Updated for 2025 by Andrew Mackintosh
When I’m asked to do a Building Inspection in Macgregor I am on the look out for potential property problems. Macgregor is a bit of a bargain hunter’s paradise with properties around the $1.3 million mark (what constitutes a bargain is relative in this property market) which is a good price for a suburb so close to the city. It’s also experienced insane growth since 2023 and prices are up 31% in a year. That’s crazy growth. But once, Macgregor was a student paradise (so close to Griffith University) and this all adds up to the potential for dodgy maintenance and renovations. Some (not all obviously) landlords renting to students don’t have the best reputation for providing quality care to the property. Some of these landlords are now selling a former rental during a boom. When I do an inspection on a Macgregor property, I look for signs of any long term neglect. The dead giveaway is when the property sports issues associated with properties in the 90s or 00s that still exist in the home. Red flags include ‘last minute’ improvements that were clearly just done ready to sell. Stuff like compliance with fire alarm laws and electrical safety, paint jobs to hide layers of lead paint that should have been removed decades ago, rapid removal of asbestos – all this adds up to a long term neglected property. While it’s great that they’ve fixed it prior to your inspection, it means that there could be problems behind the walls and down in the pipes that we can’t see. If I suspect anything is amiss, I’ll give you the information you need to seek out a specialist tradesperson to inspect potential problems.
A note about pressure from sellers
Macgregor is a suburb where properties move fast. It’s in demand, in budget (generally for second home buyers, not first) and deemed a good investment area. If a seller’s agent pressures you to forego a building and pest inspection in Macgregor, don’t sign. It’s not legal to pressure you. It’s certainly not ethical. Chances are, if they’re trying to stop you getting a building and pest inspection, then there’s something they’re trying to hide. No matter how much you want the home, don’t risk it.
About Macgregor
Located only 13 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, Macgregor is a diverse multicultural community and boasts many attractive aspects for residents. With a high housing demand compared to the rest of Queensland you will want to book building inspections for Macgregor homes straight away. Building inspections Macgregor happen fast as it’s a fast moving sales zone so knowing the next step is vital – even before you view your next open home.
Macgregor was named back in 1967 after Sir William Macgregor, the Governor of Queensland from 1909 to 1914.
Macgregor’s proximity to the university, restaurants and various sporting facilities makes it a top rental area for students. This means a lot of the properties that land on the market have been long term rentals. While investors are generally pleased with both the occupancy rates and the rent levels, it can open you up to dealing with the mistakes of other landlords. If the property hasn’t been maintained and repaired well, you could find that it’s got well hidden problems that need addressing – and that could be expensive.
Because it’s a high demand area, the lead time between your first walk through and putting in an offer might be less than an hour – so you won’t have time to get a really great feel for the property. This is problematic as it’s always great to see potential properties at different times of day (in case it’s actually on the path of the nearest emergency vehicle HQ or neighbours to the local drum club) and during different weather events. You must make sure that your building and pest inspectors will do a thorough job, even if it’s a fast turn around one! If you’re being “crammed in” between other fast, cookie cutter inspections, things may just be missed.
My top tip for areas like Macgregor is to know which Building and Pest Inspector you plan to use, and make them the first call after putting in your offer. Get a pre-purchase inspection that is thorough – even if you need it quick. This means not opting for the “McInspector” – cheap, fast but reliant on water tight terms and conditions to avoid being good. Why is it SO important? If there is an issue, a comprehensive, detailed report will help you make the important decision to buy or not to buy – and if you go ahead, it will help you renegotiate the purchase price to offset the cost of future repairs.
How you pre-purchase inspection could slash your purchase price
Why do people love living in Macgregor?
You can wake up, follow your morning routine and be on the Gateway Motorway or Pacific Motorway literally minutes from your home, via one of the many buses servicing the area or in your own car. That in itself is something to love about the suburb. But it’s not the only great feature. There are loads of local retail facilities including Garden City, Sunnybank Plaza and the numerous warehouses and showrooms that line Kessels Road.
Macgregor has historically been home to students and young adults where (24%) of the suburb’s population being made up of couples and singles aged under 35. This demographic is changing fast as the property market means more established families are moving in.
Perhaps it’s the nearby Griffith University (Nathan campus) or the variety of food and entertainment outlets that attract the younger crowd, or even the proximity to the workplace. One thing is for sure: at only an average of 15 days on the market for a three-bedroom home, you’ll need a building inspector to visit Macgregor quick smart if you want to snatch up your dream home.
Not only are houses being snapped up quickly, Macgregor has seen steady increases in house prices since May 2015. Unit prices saw a decline in January 2016, prices that have remained stable since.
All Brisbane Suburbs Guide
Moorooka | Camp Hill | Rocklea | Greenslopes | Salisbury | Annerley | Auchenflower | Sherwood | Middle Park
Housing styles in Macgregor
Not only is Macgregor diverse in its culture, but its housing styles are also diverse. House styles range from older brick veneers to modern designer homes, many substantial in size. Many apartments also litter the suburb in modern apartment complexes, apartments featuring two to three bedrooms, two bathrooms and one to two car spaces, likely popular with young couples, singles and, particularly, university students.
How to get a building inspection done in Macgregor quickly
Being a suburb high in demand, it’s smart to be quick off the mark when it comes to the sale. Similarly, with steady apartment prices, be prepared to have a building inspection done straight away so not to miss out.
Our team at Action Property Inspections is knowledgeable on all aspects of building inspections in Macgregor and will work quickly and professionally to ensure you get the absolute best deal when purchasing your property. Why not contact us NOW!
