Murarrie leads John McGrath’s top five Queensland picks

Chief executive officer of McGrath Estate Agents John McGrath has outlined his top five picks for the Brisbane area and Queensland housing market, with the former industrial area of Murarrie looking ideal for those priced out of other areas.

In the McGrath Report 2015 he said properties in Brisbane and Gold Coast suburbs such as Paddington, Everton Park, Birtinya and Paradise Point are worth keeping note of.

"Murarrie, Brisbane has long been seen as a largely industrial area but today it is coming of age as young singles, couples and families priced out of nearby Bulimba, Morningside and Cannon Hill venture in looking to renovate," he said.

"Everton Park, Brisbane offers a huge range of properties to suit every buyer demographic and there is plenty of value for money. Investors and first home buyers are competing strongly for the lower priced homes.

"Paddington, Brisbane presents the best value among all of Brisbane’s blue chip suburbs. Over the past two years, Paddington buyers have been venturing into Bulimba, Ascot, New Farm and Hawthorne looking for better value. Now they are returning following a rejuvenation of Paddington’s café scene.

"Paradise Point, Gold Coast is located between Hope Island and the mesmerising Gold Coast Broadwater. It has a wonderful burgeoning café scene and offers four bedroom houses around $700,000 just 200 metres from the water.

"Birtinya, Sunshine Coast offers great value and there is plenty of room for growth as the suburb continues to benefit from the ongoing development of the Kawana health precinct."