Where are Ipswich’s underrated gems that are Tipped to take off? We ask five agents what type of house, and in what suburb, they would buy for the best long-term gain.
Ipswich's population milestone in 2017
Ipswich's projected population in 2027
Ipswich's projected population in 2031
Alex Sing from Sellerbrate says:
“I would go with Ripley, and the Ecco development by Sekisui House. It’s an ideal long term because they have the first stage of the town centre to be completed early next year, with more to come, and within five to 10 years there are plans for the train station to run directly to the community.
“I would go with duplex, freestanding or terrace homes, as they are so well priced at the moment. Ecco has been available to the public for a few years but the estate is partially built out now. Completed duplexes are starting at $318,000 per side, completed body corporate free terrace homes from $328,000 and three-bedroom freestanding homes from $365,000. They are all within three minutes’ drive to the new town centre.”
Brenda Hampson from Optime Properties Riverhills says:
“I would say Redbank Plains and Redbank for second-hand homes. There are four-bedroom, two-bathroom homes with double garages on 600sq m blocks that I honestly believe are being sold below replacement value.
The investment homes built in 2007 are now 10 years old, the original owners paid around $370,000 and you can pick them up for around $330,000. They can only go up from this price in the next few years. Some of these properties have sold for $330,000 and achieve $360 a week in rent, achieving cash flow neutral or positive properties.
These second-hand homes don’t need a lot doing to them, usually just some new carpets and wall paint. If you were to buy a new house and land package in these areas, they would cost over $400,000 and the block sizes are 450sq m or less.”
Peter O’Donnell from BRPM says:
“Redbank Plains and Raceview – both of those areas were developed with a long term goal, proximity to infrastructure and future infrastructure, local schools and easy access to roads. They are affordable houses in close proximity to Brisbane and the way things are expanding, housing is getting further from Ipswich and Brisbane.
“When Redbank Plains and Raceview were developed, they were completely developed and the reality is our investment property prices have seen a steady increase. We have a low rental vacancy rate, which is good for investors.
“I’ve been in property in Ipswich about nine years, and I don’t think we will have a huge spike anywhere, but the increase in price is nice and constant, and rents increase consistent with the rise in house prices.”
Craig Mendoza from PRD Nationwide Ipswich says:
“I don’t believe there is any such thing as a bad choice, however, the safe choice for an investment property has always been to stick to suburbs close to major amenities, such as rail, schools, shops.
“It’s similar for owner occupiers, in regards to trying to choose a suburb for capital growth, it’s important to look at Ipswich City Council website and do research on what is coming. There is at least two years of planning available to the public such as roads and shopping centres to make a good decision.
“Over the past 10 years, Newtown and Woodend have experienced good capital growth. Woodend was the No. 1 suburb in southeast Queensland for (annual) house price growth at 34 per cent. It’s fair to say all suburbs can expect to see growth in the next 12 months based on the migration to southeast Queensland.”
Andrew Kenman from LJ Hooker says:
“Long term gain in real estate is all about research. Unfortunately trends you see today are not necessarily the same trends you may find in 10 years. The suburb that you purchase today’s house, may have constraints on it for future potential.
The top factors you need to be certain of when plunging into real estate are, infrastructure growth (shopping centres, schools, parks, etc), town planning (potential subdivision, units/townhouses, main road access) and local government activity (are they planning for growth, do they have an active development plan for the area).
Ipswich is a great area for investing now and into the future. My current areas are Yamanto, Flinders View, Ripley, and one to have a punt on – Bundamba.”
