2024 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for first-time home buyers in Greater Brisbane. Migration, remote work trends, and shifting buyer preferences are creating opportunities—but only if you understand what’s happening and where to look.

As we progress into 2024, the property market in Greater Brisbane is experiencing significant changes driven by international and interstate migration, combined with the rise of remote work. These factors are fundamentally reshaping where people want to live, how much they’re willing to pay, and what they’re looking for in a home. For first-time home buyers and owner-occupiers, understanding these trends isn’t just interesting—it’s essential to making smart decisions in a competitive market.

What’s Driving the 2024 Brisbane Property Market?

Migration: The Population Boom

Australia is experiencing unprecedented migration, with Brisbane identified as a primary destination. Families and professionals from overseas and other Australian states are choosing Brisbane for its lifestyle, affordability compared to Sydney and Melbourne, and strong employment opportunities. This migration isn’t temporary—it’s reshaping the city’s demographics and property demand fundamentally.

What This Means for You: Demand for housing is strong and sustained. Properties in well-positioned suburbs are attracting multiple buyers. Competition is real, but so is opportunity if you understand where demand is concentrated and move strategically.

Remote Work: Redefining What Home Means

The rise of remote work has fundamentally changed what first-time buyers and owner-occupiers prioritise. No longer tethered to city-centre offices, many people are seeking larger homes, outdoor space, and lifestyle amenities. A spare bedroom for a home office, a backyard for entertaining, and proximity to parks and schools matter more than proximity to the CBD.

What This Means for You: Suburban and regional properties are gaining appeal. Suburbs that were previously overlooked by first-time buyers are now attracting serious interest. This creates opportunities to find quality homes at reasonable prices in areas that are appreciating rapidly.

Interest Rates: The Current Environment

Interest rates have stabilised after the 2022-2023 increases. While rates remain higher than the historic lows of 2020-2021, the market has adjusted to this new reality. First-time buyers should focus on serviceability (can you afford the repayments?) rather than trying to time rate movements.

What This Means for You: The market has priced in current interest rates. Waiting for rates to fall further may mean missing opportunities. Focus on finding the right property at the right price, not on timing rate movements.

Where First-Time Buyers and Owner-Occupiers Are Finding Opportunity in 2024

Emerging Suburbs Gaining Momentum

Several suburbs within Greater Brisbane are currently gaining momentum and attracting first-time buyers seeking quality homes at reasonable prices:

Redlands Coast: This coastal region is attracting families seeking lifestyle and affordability. Properties here offer beachside living without the premium prices of established coastal suburbs. First-time buyers are discovering that a $600,000 budget can secure a quality 3-bedroom home with water views or beach proximity—something impossible in northern beaches.

Logan City: Often overlooked by first-time buyers, Logan is experiencing significant infrastructure investment and population growth. New shopping precincts, improved transport links, and quality schools are attracting young families. A $500,000 budget here secures a modern, spacious home—compared to $700,000+ for similar properties in established suburbs.

Moreton Bay Region: Suburbs like Redcliffe, Kippa-Ring, and Caboolture are attracting first-time buyers seeking space, lifestyle, and value. The region offers a perfect balance of suburban convenience and coastal lifestyle, with properties 30-40 minutes from the CBD.

Western Suburbs: Suburbs like Ipswich, Toowoomba, and the broader western corridor are experiencing rapid growth driven by infrastructure investment and population migration. First-time buyers are discovering that their budget stretches significantly further here, allowing them to purchase larger homes with land.

Inner-City Alternatives: Suburbs like West End, Fortitude Valley, and South Brisbane are attracting young professionals and owner-occupiers seeking urban lifestyle without the premium prices of established inner-city suburbs. These areas offer walkable neighbourhoods, cultural amenities, and strong rental demand if you need to move later.

What Makes These Suburbs Attractive to First-Time Buyers?

Affordability: Your budget stretches further, allowing you to purchase a larger home or better-quality property.

Capital Growth Potential: Many of these suburbs are early in their growth cycle, offering appreciation potential as infrastructure improves and population grows.

Lifestyle: Remote work means you can prioritise lifestyle—space, parks, schools, community—over proximity to the CBD.

Infrastructure Investment: Government and private investment in these areas signals long-term growth and improved amenities.

First-Time Buyer Strategy: How to Navigate 2024’s Market

1. Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Looking

Before you begin searching for properties, secure pre-approval from your lender. This demonstrates to sellers that you’re a serious buyer and gives you clarity on your actual budget. In competitive markets, pre-approval can be the difference between winning and losing a property.

2. Focus on Value, Not Just Price

The cheapest property isn’t always the best value. Focus on properties that offer:

•Strong location fundamentals (proximity to schools, transport, employment)

•Good condition (avoid properties requiring major repairs)

•Growth potential (suburbs experiencing infrastructure investment or population growth)

•Lifestyle alignment (does this suburb match your priorities?)

3. Consider Emerging Suburbs Seriously

If you’re priced out of established suburbs, emerging suburbs offer genuine value. A property purchased for $550,000 in an emerging suburb may appreciate to $650,000+ within 3-5 years as infrastructure improves and the area develops. Meanwhile, a similar property in an established suburb purchased for $750,000 may only appreciate to $850,000 in the same timeframe.

4. Don’t Overlook Townhouses and Units

First-time buyers often assume they need a house with land. However, quality townhouses and units in good locations can offer excellent value and lifestyle. A $500,000 townhouse in an emerging inner-city suburb may appreciate faster than a $500,000 house in a distant suburb.

5. Work with a Buyer’s Agent

In competitive markets, first-time buyers face significant disadvantages. You’re competing against experienced investors, upsizers, and professionals with deep market knowledge. A buyer’s agent levels the playing field by:

•Identifying properties before they’re widely marketed

•Assessing true value and avoiding overpayment

•Negotiating on your behalf

•Protecting you from costly mistakes

Owner-Occupier Insights: Making Your Next Move in 2024

Upsizers: Timing Your Move

If you’re an established homeowner looking to upgrade, 2024 presents strategic opportunities:

Sell First or Buy First? In a strong buyer’s market, selling first gives you certainty on your budget. In a competitive seller’s market, buying first ensures you secure your next home before selling. Understand current market conditions in your target suburb before deciding.

Timing Your Upgrade: If you’ve owned your current home for 5+ years, you’ve likely built equity. Use this equity strategically—it’s your deposit for your next property. Don’t wait for “perfect” market conditions; focus on finding the right property at the right price.

Lifestyle Priorities: Remote work may have changed your priorities. If you no longer need proximity to the CBD, consider suburbs that offer better value and lifestyle. Your upgrade budget may stretch further than you expect.

Downsizers: Finding Your Ideal Lifestyle Property

If you’re downsizing from a large family home, 2024 offers excellent opportunities:

Quality Over Size: Downsizers often discover that a well-designed, quality townhouse or apartment offers better lifestyle than a large house requiring maintenance. Focus on properties with excellent finishes, low maintenance, and strong amenities.

Location Premium: Downsizers often prioritise location and lifestyle over size. Properties in walkable neighbourhoods, near cafes and cultural amenities, are attracting downsizers willing to pay a premium for convenience.

Investment Potential: Your downsizer property should appreciate. Focus on locations with strong fundamentals—proximity to transport, employment, schools—even if you’re prioritising lifestyle.

Investor Insights: 2024 Opportunities for Property Investors

For investors, 2024 presents specific opportunities worth considering:

Emerging Suburbs: Suburbs experiencing infrastructure investment and population growth offer capital appreciation potential. Investors purchasing in 2024 position themselves ahead of broader market recognition. A property purchased for $550,000 in an emerging suburb may appreciate 15-20% over 5 years, compared to 8-10% in established suburbs.

Rental Demand: Migration and remote work are driving rental demand in specific suburbs. Properties in areas attracting young professionals and families offer strong rental yields. Suburbs like Fortitude Valley, West End, and emerging growth corridors are experiencing strong rental demand.

Strategic Timing: Interest rates have stabilised, and the market has adjusted. Investors who move strategically in 2024 can position themselves ahead of the 2032 Olympics boom, which will drive further demand and appreciation.

FAQ: First-Time Buyers and Owner-Occupiers Ask

What’s the best suburb for a first-time buyer in 2024?

It depends on your priorities and budget. If affordability is paramount, western suburbs (Ipswich, Toowoomba) and emerging areas (Logan, Redlands) offer excellent value. If lifestyle and proximity to amenities matter more, inner-city alternatives (West End, Fortitude Valley) are worth considering. The key is identifying suburbs that align with your priorities and offer growth potential.

Should I buy now or wait for prices to fall?

Waiting for prices to fall is risky. If prices do fall, the decline is typically 5-10%, whilst you miss 2-3 years of appreciation (typically 5-8% annually). More importantly, if you find the right property at the right price, the timing of your purchase matters less than the quality of your decision. Focus on finding the right property, not timing the market.

How much should I spend on my first home?

Spend what you can afford comfortably, not the maximum your lender approves. A good rule of thumb: your mortgage shouldn’t exceed 80% of your income. This ensures you have financial flexibility if circumstances change. Remember, you can always upgrade later—your first home doesn’t need to be your forever home.

Is it better to buy a house or a townhouse/unit?

Both offer advantages. Houses offer land and potential for renovation/extension. Townhouses and units offer lower maintenance and often better locations. Focus on the property’s location, condition, and growth potential rather than the property type.

Should I buy in an emerging suburb or an established suburb?

Emerging suburbs offer better value and appreciation potential. Established suburbs offer more certainty and typically stronger rental demand. Your choice depends on your risk tolerance and investment timeline. First-time buyers often benefit from emerging suburbs if they can tolerate some volatility.

How can a buyer’s agent help first-time buyers?

A buyer’s agent provides expert guidance on value, identifies properties before they’re widely marketed, negotiates on your behalf, and protects you from overpaying. In competitive markets, this expertise is invaluable for first-time buyers navigating complex decisions.

What’s the impact of remote work on property values?

Remote work is driving demand for larger homes, outdoor space, and lifestyle amenities. Suburbs offering these features are appreciating faster than traditional commuter suburbs. If you work remotely, prioritise lifestyle and space over proximity to the CBD.

Should I invest in property now or wait?

If you’re looking for your own home, focus on finding the right property at the right price—timing is secondary. If you’re considering investment property, 2024 presents opportunities in emerging suburbs and areas with strong rental demand. The key is making informed decisions based on fundamentals, not market timing.

Real Example: First-Time Buyer Success in 2024

The Opportunity: A first-time buyer couple was searching for their first home with a $600,000 budget. They were focused on established inner-city suburbs (Fortitude Valley, South Brisbane) where their budget would only secure a 2-bedroom unit.

Our Strategy: We identified an emerging suburb (West End) where their budget could secure a quality 3-bedroom townhouse with excellent finishes and a courtyard. The location offered walkability, cultural amenities, and strong rental demand if they needed to move later.

The Result:

•Purchase price: $595,000 (below asking price through strategic negotiation)

•Property type: 3-bedroom townhouse with courtyard

•Current valuation: $640,000+ (within 12 months)

•Rental yield if needed: 4.1% (strong for owner-occupiers)

•Lifestyle: Walkable neighbourhood, excellent schools nearby, strong community

The Lesson: First-time buyers don’t need to compromise on quality or lifestyle. By considering emerging suburbs and working strategically, you can secure a better property for your budget than you’d find in established suburbs.

Conclusion: 2024 Is Your Year to Enter the Market

The Greater Brisbane property market in 2024 is dynamic, competitive, but full of opportunity for first-time buyers and owner-occupiers who understand what’s happening and where to look. Migration, remote work, and infrastructure investment are reshaping the market—creating opportunities for those who move strategically.

Don’t let uncertainty paralyse you. The perfect property at the perfect price in the perfect suburb doesn’t exist. What exists is the right property for your circumstances, purchased at fair value, in a location that aligns with your priorities and offers growth potential.

2024 is your year. Let’s find your home.

Ready to Find Your First Home or Make Your Next Move?

The 2024 market is moving fast. Properties in emerging suburbs are attracting multiple buyers. Established suburbs are experiencing strong demand. The time to act is now.

Contact IPS Buyer’s Agents today for a free consultation. Let’s discuss your priorities, explore emerging opportunities, and position you to make a confident decision in 2024’s dynamic market.

Phone: 0434 525 655

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.ipsbuyersagents.com.au

About the Author

Tim Allen is an award-winning buyer’s advocate specialising in helping first-time buyers and owner-occupiers navigate the South East Queensland property market. With over 20 years of property investment experience and 7+ years as a dedicated buyer’s agent, Tim has guided hundreds of first-time buyers to their ideal homes.

Tim’s approach focuses on identifying genuine value, understanding market fundamentals, and helping clients make decisions aligned with their long-term goals—not market hype. His track record includes helping first-time buyers avoid overpaying, identifying emerging suburbs before they boom, and positioning owner-occupiers strategically in competitive markets.

Specialisation: First-time buyer guidance, emerging suburb identification, owner-occupier strategy, and value-focused property select