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What You Need to Know Before You Buy in Ipswich!

If you’re looking at where to buy property in South East Queensland, Ipswich should be on your list. What was originally a mining settlement in the 1800s is now a thriving urban hub located just 40 kilometres west of Brisbane’s CBD.

As the capital city’s record property prices make living in Brisbane unaffordable for many, Ipswich has seen its population skyrocket. And why not? At the centre of Ipswich’s charming rural landscapes beats a vibrant city heart. Add the warm community feel of a country town and a real estate market that is significantly more affordable, and you can understand why the population grew by 8,702 in 2024.

Still, no matter how incredible the Ipswich lifestyle is and how reasonable the property prices are, thorough research is vital. It’s tempting to rush in when emotions are high and competition is fierce. But this can lead to a world of regret if you buy a property that’s harbouring expensive problems.

So let the research begin! Here’s a snapshot of the City of Ipswich, the amenities, the lifestyle, and the potential property problems specific to the area that you should be aware of BEFORE you buy.

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

Living in Ipswich

Covering an area of 1,090 km², Ipswich has 57 suburbs and localities. At its centre is the Ipswich CBD, a bustling city with the Bremer River winding through it. 30 minutes southeast is Greater Springfield, a fast-growing community where locals enjoy an abundance of green spaces and parks, and proximity to Brighton Homes Arena, the official HQ of the Brisbane Lions and home ground for their AFLW team. Heading west of Ipswich Central, you’ll find charming rural towns including Rosewood, Grandchester and Marburg.

Ipswich has a younger population than South East Queensland as a whole, and this is reflected in the family-friendly community atmosphere. First home buyers and young families are attracted to the slower pace and lower cost of living that Ipswich affords. And with ongoing government investment in infrastructure and residential development, the future looks exciting for this flourishing region.

Who lives in Ipswich?

Population: 259,886 (as of June 30, 2024)

Median Age: 33

Biggest Household Type: couples with children, 33%

Ipswich Amenities

Ipswich is the perfect blend of charming country atmosphere and city convenience. Unsurprisingly, Australia’s oldest provincial city is home to many heritage-listed sites and historical buildings. The grand architecture lovingly preserves a time gone by, but the spirit of Ipswich is very much a contemporary one. The diverse community appreciates great coffee, a buzzing calendar of local events, an abundance of green spaces and outdoor activities, and all the essential mod cons, proving that a regional lifestyle doesn’t mean a dull one!

Shopping

From major retailers to quirky boutique stores and bustling markets, Ipswich locals have no shortage of places to shop.

Public Transport

Commuting to the Brisbane CBD takes approximately an hour by train, with regular connections from Brisbane to Ipswich and Springfield.

Bus services enable locals to get around within the suburbs of Ipswich.

Schools and Further Education

Primary and Secondary

The City of Ipswich has several dozen primary and secondary schools. Parents can opt for the nearest government school or may consider the private and Catholic schools in the area. View a list of schools in Ipswich here.

Tertiary

Health Services

  • Ipswich Hospital
  • St Andrew’s Ipswich Private Hospital
  • Ripley Satellite Health Centre (Moodoombar Dabbil)

Sport and Recreation

If outdoor recreation and staying fit are important to you, Ipswich provides plenty of ways to maintain an active lifestyle. There are more than 500 parks and reserves and upward of 60 sport and recreation facilities – including a world-class golf course designed by champion golfer, Greg Norman. So whether you prefer rainforest walks, team sports, or a day on the greens, Ipswich is the perfect setting.

Popular activities include:

  • Walking along the banks of the Bremer River via 1.2km of boardwalks in the River Heart Parklands, Ipswich City
  • 18 holes at Brookwater Golf and Country Club, Brookwater
  • Mountain bike riding at Hidden Vale Adventure Park, Grandchester
  • Bushwalking at White Rock – Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, Redbank Plains
  • Kayaking at Burton’s Bridge, Borallon
  • Fishing at Joseph Brady Park, Barellan Park

Families will love:

  • Ipswich Nature Centre, Queens Park, Ipswich City
  • Bob Gamble Park Water Playground, River Heart Parklands, Ipswich City
  • Robelle Domain, Springfield
  • Orion Lagoon, Springfield Central
  • Grandchester Model Steam Railway
  • Waterworx Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Springfield
  • Faye Carr Park, Ripley

Food, Culture and Entertainment

Ipswich’s flourishing hospitality scene includes laneway cafes, historic pubs, trendy bars and breweries, plus loads of family-friendly dining options.

Ipswich serves up entertainment and cultural experiences to rival the major cities – and all with its signature regional charm. Locals can enjoy musicals, kids’ theatre, street art, pub trivia nights, live music, and festivals. Ipswich Little Theatre Society is the place to enjoy community theatre – or perform in it! And is drag racing a cultural experience? It’s certainly entertaining, according to those who frequent Willowbank Raceway!

Ipswich is even home to Australia’s only public library that’s especially for kids – the Ipswich Children’s Library.

Highlights include:

Housing in Ipswich

From historic Queenslanders to modern homes, you’ll find a range of property types in Ipswich. If you’re searching for a house with plenty of room for a big family – or a growing one – then Ipswich is a great choice, with the overwhelming majority of properties being 3 or 4BR dwellings (according to the 2021 Census).

However, with the population predicted to double in the next 20 years, Ipswich council is implementing strategies to meet housing needs now and in the future, including the development of affordable medium and high-density dwellings, including units, apartments and townhouses.

Median Property Prices (data as of March 2025)

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

Ipswich House: $735,000

Ipswich Unit/Apartment: $549,000

Potential Property Problems in Ipswich

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 Ipswich, properties can experience foundation problems due to reactive soil and historical mining activities.

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 Ipswich to be wary of.

Mine Subsidence

Ipswich properties built over decommissioned coal mines are at risk of problems caused by subsidence. Though relatively rare, mining subsidence can cause catastrophic damage to a home when the ground underneath it becomes unstable, in some cases leading to sinkholes. In Ipswich, suburbs including Collingwood Park, Blackstone, Bundamba, and Dinmore have experienced serious subsidence events.

Steps to take:

  • To find out if a property is in an affected area, conduct a Property Enquiry via the Ipswich City Council website. Find more info here.
  • At the open house, look for signs of potential foundation problems, including cracks in the walls and ceilings, uneven floors and doors that stick. External brickwork may have significant stair-step cracking. Check for uneven stumps on old Queenslanders.
  • Engage a professional pre-purchase building inspector for a comprehensive assessment of the property, including crucial areas you’re unlikely to see during an open house.

Extreme Reactive Soil

A property’s foundations can be negatively impacted depending on the soil it’s been built on. Reactive clay soils expand and contract with changing levels of moisture. Over time, this movement can wreak havoc on footings and slabs.

Ipswich is known to have Class H (Highly Reactive) and Class E (Extremely Reactive) soil sites. Properties built on reactive clay are not an immediate dealbreaker, as long as the foundations were properly designed and constructed for this kind of soil. If not, the home may be susceptible to structural damage due to foundation issues.

Steps to take:

  • When inspecting the property, look out for signs of potential foundation problems, including cracks in the walls and ceilings, uneven floors, and cracking in external brickwork.
  • Engage a professional pre-purchase building inspector for a comprehensive assessment of the property’s true condition.

Flood Damage

Subtropical Ipswich is prone to major floods and flash flooding. In 2022, almost 600 homes were damaged when severe rain caused the Bremer River to break its banks. There were also devastating floods in 2011 and 1974. Depending on when an Ipswich property was built, it may have been subjected to one or more of these flooding events. Floodwater inundation can cause huge problems for a property, and they’re not always visible, like mould growing behind walls and structural damage.

Steps to take:

Other Issues to Consider

  • Termites: Ipswich’s older Queenslander homes are more susceptible to termite infestation, and the structural damage can be extensive and extremely expensive to repair. A professional pest inspection is recommended.
  • Asbestos: Ipswich properties built post-war and right up until the nineties may have been constructed with fibro. Undetected asbestos poses a serious health risk if you disturb it during renovations. Arrange a pre-purchase building inspection to be certain.

Book Your Ipswich Pre-Purchase Building Inspection

Whether you’re looking to buy a home in Ipswich or searching for 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 Ipswich. This local knowledge ensures 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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