Brisbane first timers renting out bottom floor to increase returns: HTW

Brisbane first time buyers are buying highset housing and renting out the lower level separately to increase the return, according to HTW’s Month in Review: March 2017. 

The valuation firm this trend is prevalent in areas like Sunnybank Hills, Macgregor and Coopers Plains and in the western corridor suburbs of Redbank Plains, Gailes and Collingwood Park.

“These suburbs have very low price points for established housing and while fitouts can be modest, rent returns are strong,” the report says.

“To help tap into the cry for more affordable property, we are also seeing developers pitch product to the sector.”

The firm says that a number of south-east Queensland subdivisions are providing small lot housing on 200 to 350 square metre lots to help reduce the price point.

This approach is most effective in projects with good proximity to amenities and infrastructure, it says.

“In our opinion the safest option for an average affordability-driven buyer would be an established 1970 to 80s style property up to 20 kilometres from the CBD but still close to amenities,” HTW says.

“Look for a house that is liveable right now that will also benefit from future renovations.

“For example $500,000 in suburbs like Chermside, Geebung, Arana Hills and Ferny Hills should work nicely.”