Photo of Royal Esplanade, Manly near Manly Swimming Pool by Tanya Dedyukhina, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
After years of handling building inspections in homes across Brisbane, I’ve learned the unique environmental risks faced by each suburb, and the subsequent property defects they can cause. In the low-lying seaside suburb of Manly, homes are exposed to coastal humidity and heavy downpours and may be at risk of storm tide flooding.
I conduct every building inspection with meticulous attention to detail, but in Manly, I’m looking especially carefully for signs of damp, checking weep holes are providing sufficient ventilation, and inspecting underfloors for damage, decay and termite activity.
In Manly’s high-demand market, it’s tempting to skip your due diligence in order to buy the property you’ve got your heart set on. After inspecting literally thousands and thousands of Brisbane homes, I can tell you it’s simply not worth the risk. Read on for expert insight from a Brisbane building inspector who’s seen the good, the bad, and the heartbreaking!
Manly’s Enviable Bayside Lifestyle
16 km south-east of Brisbane’s CBD, situated along the shores of Moreton Bay, is Manly. The suburb boasts a relaxed hamlet feel and a stunning esplanade that unfurls into scenic walks and cycle paths.
There are plenty of local amenities, including Manly Harbour Village, which offers shopping, waterfront dining, foreshore parks and weekend markets.
For families with primary school-aged students, Manly State School is highly regarded, as is nearby Lota State School. Alternatively, there are two great Catholic primary schools in the area. Wynnum State High School is the nearest option for secondary students, or families may consider Moreton Bay College.
The Manly railway station provides an easy 40-minute commute to the Brisbane CBD. Redland Hospital is around 23 minutes away by car.
A note from locals: expect traffic congestion from weekend visitors looking to enjoy Manly’s waterside leisure and dining!
Buying in Manly
Manly is popular with families who want a more relaxed lifestyle and in a tightly held market, properties are highly sought after. In fact, both homes and units sit on the market for less than 40 days. However, the median house price sits well above the Brisbane average, so first home buyers may prefer to look at neighbouring Wynnum or Manly West if a more affordable entry price is sought.
For investors, unit prices are only slightly higher than the Brisbane average and a tight rental market means demand is likely to remain strong.
As a pre-purchase building inspector with more than thirty years of local experience, I know that no matter how fast a market is moving, it’s never worth skipping the building inspection. It’s the best way to make a fully informed purchase.
Our Comprehensive Inspection Reports Don’t Miss a Thing!
Common Defects To Look For in Manly Homes
There’s no doubt that for anyone seeking recreation, nautical pastimes and a peaceful village lifestyle by the water, Manly fits the bill. But properties here are also more exposed to severe storms and the impacts of humid salt air. Here are the common property defects you need to know about in Manly.
- Flood Damage: Manly’s coastal location and proximity to the Lota Creek catchment make it susceptible to both tidal inundation and river flooding during severe weather. The last significant flooding event to impact Manly homes was in 2011 so looking for past flood damage is crucial.
Low-lying areas around Lota Creek are the most exposed, but flooding risk varies from street to street. To understand the specific risk of a property, check the home’s address with the Brisbane City Council Flood Awareness Maps. - Foundation Issues: Older character homes in Manly, including timber Queenslanders, are susceptible to stump problems. Dry rot and termite damage can wreak havoc on timber stumps. For concrete stumps, exposure to moisture can lead to cracks and spalling. Poor surface drainage and reactive soils can accelerate the deterioration of all stumps. A professional building inspection will uncover weakened foundations and other structural problems.
- Roofing Corrosion: Living in Manly means lovely coastal breezes – but coastal breezes are a salty liability for ageing metal roofing. Rusty roof sheeting, gutters and downpipes are the visible signs of corrosion – but it’s the roof leaks you can’t see that could be causing internal water damage to the home.
- Water Damage: To spot possible signs of moisture ingress during an open house, look for brown stains on the walls or ceiling, peeling paint or a damp, mouldy smell. But a word of caution – vendors often attempt to hide moisture issues by repainting. This makes it difficult for you to spot stains or musty smells. That’s where a reputable building inspector can uncover hidden issues. I know the tricks used to conceal property defects and will crawl into subfloors and roof voids to get the complete picture of a property.
Don’t Skip Your Manly Pre-Purchase Property Inspection!
Buying a house is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make, and you need to know exactly what you’re dealing with before signing on the dotted line. Arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible by booking a pre-purchase inspection ASAP. You want plenty of time to weigh up the report findings, seek specialist quotes if necessary, and potentially re-negotiate the purchase price before your cooling-off period expires.
With Action Property Inspections, you’ll have all the information you need to make a confident purchase. BOOK NOW