What $1 million will buy you in south-east Queensland

One million dollars: 20 years ago, or maybe even 10 years ago, that kind of money sounded like a lot. And in real estate terms, it bought a lot. A big house on the river. A beach front weekender. Maybe both, if it was 1996.

But in 2016, it seems as though $1 million is thrown around not just by the ultra wealthy but by regular people, with regular jobs. Homes in the suburbs can cost $1 million. Houses described as the “worst house you’ll ever see” can cost $1 million.

And while to many of us a $1 million home is still a pipe dream, it’s less outrageous than it used to be; million-dollar sales in south-east Queensland have nearly quadrupled over the past decade. In Brisbane 10 years ago, 1106 properties sold for $1 million or more. Last year, that figure was 4178. Regular suburban outposts such as Carindale, 10 kilometres east of Brisbane’s CBD, have recorded 45 sales of $1 million of more this year alone.

Just how far your $1 million will go depends on where you want to live and the type of property you want to live in. Domain has rounded up a list of recently sold properties, as well as properties currently for sale, in the magic $1 million range:

152 Sydney Street, New Farm

Perfect renovator: 152 Sydney Street, New Farm. 

For sale now: $959,000
2 bed, 1 bath, 1 car
Agent: Ivo Kornel, Belle Property New Farm, 0412 301 439

With the median price for a three-bedroom house at New Farm now at $1,315,000, $1 million isn’t going to get you a palace – but it can get you something.

Agent Ivo Kornel said New Farm buyers have to compromise on something big with a budget of $1 million.

“You’re either going to be on a main road, or perhaps in a lower-lying part of New Farm or, quite often, you’re getting a much smaller block size,” he said.

“That’s the compromise you make with a budget like that in New Farm but I’ll tell you – there’s plenty of people willing to do it. And with the new council relaxations surrounding building heights and setbacks, you can still get plenty of house on a tiny block.”

Mr Kornel has just listed a two-bedroom renovator in Sydney Street set on 205 square metres of land for under $1 million. Located within walking distance of New Farm Park and local cafes, it’s expected to get snapped up quickly.

32 Macrossan Street, Brisbane City

Stunning views: 32 Macrossan Street, Brisbane. 

For sale now: $1 million + buyers
3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
Agent: JJ Macalino, Remax Fortitude Valley, 0405 223 269

If you’re not in need of a backyard, $1 dollars can get you a luxury residential city apartment with unobstructed views of the Story Bridge, Brisbane River and front row seats at River Fire.

This fourth-floor apartment in the Admiralty Quays features an open plan design over one level, all positioned to make the most of the views. At 139 square metres, it’s a decent sized apartment with restaurants, bars, shopping and river walks all on the doorstep.

The complex includes a marine mooring, pool, sauna, steam rooms, gym, library and gardens.

8 Richmond Street, Chelmer

Queenslander beauty: 8 Richmond Street, Chelmer. 

For sale now: Offers over $900,000
3 bed, 2 bath, 1 car
Agent: Ann-Karyn Fraser, Place New Farm, 0419 708 094

This beautiful double-gabled Queenslander positioned in Brisbane’s leafy western suburbs is six kilometres from the CBD.

Having undergone a complete renovation, it features beautiful white interiors grounded by warm timber flooring, original high ceilings and casement windows. The Brisbane River is only four blocks away. Set on a generous block, there is an ample backyard for the children and pets and scope for further extension.

The house is within walking distance of sporting fields, the local train station, cinemas, shops and parks. Indooroopilly Shopping Centre is a five-minute drive.

48 Hillside Crescent, Hamilton

Bargain sale: 48 Hillside Crescent, Hamilton. 

Sold for: $1.06 million
3 bed, 1 bath, 1 car
Agent: David Hwang, Brisbane Real Estate, 0413 515 788

Hamilton is home to some of Brisbane’s most expensive real estate, so $1 million doesn’t go far here. That’s not to say you can’t buy property here for $1 million – the median price for a two-bedroom unit in Hamilton is $506,000 and a three-bedroom house $808,000. It all depends on the street you’re looking at, according to agent David Hwang.

“If you don’t need a river view, you can get your hands on a house for under $1 million. However, once you’re looking at river views or something on Hamilton Hill, you’d be lucky to find land at the $1 million mark,” he said.

Mr Hwang recently sold a run-down three-bedder on 350 square metres of land for $1.06 million; an “absolute bargain”, he said.

“That was a bit unusual. Normally you can’t buy at that price in a street like that. The land has 270-degree city and river views. I would say that is a one-off,” he said.

37 Villa Street, Annerley

1930s stunner: 37 Villa Street, Annerley. 

For sale now: $1 million – $1.1 million
4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car
Agent: Glen Millar, Remax United Vision, 0414 991 474

Travel only four kilometres from the CBD and what you get for $1 million goes a lot further. In Annerley, on Brisbane’s southside, this gorgeous 1930s house sits on 1012 square metres of land complete with established, landscaped gardens. It’s within walking distance of schools, transport, shops and local parks.

With four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a fantastic back deck perfect for entertaining, it’s a veritable family haven. Complete with character features like stained glass windows, soaring ceilings, picture rails, original timber flooring and double-hung windows, it’s a perfect example of what those extra couple of kilometres can add to a house’s value.

21 Arnold Street, Manly

Underrated location: 21 Arnold Street, Manly. 

Sold for: $965,000
3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
Agent: Marc Sorrentino, Remax Collection, 0488 886 272

To the locals, Manly and Wynnum is a secret best kept to themselves, which could account for why some of the best views in Brisbane are still going for a steal.

Marc Sorrentino sold this three-bedroom 1960s home on Manly Hill a couple of months ago and said he still can’t believe how underrated the area is.

“Anywhere else in the world, this real estate would only be owned by the rich and famous but here, it’s still so attainable,” he said.

“That house at Arnold Street has views that can never be built out and is within walking distance of the waterfront…you can jump on a boat and be at some of our best islands within minutes – you can’t do that in Ascot or Hamilton.”

Mr Sorrentino said $1 million is considered entry-level for Manly properties with a water view but without a water view, $1 million would buy a four-bedroom, two-bathroom family home with a pool, within walking distance of the esplanade.

20 Currawong Street, Bundamba

Expansive home: 20 Currawong Street, Bundamba. 

For sale now: $999,900 negotiable
4 bed, 3 bath, 4 car
Agent: Adam Botcher, iThink Property, 0417 208 898

Bundamba is a suburb of Ipswich, about a 35-minute drive from Brisbane. Head this far out and your $1 million obviously goes much further; this sprawling home set on 1748 square metres of land sits perched on one of the highest points in Ipswich.

With a stunning 180-degree outlook from every vantage point, the house has been built to a luxurious standard, featuring state-of-the-art technology, a pool with waterfall, multiple outdoor entertaining areas, ducted air conditioning and a home gym.

1601/17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach

Sizeable value: 1601/17 Albert Avenue, Broadbeach. 

Sold for: $1,000,000
3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
Agent: Ryan Ward, Mc Grath Broadbeach, 0415 357 347

Surfers Paradise has recorded the most number of sales over $1 million on the Gold Coast this year so far but that’s not to say you don’t get value for money in this region; it is still possible to get a sizeable apartment with ocean view for $1 million.

This luxury three-bedroom apartment in the Aria building at Broadbeach recently sold for $1 million, offering 192 square metres of internal space and stunning ocean, city and hinterland views.

The apartment came complete with marble bathrooms, large open plan light-filled living and dining spaces, three oversized bedrooms – and all fully furnished. The Aria complex is located in the heart of Broadbeach only 100 metres back from the beach and within walking distance of Pacific Fair, the Convention Centre and light rail.

21 Yakola Parade, Alexandra Headlands

Contemporary living: 21 Yakola Parade, Alexandra Headlands.

Offers over $1 million
4 bed, 4 bath, 2 car
Agent: Jay Sherwell, Property Today, 0434 552 025

On the Sunshine Coast, $1 million can get you a contemporary hilltop home at Alexandra Headlands, with spectacular panoramic views of the ocean and hinterland to boot.

This tri-level house features four bedrooms, study, four bathrooms, multiple living areas, a luxury kitchen with marble benches, expansive deck, pool and sauna on a landscaped 607 square metre block.

Agent Jay Sherwell said this house was located further back from the beach than the “golden triangle” of Alex Heads, which accounted for the price tag.

“There’s a few streets in Alex that are known as the ‘golden triangle’ – for $1 million around there you’d be lucky to get an asbestos shack,” he said.

“Because this is set back slightly further, you get a lot more value for your dollar. It’s more elevated here and the views are incredible. This house represents good value for the area.”