Moving to Brisbane: Tips and Tricks for Making the Move

Brisbane is a city which could be seen as a perfect manifestation (encapsulates perfectly) of a sunny bright and happy personality. The 250 days of bright, cheerful sunshine that it experiences every year are reflected in its people, and light up the magnificent architecture that is seen throughout the city and its skyscrapers. Alfresco dining next to Brisbane’s river can be enjoyed all throughout the year. If you are a fan of Melbourne café culture but not the cold weather and ‘in a rush’ lifestyle, then Brisbane is the perfect place for you to be. It is Australia’s closest capital city to the Whitsundays, or for something a little closer try the many rainforests that surround.

Finding a home in Brisbane

Choosing your home in Brisbane can be a hard decision. Do you go closer to the city where prices are higher but you are closer to the action? Or do you look further out in the suburbs where you will get more for your money but could also mean long commutes to work and less entertainment for the weekend? There are plenty of online sites such as Domaine.com, Realestate.com, and Homesales.com that make finding a home in your preferred area easier than ever.   

Renting in Brisbane

If you prefer to rent when you move to Brisbane, then realestate.com advises that you can expect to pay around $425pw for a house and $500pw for a unit in Brisbane. When renting you will have to go through the application process and go to inspections before being able to move into a place. If you will be moving in with pets you will need to check if your place accepts pets. Renting may mean that you have a 12-month lease and you may need to vacate your property at the end of it. This can be a good thing as if you do not like the area then you have the opportunity to move elsewhere once your lease is up. To make your rental cheaper, you may want to consider getting a housemate. There are several groups on Facebook where you can connect with people who are looking for house mates, or, alternatively you can go on websites like flatmates.com, flatmatefinders or flatshare.com to find yourself a housemate.

Buying a home in Brisbane

Housing prices vary in Brisbane whether you are looking at something closer to the city or further out in the suburbs. The price will also be affected by whether you decide to purchase a house or an apartment. Consider carefully what you would like when purchasing your new home as you want to be sure that you are buying in the right place. Read this article to get a good idea of the best places to live in Brisbane. When buying in Brisbane speak to a real estate agent, as they will be able to answer any questions that you have and will be able to direct you towards the suburbs that are suited to you.

Guide to the different suburbs of Brisbane

Inner city Brisbane

Inner city suburbs include Red Hill, South Brisbane, East Brisbane, Wilston and New Farm. Buying in these suburbs will come at a higher price, however, with that higher price you will be closer to the action of the cbd and will access to some of the best cafes, bars and restaurants that Brisbane has to offer. Expect to spend between $900,000 to $1,500 000 for a house in these areas. This higher housing price means a lot of people choose to rent in this area.

Brisbane’s Northern Suburbs

Suburbs in Brisbane’s North include Everton Park, Banyo, Gordon Park and Hendra. Everton park is quite popular as an inner northern suburb, offering variety in living as an affordable option close to the Brisbane CBD and all the action. Whilst Banyo is closer to the beach, offering people that truly coastal lifestyle. Expect to pay between $500,000 and $900,000 for a home in these suburbs.  

Brisbane’s Western Suburbs

Brisbanes western suburbs include Toowong, Hendra, Indooroopilly and Kenmore. This area is known for its shopping centres, parklands and golf courses with almost all those who live in Indooroopilly having easy access to parklands. Housing in these areas varies in price, however, expect to spend around $800,000 for your home.

Brisbane’s Southern Suburbs

Southern suburbs include Mount Gravatt, Corinda and Durack. Mount Griffith university is found in Mount Gravatt, however, Brisbane’s southern suburbs lack a good network of public transport. The southern suburbs have a lower population and can be good for those who are looking for somewhere quieter to call home. Housing in the southern suburbs can be found for around $400,000 in Darra, going up to $700,000 in Corinda and Mount Gavatt.

Getting settled in

Once you have settled in to your new home in Brisbane, waste no time in getting outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and beach. Get involved in some local community groups and in no time you will feel right at home in Brisbane.