You can find everything from million-dollar mansions to renovators’ delights across Ipswich. Five real estate agents tell us what housing they think offers the best value.
Kirsty Dutney from Crowne Real Estate says:
With house and land packages you can get a four-bedroom, two-bathroom, double lock-up garage home on a decent sized block close to $300,000. But do your homework – get a nice flat block that doesn’t cause extra costs with benching and retaining. The larger blocks keep the neighbours at bay a little bit, and when you need to sell your buyer pool is larger, because there is room for the kids to have a trampoline, or for a shed. Rear yard access is a massive advantage to the value of a property. Don’t be afraid of presales – if you get in early then you have a choice of stages, and can look at the different options for the house.
For example, the Cityswich Estate in Bundamba is great value because the entry level price of the land is a bit lower, and a lot of the blocks are bigger, than you may pick up at other estates. That little corridor has so much happening, it’s the best value house and land packages I’ve seen in a long time
Karen Wellen from Full Circle Property Management says:
With an ageing demographic there is an abundance of affordable post war homes, some up to 20 per cent less than the market value. Compared to similar properties in Brisbane, Ipswich provides the opportunity to maximise the return on investment, due to its ongoing growth and lower cost base.
We believe there is real value for the renovator, who is looking for a ‘blank canvas’, untouched properties with original carpet, kitchens and bathroom. They are usually of sound construction with ornate features such as high ceilings, decorative cornices, ceiling rose and timber floors, all of which can be easily restored to increase value.
The key to a good renovation property is the location/street appeal and ease of kitchen and bathroom upgrades. Also, selecting suburbs that are slightly elevated, such as Eastern Heights and North Ipswich and properties that can be raised or have decks added, can cater for a particular lifestyle and climate.
Adam Horth from Johnson Real Estate says:
Renovated Queenslanders and characters homes on big blocks are stand outs for value. They can sit anywhere from the high $300,000s and low $400,000s. The type of lifestyle they offer families is second to none. We have a high amount of interest from people relocating to Ipswich in search of these homes because of the charm and elegance they provide within striking distance of Brisbane.
If you’re an investor, the best value are low-set brick and tile, four-bedroom, two-bathroom, double lock-up garage home around 10 years old. They provide a great rental return and are very affordable. You can find them particularly in the Raceview and Flinders View areas. The benefits over a new build are that you are getting the better return on your investment immediately, and an older home you will be aware of any structural issues you may not find in a new build
Debbie Leigh from Venus Realty says:
For me what represents great value housing is an established older home on a good size block withing walking distance to the train station. These homes are fantastic for first time buyers and young families wanting to jump on the property ladder or for an investor to add to their portfolio. Also historically these areas tend to perform and hold their value better during the inevitable housing market price cycles.
Importantly however, the potential for capital growth is there. Think of areas like Jacaranda Avenue, Booval. It’s not hard to notice that units/townhouses and the post war family home with the Hills hoist out the back are now neighbours. As the population grows here in Ipswich so will the need for townhouse/apartment style living close to a rail line/bus route, which will have a positive impact on land values.
Giles Gargan from Professionals Select says:
Areas such as Barellan Point are offering up some family homes on acreage that are great value at this time, compared to the nearby Brisbane waterfront properties of Riverhills or Moggill that would be twice the price and out of reach for most people.
For instance, available at this time is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-garage home on close to an acre, that has water access, for under $500,000 at Barellan Point. This is really a lifestyle suburb where you can let the children run free or even have a horse or two.
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