Property analysts say investors planning to take advantage of the downturn in the real estate market should look at buying near the next big transport projects.
RP Data research director Tim Lawless said the Gateway Bridge duplication, Eastern Busway and Houghton Highway bridge duplication would open investment opportunities. The key was to get in early before the infrastructure was nearing completion and the suburb gained "hot spot" status.
"Transport infrastructure has a long timeframe to get up and running, especially if it is a large project, so there is going to be a large window of opportunity," he said.
Major infrastructure projects for southeast Queensland are listed on the SEQ Regional Plan, which maps out projects until 2026 and can be downloaded from the Queensland Department of Infrastructure and Planning website.
"The plan covers major projects in southeast Queensland, when the major milestones will be achieved, when the project is due for completion and how much the project costs.
"The things to look for are big road upgrades, bridge duplications, busways and new railways.
"The key is to buy into these areas early because that is when you get the best prices.
"But people buying into the market do need to do their homework because the key to the potential of investing around infrastructure is being close but not too close."
For example, he said the 18km Eastern Busway connecting Buranda to Capalaba would have a capital growth benefit for properties in Coorparoo, Camp Hill, Carina, Carindale, Dutton Park and Fairfield.
He said the planned duplication of the Houghton Highway bridge made the Redcliffe peninsula a great place to buy into now.
"This is one of the best investment locations in Australia," he said. "Buy at Woody Point, for example, where you can get 200m from the water, the parks and the esplanade for the mid-$300,000s, and you have the added benefit for this massive piece of infrastructure coming in that will cut commuting times and give easier access to the Gateway Motorway."
He said the duplication of the Gateway Bridge would help raise the profile of suburbs that fed into the Gateway Motorway such as Murarrie, Wakerley, Wynnum and Manly on the south side and North Lakes, Boondall and Nudgee in the north.
Robert Fuller, managing director of the Partnership Property Group, which works with builders and developers to market their projects, said developers and buyers were now seeing the benefits of being close to public transport.
"Years ago no one would build near a railway," he said.
"Now, if you live near a railway line you are going to be in a far better position than everyone else because you are going to be able to get to work."
He said he thought the "sleepers" in terms of investment potential were Enoggera, Alderley and Mitchelton on the north side, and Annerley and Dutton Park on the south side.
