted address in all of Brisbane. 

Hamilton

Median House Price	AUD 1,500,000
Median Unit Price	AUD 495,500
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 750

One of the most sought after suburbs in Brisbane, Hamilton is famous because of its  proximity to the water.

This beautiful suburb located northeast of the city center is bounded by a section of the Brisbane River called Hamilton Reach.

Here, you can see homeowners with their own docks in their backyard and boats that let them enjoy sailing on the river.

The best part about living here is that you get to enjoy being in an exclusive suburb, but you’re paying lower than you would in more affluent suburbs like Teneriffe and New Farm.

The Most Affordable Suburbs in Brisbane

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Owning a house in Brisbane doesn’t have to leave you broke. If you’re working with a budget, these suburbs will surely fit the bill.

Logan Central

Median House Price	AUD 289,000
Median Unit Price	AUD 154,000
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 323

Located just a few minutes away from Brisbane’s city center is Logan Central at the heart of Logan City.

This suburb is known for being one of the cheapest suburbs in Queensland yet it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to amenities.

Logan Central is a mixed use community, which means that it has parks, restaurants and other business establishments.

This suburb is also just a short drive away from the Gold Coast. So if you ever want to go surfing or spend the day at the beach, you won’t have to go far to have a good time.

Logan Central also offers a diverse selection of homes and apartment units to buy or rent with unbeatable prices anywhere in the city.

Woodridge

Median House Price	AUD 470,000
Median Unit Price	AUD 240,000
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 380

A part of Logan City, Woodridge is another affordable neighborhood right outside Brisbane City that’s especially popular among students.

What makes this area special is that while houses and apartments are cheap, you still get to enjoy the same comforts and conveniences of other suburbs without the hefty price.

Woodridge is also known for being a great community with friendly residents who are ready to welcome you once you move in.

And if you’re a nature lover, you’ll have a lot of options for outdoor activities here including gardens, parks and hiking trails.

Woodridge is also just a few minutes drive away from the Gold Coast if you want to enjoy the beach.

Bellbird Park

Median House Price	AUD 681,000
Median Unit Price	AUD 287,000
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 450

Bellbird Park is popular among first time home buyers because of its high quality housing options, great environment and close proximity to outdoor recreational sites.

Located in the city of Ipswich just outside Brisbane, Bellbird Park puts you near the city for all its modern conveniences while still enjoying a quiet and more laidback living environment.

The best part is, buying a property at Bellbird Park won’t cost you a fortune with some houses costing less than a million.

This suburb is also near the White Rock Conservation Park and Springfield Lakes Parklands, so you’ll surely enjoy the outdoors while living here. 

Beenleigh

Median House Price	AUD 530,000
Median Unit Price	AUD 75,000
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 420

A diverse community with a great living environment. You can’t go wrong with choosing Beenleigh as your home.

With houses costing less than a million, this suburb is ideal for first time home buyers with a limited budget.

But you don’t need to sacrifice quality of living when moving to Beenleigh because this area has all the conveniences that you need to live comfortably.

It has a list of cafes, restaurants and shops, and being near the Logan River means that you can enjoy water activities like kayaking and fishing any time you want.

You also have access to Billabong Park and Beenleigh Town Square Park, and the nearby Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum is also a must-see attraction.

Caboolture

Median House Price	AUD 570,000
Median Unit Price	AUD 290,000
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 450

If you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet suburb and you don’t mind driving outside Brisbane, Caboolture should be a great choice.

Located in Moreton Bay on the northern part of the Caboolture river, this suburb is surrounded by beautiful nature reserves and parks like the Centenary Lakes. 

This area also has a great list of houses for sale at prices lower than a million. So, if you have a limited budget, Caboolture would be a great place to buy your first home.

And since the suburb is still a developing area, investing in a property here would have a good return of investment in the future. 

The Best Suburbs for Families in Brisbane

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Brisbane is a city made for raising a family and these suburbs are the best areas to live in if you’re moving in with the entire brood.

Heathwood

Median House Price	AUD 870,000
Median Unit Price	AUD 526,500
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 620

Located in the outer southwestern part of  the city, Heathwood is ideally located between Brisbane City and the Gold Coast.

This means that you also get the best of both worlds with Brisbane being popular for its good food and culture and the Gold Coast for its beaches.

Heathwood is also a great place to raise kids since it’s a peaceful and quiet suburb with a diverse community where you’ll surely feel like part of a big family.

The suburb is also near several schools including Arethusa College and Forest Lake State High School. 

Wakerley

Median House Price	AUD 1,170,000
Median Unit Price	AUD 588,000
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 750

Wakerley is a quiet suburb located 13 kilometers east from the Brisbane city center. Named after J.W. Wakerley, this area used to be part of Gumdale.

Today, it has become one of the most progressive suburbs in the area with all the conveniences that you need to raise a family in a safe and secure environment.

Upper Kedron

Median House Price	AUD 980,002
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 700

Upper Kedron is located 12 kilometers from the city business district, making it a great place to enjoy a more laidback quality of living without sacrificing access to the city’s amenities.

Being on the edge of Brisbane Forest Park, this suburb has two headwaters named Cedar Creek and Kedron Creek adding to its charm and beauty.

Springfield

Median House Price	AUD 690,000
Median Unit Price	AUD 435,000
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 550

A few minutes drive away from Brisbane is Springfield, a suburb located in the City of Ipswich.

Located near Springfield Central and Springfield Lakes, this area is part of a massive master plan community, which is one of the biggest in the country.

Springfield is known for its beautiful houses, tree-lined streets and a relaxing ambiance that make it the perfect place to raise a family.

The suburb is also near good educational institutions like the Woodcrest State College and Springfield Anglican College.

Victoria Point

Median House Price	AUD 775,000
Median Unit Price	AUD 477,352
Average Weekly Rental	AUD 628

The place to experience ultimate laidback living, Victoria Point is one of the most sought after suburbs in all of Queensland for its stunning views of the water, beautiful homes and great ambiance.

Located 30 kilomters from the city business district, the suburb is the picture of a perfect place to raise a family.

Here, you have two private schools and three public institutions, several shops and a lot of dining and entertainment options.

Victoria Point also has some of the most beautiful houses that you can find in this part of Queensland and the best part is, you can invest in a property for less than AUD 600,000.

The suburb also boasts of unparalleled views of the water and a lot of green spaces for that truly laidback suburban living. 

Apartment Living in the City

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While suburban living is still the best way to go if you’re in Brisbane, you might be one of those who want to be in the city center for work or just plain convenience.

If that’s  the case, renting or buying an apartment would be your best option. But what are the pros and cons of apartment living in Brisbane?

Pros

Cons

Easy access to restaurants, bars, supermarkets, malls and other important establishmennts Shorter commute times to and from work or going anywhere around the city Low property maintenance since outdoor spaces are maintained by the building management Outdoor activities when you want to and especially during the summer season Use of amenities like gyms, pools, saunas and shops that most apartment buildings have

Less privacy since you’re living with a lot of other residents in a single building Noise concerns, especially if you live in an area with a lot of foot and vehicle traffic Limited space as compared to owning a house where you don’t only get a bigger indoor space but also a front and backyard

But if you think that apartment living is the best option for you, there are lots of good places in Brisbane where you can choose your new home.

The average weekly rental for an apartment in Brisbane would cost you AUD 526. The price will depend on factors like location, size and of course, amenities.

If you choose to live in a fully furnished apartment in the city business district, you can expect to pay a lot higher than you would if you’re buying a bare apartment unit.

You also have the option to go for a serviced apartment where someone takes care of the cleaning and maintenance of the property.

This is especially beneficial for busy professionals who don’t have time to do household chores.

Apartments in Brisbane also include studio, one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units where you have the option to choose if you want to be on the lower or upper floors.

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