Client profile:
A Tasmanian couple seeking a Brisbane property for their son to live in while attending the University of Queensland (UQ), with plans to later convert it into an investment property.
Budget:
$450,000 max
Timeline:
5 weeks from onboarding to settlement
Background
In November 2023, I received a call from a couple living in Tasmania. Their son had just been accepted into the University of Queensland in Brisbane, and they wanted to secure a property for him to live in for the next four years. After his studies, the plan was to transform the property into a rental investment.
They didn’t know the Brisbane market well and needed a trusted local expert who could guide them through every step — from property search to negotiation and purchase.
The Brief
The couple’s initial wish list was:
- Location: St Lucia (close to UQ)
- Property type: Two bedrooms, one bathroom, strata title, parking, near public transport
- Budget: $450,000 max
However, my local knowledge immediately raised concerns — particularly about St Lucia’s significant flood zones, high insurance premiums, and strict building material requirements. I explained the risks and suggested expanding the search area.
The Search
I inspected several units the clients had found online, but photos didn’t tell the full story — each had issues that made them unsuitable. Using FaceTime and video walkthroughs, I showed them exactly what I was seeing on the ground.
When it became clear that the original brief wasn’t producing the right options, we regrouped. We discussed their non-negotiables and what they could compromise on. With their trust, I adjusted our search strategy and reached out to my network of Brisbane agents for off-market and upcoming opportunities.
The Find
Through these connections, I discovered a fully furnished two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment on Margaret Street in the Brisbane CBD. It didn’t include a car park — but that wasn’t an issue, as their son didn’t drive. The property did have slightly higher strata fees, but after reviewing the overall costs, the couple agreed it was still a strong opportunity.
The Negotiation
The seller had purchased the apartment in July 2017 for $476,000 unfurnished and had operated it as an Airbnb. They now needed a quick sale. Despite receiving higher offers, the seller accepted ours — $450,000 fully furnished — valuing the certainty, professionalism, and clean terms I presented.
That price was $26,000 less than the seller’s original purchase price and well under the current market value.
The Outcome
We settled on 18 December 2023 — just five weeks from the day I onboarded them.
Fast-forward 1 year and 7 months later, and the property’s estimated value now sits between $580,000 and $620,000.
While the strata fees were higher than the couple initially wanted, the capital growth has far outweighed those costs, making this purchase an outstanding long-term investment.
Key Wins
- Protected clients from high-risk flood zone purchase
- Secured property $26,000 below the seller’s 2017 purchase price
- Fast turnaround: 5 weeks from onboarding to settlement
- Estimated capital growth of $130,000–$170,000 in under two years
- Strong future rental potential post-studyFast-forward 1 year and 7 months later, and the property’s estimated value now sits between $580,000 and $620,000.
Client Sentiment
“We can’t believe how quickly Mary-Anne found us the perfect property. She saved us from making a costly mistake in a flood-prone area, guided us through every step, and negotiated an incredible deal. We feel so lucky to have her on our side.”
Investing in Brisbane from Interstate?
