Updated for 2024-2025 by Andrew Mackintosh. When I’m called to do a building inspection in Acacia Ridge, there’s a host of potential problems with properties, however, there’s also some good opportunities there for first home buyers. There are a lot of good solid brick homes with good solid bones and plenty of units for those looking to get into today’s ridiculous market. For those who dream of buying in Indooroopilly or Kenmore, the march south is a boggy one (high flood risk postcodes are a big risk for first-home buyers), but Acacia Ridge offers cheaper properties, with lower flood risk. But, as a typically low rental suburb, there’s plenty of potential problems buying in Acacia Ridge. The key to making a good investment in Acacia Ridge (in addition to seeking independent financial advice, obviously) is to ensure that your potential property is among the “diamonds” not the “rough”. So, there’s a lot to unpack in Acacia Ridge.
Poor Upkeep or Shoddy Renovations
Lower entry costs attract landlords but lower rent yields can make for very neglected properties. As a building inspector with over 30 years in the industry, I can tell you that there’s no bigger risk than a property that’s seen long term neglect. Double that risk if it’s also seen its share of bad tenants. My first priority is to keep an eye out for neglect related problems that the seller has attempted to cover up. Similarly, Acacia Ridge is an up and coming area, so sellers are eager to get the best possible sale price – which can lead to poorly executed renovations.
Flood Damage
‘ll always check for evidence of flood damage in Acacia Ridge homes. Compared to areas like Oxley, Jindalee and Rocklea Acacia Ridge is a much lower risk – provided you live in the right area. Again, where you buy in Acacia Ridge really matters. With lower flood risk than most of the neighbouring suburbs, Acacia Ridge can be a smarter investment for first home buyers who want an affordable entry price without massive flood risk. None the less, I will be vigilant looking for signs of flood damage, or ground subsistence as a result of nearby flooding.
Fire Ants
While not technically in my wheelhouse, investors should be aware of the fire ant risk in Acacia Ridge. Like many of its southern neighbours, lies in the heart of the Brisbane Fire Ant hot zone. When you book your building and pest inspection in Acacia Ridge, talk to the “pest guy” about your risk of fire ants. While I keep an eye out for obvious signs, I believe that a property purchase is such a big investment that a specialist pest inspector must perform that side of things.
Fire Ant Nests in Acacia Ridge – Source
Why do people buy in Acacia Ridge?
If you’re looking to buy an affordable southside Brisbane home, Acacia Ridge has plenty to offer. It’s close to all the amenities you need, with easy access to the CBD. Whether you’re looking at new builds or established properties, remember to book your building inspections early in the Acacia Ridge area. That way, when a suitable property becomes available, having a pre-booked property inspection will allow you to act quickly with peace of mind.
Acacia Ridge is growing in popularity for first home purchasers and also property investors. Located at just 15km south of the Brisbane GPO, there is above state average demand for homes.
Since the 1960s, Acacia Ridge has been well known as an industrial district. Both Holden and Toyota have manufactured vehicles in the area and other national businesses have had distribution depots located in Acacia Ridge. With the closure of much local manufacturing and heavy industry, interest in Acacia Ridge property has steadily increased.
Census data shows a similar percentage of young families, established families and independent youth living in Acacia Ridge. Convenience to the city and ready access to services is a huge drawcard for the suburb and nearby areas such as Durack, Archerfield, Stretton and Sunnybank.
You’ll find a variety of housing styles lining the streets in this suburb. There are traditional post war chamferboard homes and older style 6-pack unit blocks now being joined by newly built town houses and contemporary builds. A building inspector will look for signs of pests or subsidence in your older Acacia Ridge home. For new builds, an experienced inspector is key to identifying any structures outside the Australian codes and standards.
As the industry moves further out of town, residential opportunities are arising and providing great value for money and potential growth. Acacia Ridge has enjoyed 13.9% growth over the last year and the average home now sells for $717,500. Units in Acacia Ridge are also on the rise, with more than 12% growth, selling for an average of $482,500. The rental yield on units in Acacia Ridge is an impressive 4.8% – making it an attractive area for investors.
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First Home Buyer? Acacia Ridge is a good buy!
So close….such a bargain! Acacia Ridge is a top choice amongst those taking that first step up the property ladder. Like all affordable suburbs (and plenty of not-so-affordable ones too!) just because the house LOOKS amazing, doesn’t mean there aren’t hidden problems. We work across Brisbane, providing high quality pre-purchase inspections, and Acacia Ridge has plenty of hidden issues for first home buyers. It’s all about avoiding those “traps for new players”!
First Home Buyers Beware – CLICK HERE To Learn How To Spot A Lemon
A foot on the ladder or investment potential
Living in Acacia Ridge means being close to all of the services and amenities you could ever need. Beaudesert Road provides a quick commute to the city and easy access to the motorway and other major roads. Nothing is too far away when you’re in Acacia Ridge. As an area with notable interest in sport there are many recreational clubs catering for players of all levels. One of Brisbane’s last remaining ice rinks is located here and continues to draw crowds of skating enthusiasts. Shops, schools, day care centres and medical services are all available and can be easily accessed.
Arranging building and pest inspections in Acacia Ridge
Demand for housing in Acacia Ridge is very high. Serious buyers should be prepared to act as soon as there’s a favoured listing. The moment you make an offer, the clock starts ticking, so don’t delay booking a building inspection in Acacia Ridge. Action Property Inspections have specific knowledge of Acacia Ridge and are available to undertake your pre-purchase inspection.
