Revealed: John McGrath’s 2022 southeast QLD property picks

One of the country’s leading real estate players has revealed his top tips on where to buy property in Queensland in 2022.

John McGrath, founder and executive director of McGrath Estate Agents. Photo: John Feder.

ONE of the country’s leading real estate players predicts overseas “virus escapees” will have a “profound impact” on southeast Queensland’s property market if local and international borders open next year.

John McGrath has revealed his annual top picks of where to buy property in 2022, with the Brisbane suburbs of Nundah, Fairfield and Carbrook making the cut.

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On the Gold Coast, the property guru believes Bonogin is the place to park your cash, while on the Sunshine Coast, he is a fan of the quiet, beachside suburb of Currimundi.

This property at 215 Buckland Rd, Nundah, sold for $1.1m at auction.

If you had listened to the veteran agent and entrepreneur last year, you may just be laughing all the way to the bank.

Mr McGrath’s previous selections have proved to be on the money, with house prices in the suburbs he picked last year — Redland Bay, Sunrise Beach and Burleigh Heads — all recording double digit growth in the past 12 months.

His pick from 2019 — Gordon Park — has seen house prices increase by more than 15 per cent in the past year to a median of $917,500.

This riverfront property at 411 Beenleigh Redland Bay Rd, Carbrook, sold for $900,000 earlier this year. John McGrath has picked Carbrook has one of his top suburbs to invest in property in 2022.

In the annual McGrath Report, released today, Mr McGrath singles out southeast Queensland’s housing market as having the potential to be a major beneficiary of interstate and overseas investment in the year ahead.

“In 2022, when things (hopefully) restore to a more normal state and borders reopen, I believe we will see significant investment into from expatriates as well as overseas immigrants

and investors,” Mr McGrath said.

“Historically, most of these funds find their way into the Sydney and Melbourne markets, however with the recent Brisbane Olympics announcement, I suspect southeast Queensland will also be a strong recipient of this overseas investment.”

The 2032 Olympic Games will put Brisbane on the world stage, according to John McGrath. Picture: David Clark.

Mr McGrath said hosting the 2032 Olympic Games would bring “enormous broad-based benefits” over the next decade.

“Home values have vast room for growth and a mass transfer of capital gains from Sydney and Melbourne over the next few years could have a profound impact, especially as it will coincide with a buzzing economic expansion as Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast prepare for the biggest international event in the state’s history.”

JOHN MCGRATH’S 2022 TOP PICKS — THE QLD SUBURBS TO INVEST IN

1. FAIRFIELD

Median house price: $842,500

With numerous streets in the catchment zone for the new Brisbane South State Secondary College in Dutton Park, many Brisbane families have their sights firmly set on Fairfield.

“The suburb has an eclectic mix of residences, including original Queenslanders restored to their former glory,” the McGrath report reads.

The median house price also offers good value when compared to neighbouring Dutton Park at $1,062,500 and Yeronga at $1,100,000.

This property at 19 Glena St, Fairfield, is on the market.

2. CARBROOK

Median house price: N/A

A surge in interstate migration, coupled with low housing stock, has pushed many buyers and renters to outer suburbs like Carbrook in the Logan district, which has seen a surge in popularity.

“Nestled alongside the Logan River and bordered by leafy reserves and Carbrook Golf Course, the suburb has a quaint village feel.”

This property at 2-28 Lakeside Dr, Carbrook, is on the market.

3. NUNDAH

Median house price:$832,500

A stone’s throw from the airport and on the train line to Brisbane CBD, Nundah is popular with city commuters and features a vibrant cafe culture.

While it didn’t experience the price gains of its neighbours in fiscal 2021, its affordable entry point makes it a good option for younger buyers on a budget, Mr McGrath believes.

This property at 92 Cavendish Street, Nundah, recently sold for $1.7m.

4. CURRIMUNDI

Median house price: $1.12m

This coastal hamlet’s patrolled beach is popular among locals who prefer its laidback vibe, devoid of the glitz and holiday crowds of nearby Caloundra, according to the McGrath report.

“With a mix of housing options to suit all budgets, the area is perfect for families and is set to benefit from major upgrades to local infrastructure, including the nearby Sunshine Coast University Hospital.”

This property at 27 Kalana Rd, Currimundi, is on the market.

5. BONOGIN

Median house price: $972,500

A newcomer to the Gold Coast’s million-dollar median club, Bonogin was once the poor cousin to the exclusive acreage suburbs it borders.

“A haven for families who love the great outdoors, Bonogin has horse stables, dirt bike trails, bush walking tracks and an abundance of wildlife.

“It is now on the radar of cashed-up treechangers looking for a rural retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland.”

This property at 66 Carrington Rd, Bonogin, is for sale.

JOHN MCGRATH’S QLD SUBURB PICKS LAST YEAR - WAS HE RIGHT?

1. Redland Bay

Median house price 2021: $615,000

Median house price 2020: $550,000

Growth: 11.8%

2. Rochedale South

Median house price 2021: $580,000

Median house price 2020: $535,000

Growth: 8.4%

3. Toowong

Median house price 2021: $992,000

Median house price 2020: $969,000

Growth: 2.4%

4. Sunrise Beach

Median hosue price 2021: $1.235m

Median house price 2020: $1.01m

Growth: 22%

5. Burleigh Heads

Median hosue price 2021: $1.17m

Median house price 2020: $890,000

Growth: 31.5%