Buying Homes in Brisbane: 8 Things to Consider

Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland and Australia’s River City, sits almost halfway up the country’s east coast. With a population of 2.5 million, Brisbane is the third-most-populated city in Australia after Sydney and Melbourne. It is also one of the country’s major business hubs. With blue skies, a warm climate, and a laid-back attitude, Brisbane is fast becoming the spot to buy a home for many. If you are planning to buy a home in Brisbane, there are many things you need to consider, such as the location, cost, and features you want to see in your home. It also helps to discuss your preferences with a buyers agent in Brisbane to help you get the best deals out of your budget.

Here are 8 things to consider when buying homes in Brisbane:

Location

Like most buyers, you might want to buy a home in a location with close proximity to the places you frequent the most, such as work, school, shopping and dining centers, recreation areas, and place of worship. Is traffic a frequent problem in the area? Are the main roads easy to access? Check this out before committing to a property to save yourself from future hassles getting out of the neighborhood or from an unnecessarily long commute. Most people look for cul-de-sacs since they provide privacy and limit the noise from traffic while still remaining a part of the larger suburban community.

Size of the Lot

While most people give little thought to the size of the lot the house sits on, some spacious valuable lots since bigger lots show more possibilities. The shape also matters for others; some are pie-shaped, rectangular, while some are irregular in shape. If you find a house that includes two lots, you can consider building an extra garage, workshop, apartment to rent out, or even sell the lot as is.

Features of the House

How many bedrooms do you want? How many bathrooms do you need? How large should the kitchen be? Is the house well-ventilated?

For the bedroom, most people want at least two, depending on the size of their family. While some like their kids to share bedrooms, others like separate bedrooms for each to accommodate different day to day routines. You may also consider adding an extra bedroom where family or friends can stay during their visit. Some also utilize the extra bedroom as an office, den, kids’ playroom, or gym.

Some people prefer a bathroom for each bedroom when it comes to bathrooms, while others are fine with a common bathroom shared by two or more bedrooms. Aside from that, a powder room is also a necessity.

In terms of deciding whether you want a large or a modest kitchen, be clear on your preference, whether you require lots of counter space, sinks, a pantry, etc.

Age of the House

Depending on your price range, you may find a brand new house or some homes from several decades. Sure, older homes do have a character that may attract you and consider the repairs and upgrades. If you are willing to commit, make sure you have the time and budget to enjoy managing these projects.

Aside from that, make sure your home adheres to the city’s building codes. Talk to your real property agent to know more about this.

Flight Paths

In mid-2020, Brisbane opened a new runway. This also means changes in flight paths over the city. Based on history, aircraft noise around the country affects the rise and fall of property prices. Although noise is subjective from one person to another, consider paying a visit to different properties near the runway and determine whether the flight path is a concern for you or not.

Flood Zones

To save yourself and your family from future disasters, check if the area you have chosen is flood-prone or if you need to buy homeowners’ insurance.

Maintenance

If you’re buying a newly constructed home, make it a priority to create a written or mental list of all the things that could use a little help in the future, whether they are repairs, large or small, replacements or additions that would make the house a safe and comfortable space to live in. While some items are mainly cosmetic, others might take a lot of time and investment to complete. Make sure it is a reasonable list. Otherwise, it would present a financial crunch or disrupt your family life.

Cost

Buying a home requires a huge investment, and there’s always more to it than just the purchase price. Admittedly, this is not the most fun factor to think about, especially when considering upgrades and aesthetics. If cost is not considered, your dream home could end up becoming more of a nuisance than a sanctuary.

Before even looking, determine your price range and consider getting pre-approved for a loan. Try not to stretch yourselves to the furthest reaches of your budget. Bear in mind, there are more costs to consider than just the monthly mortgage payment. There are local taxes, monthly utility costs, and association fees you have to pay regularly. Ask yourself how these costs will affect your finances. More importantly, stick to your decision on price range and mortgage payment. Once you submit an offer on your chosen home, have your agent get in touch with the sellers so he or she can discuss with them how much is their average monthly and yearly payments.

Additionally, remember that these expenses will stay consistent over time. Regardless of the changes in your circumstances, such as retirement or unexpected layoff, you still need to accomplish them. So make sure to live within your means so that you’ll still enjoy living in your home in the years to come.

The Bottom Line

Like any other place, living in Brisbane comes with its perks and drawbacks. With the right amount of research, you will enjoy the advantages of living in the river city. We hope this list helps you decide what to look for in your future home.

What are you waiting for? Talk to a buyer’s agent in Brisbane today.

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