Updated 2024 by Andrew Mackintosh
When I’m performing a building inspection in Sunnybank, I’m generally looking for signs of water damage, property neglect, architectural issues or poorly executed renovations. Sunnybank homes are generally solidly built with “good bones”. The majority of homes I’ve inspected there are brick and well built. I have seen a few issues in the area with older homes that have served as long-term rentals or student accommodations where the property hasn’t had proper maintenance. These are in most suburbs, Sunnybank is no different. At the other end of the scale, I’ve seen issues with the “wow factor” homes there. Architectural design means a beautiful home, but also more opportunity for building defects. I’ve seen the odd house there that has suffered for ambitious design without the skilled builders needed to achieve it – or, in a lot of cases, the skills to renovate it. Of course, evidence of flood damage is always part of my job – check the flood maps before you buy here. Generally, though, Sunnybank is a lovely area with good, solid homes. Sunnybank, is one of those population hubs like North Lakes, Chermside, Indooroopilly and Logan Central where landlords are investing for maximum return. So I always check for signs of a cheap landlord resulting in a neglected property.
As a side note, I always love doing building inspections in Sunnybank because the food there is incredible. It’s one of my favourite places to ‘get lunch’ after an inspection. If you love amazing dining, you’ll love this area.
Why you should call Sunnybank home
Sunnybank is a suburb in Brisbane’s southside, just 25 minutes’ drive from the CBD. The area itself has been inhabited for over 20,000 years, making it one of Brisbane’s oldest settlements. Currently, 9832 people call Sunnybank home. In the late 1980s, Sunnybank saw an increasing number of Asian immigrants settling in the area which began to change. Today, the suburb is a thriving multicultural centre of Brisbane, with strong Asian influences in design, food, and culture. The result is many quality Asian speciality shops and restaurants.
Sunnybank is highly sought after by young professionals and young families with children – the predominate age group is 20 – 29. This is mainly due to the easy access available to the Gold Coast to the south and the Brisbane CBD to the north, as well as the university campuses nearby at Nathan and Mount Gravatt, and the diverse shopping opportunities (including Westfield Garden City, Sunnybank Plaza, and Sunnybank Hills Shopping Town), affordable restaurants, and public schools with good facilities (Sunnybank Primary School, Runcorn State School, and Sunnybank High School). Sunnybank also offers 18 parks, and several public transport options, with its own railway station and a major bus station at Sunnybank Plaza.
For a similar suburb close to all the features of Sunnybank, consider Stretton.
The facts you need about buying in Sunnybank
Sunnybank has a median house price of $1.25 million because everywhere in Brisbane is horrendously expensive in 2024. It boasts good capital growth and more affordable units come up fairly regularly there too.
With new developments and demand on the suburb increasing, you need to secure your Sunnybank dream home fast. Do this by booking a pre-purchase building inspection – it’s the best way to avoid any nasty property surprises in your future.
