Tree-changers flee to Samford Valley

Demand for property in Samford Valley pushed the median price past $1m in the past 12 months.

Samford Valley is becoming a rural escape for Brisbane residents. Picture - Supplied

Samford Valley is becoming a rural escape for Brisbane residents, with demand for property within the leafy suburbs pushing the median price past $1m in the past 12 months.

The pandemic-induced tree-change shift has caused prices in the regional areas close to capital cities to rise and the villages of Samford and the mountainous surrounds are no different.

Prices in the area 40 minutes out of the city rose 28 per cent through 2020 in up-market Samford Valley, significantly outpacing the slim 3.6 per cent gains felt in Greater Brisbane over the same period. The 43 sales within the postcode pushed the median property price from $927,500 to $1.18m.

Five years ago, the median price for a home was just $874,000.

Lifestyle is the biggest factor for many of these tree-changers, with local Ray White agent Edward Singleton believing the flexibility of working from home and the community feeling in the area are becoming appealing.

“One reason is the area is rural which is considered more COVID-safe,” Mr Singleton said.

“The quality of infrastructure in Samford is also improved, with the rollout of the NBN which has made it easier for people who are increasingly living and working from home. Samford is also about community because it is small.

“Prices have never been better and in comparison to other rural areas in Brisbane like Pullenvale and Brookfield, it’s more affordable.”

Data from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland via CoreLogic shows that the area is in high demand. The average home in the state draws 808 people through its doors over the life of a campaign. In Samford, 1300 people on average visit each home and buyers are snapping them up fast.

Craig Doyle Real Estate Samford agent Ronni Grevell said buyers were desperate to get on to the agency’s database and off-market lists. The agency has recently removed asking prices from all their listings to let the market compete.

“We are achieving prices over and above what we were expecting so we aren’t limiting ourselves,” Ms Grevell said.

“It’s really supply and demand. We have a lot of buyers ready but not enough property.

“What we are seeing is property is selling very quickly with multiple offers.”

The area, tucked into the Moreton Bay Council area, is home to a number of high-profile Australians, including sports stars Sam Thaiday at Samford and celebrity chef Alastair McLeod, who lives on an acreage property at Wights Mountain.

Several houses and estates are on offer.

“Hilltop Retreat” sits on one of Mount Samson’s rolling hills. The positioning of 5 Blake Court offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding skyline.

The open plan living area with its own fireplace overlooks a large outdoor entertaining space, ­making the home perfect for the hot summers and cool winter nights.

Prior to listing, the owners had used the property as an Airbnb for holiday letting through the pandemic and were extremely successful despite the disruption caused by the state border closures. They netted well over $100,000.

Marketing agents Mr Singleton and Innov8 Property Sales’ Michael Spillane are looking for $3m and are fielding inquiries from local and interstate buyers.

“If people aren’t taking overseas holidays, they have more disposable income,” Mr Spillane said.

The modern home at neighbouring Samford Valley is one of the acreage showpieces within Samford Valley Estates.

Place Ascot principal Drew Davies says, with an enclosed entertainment area yet ample lawns, the five-bedroom 33 Warwick Lane property is the perfect home for a growing ­family.