A Glimpse into Australia’s Housing Crisis: Moving Back to Brisbane in May 2024
I’ve been living on the Gold Coast for more than two years now. However, due to the greater job opportunities in Brisbane, I need to move back. Although I am struggling with my final progress review for my studies, I need to focus on job hunting.
In the last two weeks, I’ve inspected six apartments (another two inspections got cancelled/leased, so in total 8). I’ve always heard about the housing crisis, but experiencing it firsthand is different.
- Prices have increased by 50% compared to the pre-COVID period. Previously, a one-bedroom apartment would cost between 300–400 AUD; now, it’s 500–600 AUD. If you forego furniture or a car park, you can find something around 470–480 AUD.
- It’s highly competitive. For instance, a furnished apartment on the edge of Zone One (Lutwyche) was priced at 480 AUD, and there were more than 20 people inspecting it at the same time. My application was rejected.
- Terrible apartments with similar prices are much less competitive, attracting only 3–4 inspectors. But you wouldn’t consider applying for those. It’s astounding how they can label an old, unfurnished apartment in Spring Hill at 475 AUD.
