Image courtesy of Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Situated around 25 kilometres south of Brisbane CBD, Slacks Creek is known for its charming residential streets combined with light industrial settings. It’s a suburb that has plenty to offer, including affordable housing, proximity to essential amenities, and of course, it’s relatively close to the city itself with an easy drive along the M1.
However, with many years as a property inspector in Slacks Creek and across Brisbane, I have firsthand knowledge of the various issues that can be present in properties. An independent pre-purchase building inspection is the best way for prospective buyers to uncover potential problems before they commit to the purchase.
Slacks Creek at a glance
- Population: 10,424
- Average age: 20-39 years
- Houses: 56% ownership, 44% rentals
- Demographics: 39% families, 61% singles
- Property prices are on the increase
Slacks Creek amenities
Shopping is easy in Slacks Creek with a huge IKEA located in the suburb and Westfield Garden City just an 11-minute drive away.
For weekend downtime, locals and visitors explore Daisy Hill Conservation Park via walking trails that wind through majestic eucalypt forests and melaleuca wetlands. The Daisy Hill Koala Centre is popular for meeting local wildlife.
For families, Mabel Park State School and Daisy Hill State School are the closest primary schools. For secondary school students, there is Mabel Park State High School. Parents may also consider independent schools including John Paul College in Daisy Hill and Groves Christian College in Kingston.
Logan Hospital is conveniently located nearby.
Slacks Creek property
Like much of Brisbane, the property market in Slacks Creek is on the up, with an increase of almost 25% recorded in the 12 months to September 2024.
The median price for houses currently sits at around $678,500, with more than 130 sales in the last 12 months. Units are selling at an average of $385,000 – an increase of just over 30% in prices in the past 12 months.
For rentals, houses are $530 a week on average, with units at $400 a week.
For investors, the average rental yield sits at 4.44% for a house and 6.30% for units.
Factors impacting property inspections
Property types vary in Slacks Creek with a mix of 70s timber cottages, 80s and 90s solid brick homes, and of course, newer semi-detached housing estates. The older homes are typically quality builds, but as they age, they can present a range of challenges.
For example, timber homes can suffer from pest issues, while older brick homes can face problems with their structure. This is particularly the case in an area like Slacks Creek which is prone to flooding. Other issues include:
- Flood Risk: Low-lying areas in the lower reaches of the Logan River are prone to flooding.
- Fire Ant Zone: Regular pest inspections needed.
- Regular Maintenance: Essential for older homes.
- Industrial Activity: Increased dust and noise.
Regular inspections and maintenance are essential if you want to keep any of these types of properties in good condition in the long term.
What I look for in a property inspection
When I’m doing a property inspection in Slacks Creek, there are a few things I need to keep an eye out for. Homes in this area are usually on larger blocks which provides great space for families. But the area is a light industrial market which also means there’s a constant buzz of activity. This is great for local jobs, but it can also lead to increased traffic and a lot of noise.
I’ll look for signs of physical wear and tear that are typical of older homes. This includes structural issues like foundation cracks as well as pest inspections, particularly in ageing timber cottages. You’d be surprised at how many rats, mice, and other pests you’ll find in an older home despite the home looking amazing from the outside.
And let’s not forget how many times in recent years Slacks Creek has experienced significant flooding. The last major floods were in 2022, 2017 and in 1974. Many homes in the area were built before the 1974 floods so I always check for prior water damage and whether it’s impacting the property today.
Slacks Creek is also a fire ant zone, so pest inspections are non-negotiable. The local council has been trying to eradicate these pests, but it’s also essential for residents to do their due diligence.
Arrange your pest or building inspection today
Slacks Creek is affordable and offers many conveniences for its residents. And while it doesn’t have the glitz and glam of newer suburbs, it is practical with a range of housing options.
Before you buy in Slacks Creek, lock in your pre-purchase building inspection to get the complete picture of the property you’re considering.
