Brisbane’s south is full of ample opportunities for investment and living. There’s a lot that’s great about this area – but there’s also a lot that you need to be wary of. So if you’re considering the value of property inspections, Brisbane south buyers can benefit greatly from this vital report.
What is there to know about the southside of Brisbane?
Brisbane’s south is markedly different to the lands north of the river. There’s a little more space in the streets here than there are in the (at times) higgledy piggledy lanes of the northside. There are some very old, settled suburbs here as well as some newer ones that are fast on the rise on reclaimed or cleared land.
Is it that different from Brisbane’s north? Yes. There are a variety of things that the savvy investor or owner-occupier must be wary of before grabbing that set of keys and settling into a new home.
Here’s what you need to know.
Is there flooding potential in Brisbane’s south?
A careful read of the FloodWise Property Reports provided by the Brisbane City Council is a great first step for any would-be purchaser in Brisbane’s south. There are areas that are prone to flooding, and with that comes the threat of toxic mould and rising damp, as well as risk of damage to property and person.
Follow this link to find the Flood Awareness Map.
Suburbs that have experienced flooding in the past will require a thorough pre-purchase inspection report to give the potential new owner (you!) a clear picture of any risks that you’re not aware of. This gives you the opportunity to decide whether you have the capacity to take on the property with its current issues.
Brisbane southern suburbs that have been hit by flooding in the past include, but are not limited to:
· Acacia Ridge
· Balmoral
· Bulimba
· Coorparoo
· Corinda
· Darra
· Dutton Park
· East Brisbane
· Greenslopes
· Ipswich
· Jindalee
· Kangaroo Point
· Lytton
· Moorooka
· Morningside
· Murarrie
· Norman Park
· Rocklea
· Salisbury
· South Brisbane
Where to get information when it starts to flood
If you do buy in the South East Queensland, make yourself familiar with your local council’s Disaster Dashboard which contains a lot of helpful information like which areas are currently under flood threat, where to find sandbags, what to do in the case of a flood emergency and more. In the case of a storm or flood emergency you should call State Emergency Services (SES) 132 500 or log a SES request online.
Brisbane City Council Disaster Dashboard
Ipswich City Council Disaster Dashboard
Logan City Council Disaster Dashboard
Property inspections Brisbane South – housing style
There are a wide mix of housing styles found in Brisbane’s south that are indicative of the need for thorough, accurate reporting before buying.
The old sprawling Queenslanders can hide a myriad of nasties, both in and out of the home. Rising damp, cracked walls, dangerous roofs, insect and rodent infestations – there are a million places for problems to hide in these homes – and it’s easy to miss them or mistake them for ‘character.’ What might appear on the surface to be a straight-forward case of a lick of paint and some elbow grease could actually mean an enormous investment of both your time and finances. It pays to know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line.
A brick home in south Brisbane may appear to be a great investment but it could well be a nail in your financial coffin without a solid pre-purchase inspection report. There are a lot of things that could go wrong even in a sturdy brick home so it’s vital to make sure all the checks are in place to avoid an error you can’t come back from.
There are many investment properties (chiefly apartments and townhouses) being constructed all over south Brisbane. Ensure that building practices are up to code and that you’ll not be in for any nasty surprises well before you get to the unconditional stage of the purchase agreement.
The wild wildlife
Brisbane’s south is a playground for the nature lover. For an inner south oasis, Seven Hills is a hidden gem with plenty of parks. There are the gorgeous coastal areas of Wynnum and Manly, ripe with wildlife and sea breezes. There are the wonderful nature reserves in places like Whites Hill and Taragindi that offer opportunities for bushwalking right in the city. It’s a veritable feast for the senses.
However, proximity to so much wildlife means the potential presence of pests that are harmful to both home and family. Securing a property inspection in Brisbane south is vital to make sure that what you’re buying is a home and not a hazard.
Neglect
Unfortunately, with any large suburban sprawl comes the capacity for some houses to be neglected. Potentially they’ve been share houses owned by a hands-off landlord for too long or they’ve simply whittled away over time. Structural damage is of the upmost concern and will be picked up by a pre-purchase inspection report.
Hazardous grounds
The presence of subsidence or toxic soils in certain areas of Brisbane’s south presents a painful raft of problems for the would-be buyer. Asbestos is a risk as well, particularly in the older suburbs where current building practices have not been put into place.
Kingston, in particular, has long been the subject of concern when it comes to toxic sludge and soils that have the capacity to be harmful to residents. This is an element that you should definitely be made aware of if moving into.
Building and pest inspections in Brisbane’s south
There’s never been a better time to arrange for a building and pest inspection in Brisbane’s south. This is the only opportunity you’ll have to get a clear, accurate picture of what your property is actually like rather than what it appears to be on the outside. Purchasing a property is likely to be the biggest financial outlay you’ll ever make. Don’t risk this huge investment!
The importance of getting the right advice
Action Inspections operates completely independently of real estate agents. This means that you receive a thorough, unbiased picture of the property you’re potentially investing your time and money into. Working in the Brisbane area for thirty years, Action Inspections have a reputation built on time and trust. Whether it be checking for pests, examining structural damage or giving you advice concerning potential future renovations, it’s good to put your trust in someone who has your best interests at heart.
