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Best Brisbane Investment Suburbs: Top Picks for 2025

Thomas Roberts
Written By Thomas Roberts
Thomas Roberts
Thomas Roberts Founder, Which Real Estate Agent
Thomas Roberts founded Which Real Estate Agent in 2011. Since inception over 44,000 Australians have used its services to navigate one of life's most significant emotional and financial decisions.
Founder, Which Real Estate Agent Updated Sep 20, 2025

If you’re considering property investment in 2025, Brisbane is firmly on the radar. With the city preparing for the 2032 Olympics, major infrastructure projects underway, and property prices still more affordable than Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane offers strong opportunities for both capital growth and rental income.

In this guide, we’ll walk through why Brisbane is attracting investors, what to look for in a good investment suburb, and which suburbs are standing out this year. Whether you’re a first-time investor or growing your portfolio, these insights will help you choose suburbs with potential.

Key Takeaways

  • Brisbane offers a strong mix of growth and yield in 2025, with affordability still better than Sydney or Melbourne.
  • Infrastructure linked to the 2032 Olympics is reshaping demand patterns.
  • Investors should balance strategy, growth suburbs vs yield suburbs.
  • Suburbs like North Ipswich, Keperra, and Geebung are emerging as growth leaders.
  • Logan, Narangba, and Deception Bay are attractive for cash-flow investors

Why Invest in Brisbane Now?

Brisbane has become one of Australia’s most talked-about property markets in recent years. For first-time investors, it helps to understand why the city is attracting so much attention in 2025.

Population growth and interstate migration

More people are moving to Queensland than anywhere else in the country. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, tens of thousands of people have left Sydney and Melbourne for Brisbane in the last few years. They’re drawn by the warmer climate, more relaxed lifestyle, and lower cost of living. More residents mean more demand for both rental properties and homes to buy. This naturally pushes prices higher over time.

Massive infrastructure projects

Brisbane is undergoing one of the biggest infrastructure booms in its history. Projects like the Cross River Rail (a new underground train line), the Brisbane Metro (a high-frequency busway system), and upgrades around Woolloongabba for the 2032 Olympics are already changing the city. When billions of dollars are invested into transport, roads, and public facilities, suburbs nearby usually see stronger growth because people want to live close to these improvements.

More affordable than Sydney and Melbourne

One of Brisbane’s biggest advantages is price. While Sydney’s median house price has pushed past $1.6 million, Brisbane’s sits much lower, giving investors a chance to buy into the market at a more accessible entry point. This makes it appealing for both first-home buyers and investors, who see greater upside over time.

Strong rental demand

Vacancy rates across Brisbane remain among the lowest in the country, often below 1%. This means rental properties are snapped up quickly, giving landlords more choice of tenants and the ability to achieve higher rents. For investors, this creates a combination of reliable cash flow now and capital growth later.

Brisbane offers affordability today, with growth and rental strength for the future. That’s why investors across Australia are turning their attention north.

How to Choose a Good Investment Suburb

If you’re new to investing, it can feel overwhelming trying to work out which suburb will perform best. There isn’t one “perfect” suburb, but there are key factors that can help you spot the ones with the most potential.

Capital growth vs rental yield

These are two important terms in property investment. Capital growth means how much the value of your property increases over time. Rental yield is how much rental income you earn compared to the property’s value. Some suburbs deliver high growth but lower rental yields (like inner-city prestige areas). Others deliver strong rental returns but grow more slowly (often outer-ring suburbs). Think about whether you want steady income now, long-term gains, or a balance of both.

Proximity to the CBD and transport links

Suburbs closer to the city usually see higher demand because of shorter commutes. However, affordability often pushes renters and buyers further out, which means suburbs on train lines, busways, or near major highways can also perform strongly.

Infrastructure and amenities

Areas with new schools, shopping centres, hospitals, or transport upgrades usually become more attractive to renters and buyers. Before investing, check if there are any planned infrastructure projects, this can be a sign of future growth.

Demographics and renter demand

Who lives in the suburb matters. For example, areas popular with students may offer high rental yields near universities, but families may prefer suburbs with larger homes and good schools. Matching your property type to the suburb’s demographic is key.

Future supply and zoning risks

Be cautious about suburbs with lots of new high-rise developments or where council plans allow for big increases in housing supply. Too much supply can limit growth, especially in the unit market.

Price points and entry affordability

Consider whether the suburb is still affordable for most buyers and renters. Suburbs with mid-range prices tend to have stronger demand because more people can afford to live there, which supports long-term growth.

For first-time investors, it’s often best to look for suburbs that balance affordability, strong demand, and access to transport and jobs. This combination provides a safer entry point and increases the chance of both rental income and future value growth.

Top Suburbs to Watch in 2025

Based on CoreLogic and Domain data, these suburbs are attracting strong attention from investors in 2025.

Springwood (QLD 4127)

  • Median house: ~$940K (+14.7%)
  • Median unit: ~$503K (+21.3%)
  • Why invest? Springwood is a family-friendly area with green spaces, schools, and quick access to the M1 for city commutes. Investors benefit from balanced growth and rental appeal.

Forest Lake (QLD 4078)

  • House price: ~$825K (+12.2%)
  • Units: ~$510K (+21.7%)
  • Why invest? This master-planned suburb has lakes, parks, and a strong community feel. Prices remain relatively affordable, appealing to both families and renters.

North Ipswich (QLD 4305)

  • Growth: ~31.8%
  • Why invest? With affordability and new infrastructure linked to Olympic upgrades, North Ipswich is one of the fastest-rising suburbs. Entry prices remain accessible.

Keperra (QLD 4054)

  • Median house: ~$950K (+15.2%)
  • Why invest? Located just 10km from the CBD, Keperra has trains, schools, and shopping amenities, making it popular with families and young professionals.

Tarragindi (QLD 4121)

  • Median house: ~$1.375M (+11.8%)
  • Why invest? This leafy, established suburb is just 7km from the city. Its proximity to major hospitals and universities ensures steady demand.

Banyo (QLD 4014)

  • House: ~$940K (+6.2%)
  • Units: ~$650K (+46.1%)
  • Why invest? Near the airport and major roads, Banyo is undergoing gentrification. Units in particular have surged due to strong rental demand.

Clayfield (QLD 4011)

  • Median house: ~$1.835M (+11.2%)
  • Why invest? A blue-chip suburb with top schools and prestige homes. Clayfield attracts families seeking long-term lifestyle, driving strong capital growth.

Geebung (QLD 4034)

  • Median house: ~$1.025M (+17.2%)
  • Why invest? Geebung is close to Chermside’s retail hub, transport links, and schools. It’s becoming popular with young families upgrading from units.

Narangba

  • Median house: ~$815K, units ~$560K; yields ~4.4%
  • Why invest? An affordable suburb with strong growth and solid rental yields. Narangba is also connected by train to the CBD.

Ripley (Ipswich Region)

  • Why invest? A master-planned growth corridor with new housing estates, schools, and shopping centres. Ripley is expected to see significant population growth over the next decade.

Chermside

Why invest? As a major retail and health precinct, Chermside offers consistent rental demand. Vacancy rates are low, and unit supply is being absorbed quickly.

Best Inner-City & Prestige Suburbs for Long-Term Growth

For investors chasing long-term capital appreciation:

  • New Farm: Premium riverside lifestyle, heritage homes, and steady capital growth.
  • West End: Trendy suburb with high demand, though investors should watch supply of new apartments.
  • Spring Hill, Woolloongabba, Coorparoo, Sunnybank: Each linked to urban renewal and Olympic projects, making them attractive for growth investors.

High-Yield Suburbs for Cash Flow Investors

If rental yield and cash flow are the priority, these suburbs often deliver yields above 4%:

  • Logan and Loganlea: Affordable entry, strong rental demand.
  • Deception Bay, Kippa-Ring, Lawnton: More affordable northern suburbs with commuter appeal.
  • Bald Hills: Leafy and affordable, offering a balance of yield and growth.
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Is it Better to Buy a House or Unit in Brisbane for Investment?

Many investors ask whether houses or units perform better in Brisbane. The truth is, both can work but they play different roles in an investment strategy.

Houses (land value advantage)

In most cases, houses offer stronger capital growth over the long term because you’re buying more land. Land tends to appreciate in value, while buildings (like the physical house) age and eventually need repairs. In Brisbane, where population growth is pushing demand for family homes, houses in established suburbs have historically delivered excellent price growth.

Units (affordability and rental income)

Units can be more affordable to buy, which makes them attractive for first-time investors or those with smaller budgets. They’re also popular in suburbs near the CBD, universities, or major transport hubs where young professionals and students prefer low-maintenance living. Units can deliver higher rental yields (better cash flow), but buyers need to be careful. If too many new apartments are built in one area, oversupply can push down rents and slow price growth.

Townhouses (middle ground)

An often overlooked option is the townhouse. They usually offer better land content than a unit, but are more affordable than a standalone house. In many Brisbane middle-ring suburbs, townhouses are in strong demand from families priced out of houses.

So which is better?

  • If your goal is long-term wealth creation through growth, a house in a growth suburb is generally the safer bet.
  • If your goal is steady rental income and affordability, a unit (or townhouse) close to transport and amenities can be worthwhile.
  • Some investors build a portfolio with a mix of both, spreading risk and balancing growth with cash flow.

Investment Strategy Tips

Choosing the right suburb is only half the battle, how you invest is just as important. Here are key strategies for first-time and experienced investors alike:

  • Set your goal clearly. Decide whether you’re investing mainly for capital growth, rental yield, or a mix. This will guide your suburb and property choice.
  • Think long-term. Property is rarely a “get rich quick” investment. The biggest gains usually come over 7–10 years or more. Buying with a long horizon means you can ride out short-term market dips.
  • Research future supply. Check council plans and development approvals. If a suburb has hundreds of new apartments in the pipeline, it could reduce rental demand and slow price growth.
  • Follow infrastructure investment. Transport links, new schools, and hospitals attract people. Suburbs near major projects like Cross River Rail or the Metro often see price growth as accessibility improves.
  • Do the numbers. Always calculate your rental yield (annual rent ÷ purchase price) and factor in costs like council rates, insurance, and property management. Make sure the property can cover itself or fit comfortably within your budget.
  • Understand the tenant market. Families want bigger houses near schools. Students want cheap, low-maintenance units near universities. Professionals prefer modern apartments or townhouses near transport. Buying a property that matches local demand reduces vacancy risk.
  • Use local expertise. A good Brisbane agent or property manager understands the micro-trends in each suburb. They can advise on tenant demand, fair rents, and resale prospects.
  • Avoid emotional buying. Always assess an investment property as a financial decision, not a home for yourself. Focus on numbers, growth drivers, and demand rather than cosmetic features.

If you combine a clear strategy with careful suburb selection, you’ll reduce risks and put yourself in a strong position to benefit from Brisbane’s property cycle over the coming decade.

Thinking of Selling an Investment?
If you’re ready to cash in on Brisbane’s growth, get matched with agents who know how to attract the best buyers.

FAQs

Which Brisbane suburb offers the best capital growth in 2025?

North Ipswich has shown some of the strongest growth, with values rising by over 30%. Other high performers include Geebung and Keperra.

What suburb gives the highest rental yield in Brisbane?

Logan, Deception Bay, and Narangba often record yields above 4%, making them popular with yield-focused investors.

Is it better to invest in inner-city or outer Brisbane suburbs?

Inner-city suburbs typically offer stronger long-term capital growth, while outer suburbs deliver higher yields and affordability.

Which suburbs are benefiting most from 2032 Olympics infrastructure?

Woolloongabba, East Brisbane, and Ipswich are already seeing interest due to Olympic precinct upgrades.

How do I find a “growth hotspot” in Brisbane?

Look for suburbs with strong population growth, infrastructure spending, and limited housing supply. Checking CoreLogic or ABS data can help.

Which Brisbane area has the most capital growth potential?

Western growth corridors like Ripley and Ipswich are tipped for future growth, along with inner-ring suburbs undergoing renewal.

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