As we have already established, Brisbane is the greatest city in Australia. It is currently the third-largest city in Australia with a total population of about 2.5 million.
As of 2016, 34.5% of these people were renting. The growth of population in Australia shows no signs of slowing. Therefore, we can expect to see a lot more people moving to the sunny capital and looking for properties to lease.
But where will they be looking?
This article outlines the top ten Brisbane suburbs to own an investment rental property. If you’re thinking of investing in any of these wonderful inner-city suburbs, don’t hesitate to contact Hutton & Hutton real estate.

(Credit: Brisbane Local Marketing) Looking to invest in Brisbane? We’ve listed the best areas to look into!
10. Balmoral
AVERAGE RENT
House: $588 p/w
Unit: $400 p/w
Residents currently renting: 39%
Balmoral is a hotspot for young families. The close proximity of schools and parks plus the high number of gorgeous Queenslanders make Balmoral the perfect place to raise a family.
Right next to Bulimba, this heritage suburb is a few minutes walk from the thriving Oxford Street where boutique shops and cafes line the road.
On any given Saturday you can find families with small children and dogs in one of the many green spaces around the area enjoying the cool breezes and sunshine.
9. Hawthorne
AVERAGE RENT
House: $650
Unit: $390
Residents currently renting: 43%
Located right next to the river, this suburb is seemingly perfect for all people in all stages of life.
Students are drawn in by the proximity to universities whereas families are attracted to the larger homes with backyard and space for children. Young professionals are close to the city centre and are able to access plenty of public transport. Finally, downsizers and retirees see the peaceful suburbs and elegant inner-city lifestyle Hawthorne has to offer.
There is so much to do in the booming suburb as there are plenty of parks and green spaces, the iconic Hawthorne cinema, boutique shopping, cafes, restaurants, bars; the list just goes on.

(Credit: Hutton & Hutton) Hawthorne Cinema has been around for decades and is a huge part of the suburb’s history
8. Bulimba
AVERAGE RENT
House: $680 p/w
Unit: $475 p/w
Residents currently renting: 44%
Bulimba is an adorable little riverside suburb 4km south-east of the CBD. It is a wonderful mix of heritage style and contemporary elegance populated primarily by young professionals and young families.
Oxford Street is the life of Bulimba, with cafes, boutique shops, bars, and lots of green space. You’ll every second person you see will be walking their dog, as the suburb is highly pet-friendly. Most cafes in the area encourage owners to bring their furry friends along.
You’ll also see plenty of beautifully grand heritage listed Queenslanders lining the streets in behind the jacaranda trees.

(Credit: Hutton & Hutton) Bulimba has so many things to do, including a round of golf on a Sunday morning
7. Ascot
AVERAGE RENT
House: $720 p/w
Unit: $390 p/w
Residents currently renting: 46%
Primarily populated by young singles in their 20’s and 30’s, Ascot is a prestigious old suburb in Brisbane’s north. Ascot is filled with beautiful, old Queenslanders, most of which are divided up and rented as share houses to students.
Backing onto the Doomben Racecourse, minutes away from Eat Street Northshore, and 7km from the CBD, there is never a shortage of things to do in Ascot.

(Credit: @myavonlea on Instagram) The Doomben Racecourse is just behind the picturesque suburb of Ascot
6. Coorparoo
AVERAGE RENT
House: $500 p/w
Unit: $365 p/w
Residents currently renting: 47%
Hidden in the hills 7km southeast of Brisbane’s CBD is Coorparoo. This heritage suburb draws in swarms of young professionals looking to get away from apartment living. The close proximity of Greenslopes Private Hospital, the Princess Alexandra, and the Lady Cilento mean many health professionals seek to make their homes in Coorparoo.
Stones Corner is a hotspot for a few drinks and some great shopping and Cavendish Road lays claim to some of the best south-side restaurants.
5. East Brisbane
AVERAGE RENT
House: $560 p/w
Unit: $360 p/w
Residents currently renting: 56%
East Brisbane has a very high population of university students. They flock to this suburb as it is in close proximity to the Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, Griffith University, TAFE South Brisbane, and other small independent tertiary establishments.
Cars aren’t needed in this area, as public transport is bountiful. Residents can catch the ferry, the train, the bus, or simply ride a Lime scooter the 4km to the CBD. The high youth population has resulted in an increase in eclectic, boutique shops, cafes, and bars.

(Credit: @anytimefitnesseastbrisbane on Instagram) There are so many things to do in East Brisbane, such as participating in the city’s biggest boot camp
4. Herston
AVERAGE RENT
House: $545 p/w
Unit: $375 p/w
Residents currently renting: 57%
Tucked behind both QUT Kelvin Grove and the Royal Brisbane Women’s Hospital, Herston is a highly sought after suburb.
The northern suburb is just 4km away from the city’s CBD and a 5 minute Uber ride into Fortitude Valley’s night scene. There are also plenty of options when it comes to public transport, meaning it should come as no surprise that the area is popular amongst students.
You’ll mostly find older Queenslanders and apartment buildings in the hills of Herston. However, their age only adds to the charm of the area.
3. Teneriffe
AVERAGE RENT
House: $750 p/w
Unit: $500 p/w
Residents currently renting: 58%
The small suburb of Teneriffe is located in the north of Brisbane, right on the Brisbane River. Single, young professionals make up most of the population, taking full advantage of the close proximity of Brisbane’s CBD.
Just up the road from Fortitude Valley and surrounded by fantastic bars, restaurants, and cafes, it’s not hard to see why so many young adults flock to the suburb.

(Credit: @beckybroady on Instagram) The Teneriffe Wool Store is iconic and highly sought after property
2. Highgate Hill
AVERAGE RENT
House: $500 p/w
Unit: $360 p/w
Residents currently renting: 59%
Much like East Brisbane, Highgate Hill’s proximity to local universities has created a surge of tenants in their 20’s and 30’s. This area of southwest Brisbane has always been popular with people looking to rent and has maintained relatively steady levels of interest over the years. The area is home to some beautiful local parks and wonderful little cafes and is any young professional’s ideal suburb.
1. New Farm
AVERAGE RENT
House: $750 p/w
Unit: $390 p/w
Residents currently renting: 60%
The gentrified suburb of New Farm is Brisbane’s most popular suburb for renters. Home to plenty of green space and trendy hotspots like James Street and the Howard Smith Wharf and just minutes away from the CBD, New Farm is home to mostly young professionals, students, and retirees.
The artsy suburb is full of Queenslanders and small blocks of art-deco apartments, none of which stay on the market long. The suburb’s tight-knit community, affordable rental prices, and quaint beauty make it so wildly popular amongst Brisbane renters.
Purchasing property in New Farm is definitely an investment opportunity that can’t be missed. So, make sure you contact Hutton & Hutton today to see what’s available!

(Credit: Hutton & Hutton) Top suburb for purchasing an investment property: New Farm!