Moreton Bay City

What You Need to Know Before You Buy in Moreton Bay City!

Considering buying property in Moreton Bay? Who isn’t? It has the 3rd largest population of all Local Government Areas (LGA) in Australia and was recently upgraded to city status (prior to 2023, it was a region), so the secret is well and truly out – Moreton Bay is a brilliant place to live.

Located in southeast Queensland, between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay is only a 40-minute drive north of Brisbane city. And with suburbs set amongst stunning natural landscapes, Moreton provides the abundant green space and laidback living that so many are looking for. From its vast and breathtaking coastline to the untouched beauty of the hinterlands, complete with forested mountain ranges and waterways, and five thriving urban centres, Moreton Bay offers an enviable lifestyle.

As Brisbane’s median house price soars above $1million, Moreton Bay represents a more affordable opportunity for first home buyers, families and investors. However, thorough research is the key to buying the right property.

Here’s a snapshot of the City of Moreton Bay, the amenities, the lifestyle, and the potential property problems specific to the area that you should be aware of BEFORE you buy.

Buy in Moreton Bay with confidence! Book a pre-purchase property inspection to get the complete picture.

Living in Moreton Bay

With 94 suburbs across an expansive 2,045 square kilometres, the City of Moreton Bay is HUGE. Rather than one central business district, Moreton has five urban centres – Caboolture, Morayfield, Strathpine, Redcliffe, and North Lakes. Located in Brisbane’s northern growth corridor heading towards the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay has undergone significant development in the last twenty years, and this is projected to continue. In fact, it’s estimated that the population will grow by 62% in the next 20 years.

From the coastal charm of the Redcliffe Peninsula to the leafy Hills District, semi-rural suburbs with proximity to D’Aguilar National Park and Mt Mee State Forest, the family-friendly neighbourhoods of Mango Hills, Caboolture and Narangba, and of course, beautiful Bribie Island, living in Moreton Bay offers the perfect balance of convenience and community.

Who lives in Moreton Bay?

Population: 522,494 (as of June 30, 2024)

Median Age: 39

Biggest Household Type: couples with children, 31%

Moreton Bay Amenities

Moreton Bay City boasts excellent liveability with access to key amenities that ensure residents can find everything they need without ever leaving the LGA. High levels of investment in new residential development and upgrades to existing infrastructure aim to meet the needs of Moreton Bay’s growing population.

Shopping

Moreton Bay is home to major shopping centres, convenient shopping villages, local markets and an array of boutique and specialty stores. From groceries to fresh local produce, handmade artisan wares to Swedish-designed furniture, you’ll find it here!

  • Westfield North Lakes
  • IKEA, North Lakes
  • Costco, North Lakes
  • Peninsula Fair Shopping Centre, Kippa-Ring
  • Morayfield Shopping Centre
  • Caboolture Square
  • Burpengary Plaza
  • Strathpine Centre
  • Bribie Island Central
  • Redcliffe Farmers + Artisan Markets
  • Caboolture Country Markets
  • Samford Valley Markets

Public Transport

Moreton Bay is serviced by a network of buses and trains, enabling residents to get around within the LGA as well as commute to Brisbane CBD, which takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Schools and Further Education

Primary and Secondary

Moreton Bay has many schools across the region, with a mix of government and independent primary and secondary schools.

Tertiary

Health Services

  • Caboolture Hospital
  • Redcliffe Hospital
  • Caboolture Satellite Health Centre (Kabul)
  • Caboolture Private Hospital
  • Peninsula Private Hospital, Kippa-Ring
  • North Lakes Day Hospital
  • Pine Rivers Private Hospital

Sport and Recreation

With 300 days of sunshine every year, a stunning natural landscape to explore, and 230 parks and sporting facilities, Moreton Bay is the perfect setting for staying active and enjoying the great outdoors.

Opportunities for outside recreational activities are endless here – definitely too many to list! But here are some popular ways to embrace outdoor living in Moreton.

  • Bushwalking through Maiala National Park, Mount Glorious
  • Kayaking on North Pine River at Leis Park, Lawnton
  • Fishing at Lake Samsonvale, Petrie
  • Surfing at Woorim Beach, Bribie Island
  • Paddleboarding on the Pumicestone Passage, Bribie Island
  • Cycling the Moreton Bay Cycleway, along the Redcliffe Peninsula
  • Mountain bike riding through Bunyaville Conservation Park, Albany Creek
  • 18 holes at Woodford Golf Club

Families will love:

  • The Mill Waterpark + Playground, Petrie
  • Settlement Cove Lagoon, Redcliffe
  • Pine Rivers Park, Strathpine
  • Red Beach, Bongaree, Bribie Island
  • Piccabeen Walk, Mount Mee
  • Bray Farm Park, Griffin
  • North Lakes Environmental Park
  • Food, Culture and Entertainment

Moreton Bay is home to a diverse selection of cafes, restaurants, pubs and bars catering to every taste, from foodies to families – or a family of foodies! Head to Scarborough for the freshest seafood and the best waterfront views. Kid-friendly dining options are plentiful, with Mango Hill Tavern and Norths Leagues and Services Club in Kallangur being favourites.

Moreton Bay’s vibrant cultural scene proves you don’t need to live in a capital city to immerse yourself in the arts! From live comedy to musical performances, creative festivals, Indigenous art, and an open-air museum honouring an iconic trio of singing brothers, locals are truly spoilt for choice.

Highlights include:

Housing in Moreton Bay

According to the 2021 Census, almost 80% of properties in Moreton Bay were freestanding houses, although the development of new estates in the last two decades has seen a jump in medium-density properties like townhouses.

Housing types vary from suburb to suburb. Some of these include:

  • Post-war weatherboards in Redcliffe
  • 1980s brick houses in Bray Park
  • Small acreage blocks in Samford Valley
  • Canal homes in Banksia Beach, Bribie Island
  • One and two-story brick homes built in the last two decades in master-planned suburbs like Mango Hill and North Lakes
  • Luxury waterfront properties and modern units in Scarborough
  • Home and land packages across multiple new estates, including in Morayfield, Warner, Caboolture, Narangba, Burpengary, and Murrumba Downs.

Median Property Prices (data as of March 2025)

Moreton Bay’s median property prices vary from suburb to suburb. The figures below represent the median sale price for the LGA as a whole.

Moreton Bay House: $852,750

Moreton Bay Unit/Apartment: $615,00

Potential Property Problems in Moreton Bay

A property can hide a multitude of problems that the average home buyer wouldn’t notice at an open house. Some defects can occur in any home, anywhere in Australia. However, some defects are more prevalent in certain parts of the country. In booming Moreton Bay, rapid residential development can pose a risk to the build quality of new homes, with deadline pressures leading to rushed work.

Arming yourself with local knowledge before attending an open house means you can keep an eye out for specific issues when you inspect a property. Here are the key issues in Moreton Bay to be wary of.

High-Volume Build Defects

The Moreton Bay region has experienced significant residential development growth over the last twenty years, with more than 80,000 new dwellings built between 2001 and 2021. Modern residential development, particularly when it involves high-volume, fast-turnaround builds, can cause deadline pressures that lead to corners being cut. Rushed trades can result in lower quality workmanship and the subsequent defects this causes.

Common modern build defects include:

  • Foundation issues: Properties built on concrete slabs that are not suited to the soil type can very quickly lead to problems with ground movement, corrosion and structural stability.
  • Inadequate drainage: A property’s drainage system is its best defence against flooding, moisture ingress, mould and structural damage. In sub-tropical Moreton Bay, a well-functioning drainage system is absolutely crucial!
  • Roofing defects: For a roof to do its job, all the components, including flashing, guttering, penetrations, cladding, etc. must be installed correctly and to code. When they’re not, leaks and water damage can compromise the structural integrity of the home.
  • Sub-par work: new builds with low-quality paintwork, uneven tiling, and messy grouting can be a red flag for a rushed build. What else did they cut corners on?

Steps to take:

  • At the open house, keep an eye out for these red flags:
    • Cracks in walls and ceilings can indicate a problem with the foundation.
    • Water pooling in the yard can signal drainage problems.
    • Staining on ceilings and walls could be due to roof leaks.
    • Paint drips or swipes, loose tiles, misaligned grout lines, and cabinetry that isn’t sitting flush – these things should not happen in new builds undertaken by professional tradespeople. They could represent a larger issue with the overall quality of the property’s build.
  • Never assume that new means problem-free! To get a comprehensive assessment of the property’s condition, arrange an independent pre-purchase building inspection.

Flood Damage

Moreton Bay has experienced two significant flooding events since 2020, resulting in some properties being inundated with floodwater and mud. In much the same way as someone selling a used car is unlikely to mention it’s been in an accident, sellers will do what they can to conceal a property’s history of flood damage. From obvious defects like warped floors and sagging ceilings to hidden issues like mould growing under floors or behind walls, flood damage can lead to big problems and very expensive repairs.

Steps to take:

Other Issues to Consider

  • Salt Air: The closer a property is to the bay, the higher the risk of deterioration caused by coastal corrosion. You may be able to spot rust on guttering and metal window frames, but corrosion can also impact a property’s foundations. A building inspector can detect corrosion in areas you won’t have access to during an open house.
  • Termites: Humid weather and bushland surrounds increase the chance of termite activity, especially in Moreton Bay’s timber homes. A thorough pest inspection is vital as termites are capable of causing devastating structural damage to a property.
  • Asbestos: If the Moreton Bay property you’re considering was built prior to 1990, there’s a high chance asbestos materials were used. A pre-purchase building inspection can flag the presence of asbestos, which is crucial information to know before you buy, especially if you’re planning renovations.

Book Your Moreton Bay Pre-Purchase Building Inspection

Buying a property is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make, so it makes sense to get as much information as possible before the sale goes unconditional. Whether you’re buying a home or an investment property, an informed purchase is a wise one. A pre-purchase property inspection gives you the clarity and peace of mind you need. View a sample report here.

Action Property Inspections has years of experience inspecting properties in Moreton Bay, and we know exactly what to look for. Our comprehensive pre-purchase building inspection provides you with a detailed report of the property’s condition so that you can buy with confidence.

TO BOOK your pre-purchase property inspection with Action Property Inspections, GET IN TOUCH TODAY!

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