Brisbane is very popular with expats. Known for its friendly locals and a near-perfect climate all year round, Brizzy is pretty much booming. The biggest city in Queensland and also its capital, Brisbane has a population of 2.28 million. Famous areas include the South Bank, its cultural precinct looking out over the Brisbane River, and the Story Bridge, which is one of Brisbane's landmarks.
The main housing options in Brisbane include renting, flat sharing, or buying. Flat sharing is usually the most economical option and is an excellent choice for students or backpackers, especially if you want to get to know people.
Brisbane's neighborhoods
Brisbane is popular among expats. Here are three neighborhoods expats should know about:
New Farm
Located just a few kilometers from the city center, New Farm is a trendy and vibrant neighborhood known for its leafy streets, charming old homes, and proximity to the Brisbane River. It offers a mix of upscale cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, making it a popular spot for foodies and culture enthusiasts. New Farm Park is a highlight of the area, offering ample green space for picnics, walks, and outdoor activities.
Paddington
Nestled on the outskirts of the city, Paddington is a fashionable and eclectic neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere and heritage-listed cottages. It features a wide range of boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes along its main thoroughfare, Given Terrace. Paddington is also home to the iconic Suncorp Stadium, a major sporting and entertainment venue, which adds to the area's appeal.
West End
Located just across the river from the city center, West End is a diverse and bohemian neighborhood that attracts a multicultural crowd. It offers a vibrant and alternative atmosphere with a mix of multicultural dining options, quirky shops, live music venues, and a thriving arts scene. West End is also known for its weekend markets, including the popular Davies Park Market, where visitors can find fresh produce, crafts, and food stalls.
South Brisbane has been named the most lifestyle-friendly neighborhood in Brisbane, with its vibrant dining scene, green parklands, and a short commute to the city center, only nine minutes by car and 11 minutes by public transport. Other good neighborhoods include Dutton Park, Spring Hill, Kangaroo Point, Corinda, Indooroopilly, which is close to education facilities, Fortitude Valley, and West End, which is well known for its weekend markets. Cheaper and best family suburbs in Brisbane include Ellen Grove, which is 20 kilometers from Brisbane's central business district, Forest Lake and Sunnybank, which is the spot to go to if you want authentic Asian food and shop.
The rental market in Brisbane
First, it is important to determine what style of home you prefer, as well as your budget. If you want to live alone or need a larger space for your family, choose a house or flat. Otherwise, you can find a roommate in a flat share, which is a very economical way to stay in Brisbane. Apartments can also vary significantly in size and style, from brand-new high-rise to smaller low-rise units. Popular flatshare online websites are Flatmates and Gumtree. When searching for a private house or flat in Brisbane, the best websites are Domain and Real Estate, which allow you to search by area, price, bedrooms, and type of house.
In Brisbane, rent is paid every two or four weeks by bank transfer or deposit. Generally, when signing a contract or lease to rent the property, you will also need to pay one month's bond as a security deposit, as well as two or four weeks of rent up-front. Rental periods are most commonly for six months or one year, but you can sometimes negotiate longer or shorter durations. Flats can be found both furnished or unfurnished and may or may not include appliances such as a washing machine, dryer, or refrigerator, so it is always good to double-check this before signing a contract. It is also good to check if pets are allowed, as many landlords do not allow cats and dogs.
Good to know:
Landlords tend to include the water costs as part of your rent, but tenants are responsible for electricity, gas, and internet/cable. If any damages are done to the property, the tenant may be responsible, so it is important to let your rental agency or landlord know if anything goes wrong.
Buying a house in Brisbane
If you want to buy a house in Brisbane, some restrictions may apply if you are not a permanent resident in Australia. Generally, temporary residents can purchase one property for their sole residential use but are not allowed to purchase an investment property. They are also restricted to the type of house they can buy — only vacant land, new dwellings, or off-the-plan — and they must get the approval of the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB). After permanent residency is obtained, this creates more possibilities in terms of investment properties. To know more about the regulations regarding the purchase of real estate, please visit the FIRB website. You can also read our article “Buying property in Australia”.
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