West End: Why interstate buyers are flocking to this Brisbane suburb

Known as a thriving cultural hot spot located just three kilometres south-west of Brisbane and across the Brisbane River, West End proudly wears its offbeat and gritty character on its sleeve.

Residents who revel in its cosmopolitan delights and bohemian village spirit enjoy dining, drinking and living with added zest.

You don’t have to look hard to notice the rich history of West End. It’s right there on Gray Road and Bristol Street, where classic Queenslander-style homes live.

The same goes for Boundary Street, the pulsing hub of the suburb, dotted with heritage-listed buildings.

“While the beauty of these historic structures play an integral part in the suburb’s colourful charm, there’s also been a spike of new builds mixed into the area,” says Luke O’Kelly, Ray White West End principal.

“For instance, there have been almost 40 new developments in the West End precinct in the past five years, which includes Arcadia, Montague Markets and Encore, just to name a few.”

Interstate buyers are becoming aware of the profits gained by moving to the Sunshine State, which is beneficial not only for one’s lifestyle but also from an investment point of view.

This means the suburb’s market has remained steadfast, with a median price of $1.45 million, up 12 per cent year-on-year, as shown in the latest Domain House Price Report.

“There are many attractions that draw affluent buyers here, including being just a 10-minute drive into the CBD, and having easy access to some of Brisbane’s best schools, with plenty of green spaces to enjoy like the riverside Orleigh Park,” O’Kelly says.

“The new West Village shopping precinct has also given further fanfare to the suburb, with the historic Peters Ice Cream factory as the cornerstone of the development.”

For Katie Lee, who owns and operates eco-friendly florist Bare Bouquets with her wife Heaven, the locals and their friendly demeanour separate the suburb from other places she’s lived.

Lee is from Newcastle and lived in Melbourne for eight years, before moving to West End in 2017.

“I remember being so worried at the time about missing all of the amazing food in Melbourne, but to my delight, Brisbane turned out to be the best,” Lee says.

“The weather and people are great, there’s so much good quality food, and new things are popping up all the time.”

Lee’s affection for West End grew as it proved to be abuzz with all sorts of activities and possess an eclectic nature … one where people can blissfully be whoever they want.

One to watch

For Sale By Negotiation

55 Orleigh Street, West End QLD 4101

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Rising from its riverside outlook, this prestigious residence has an opulent three-level facade which provides privacy from the street. Inside are open, light-filled spaces around a grand staircase.