Houses, townhouses, or units – which investment suits your strategy and suburb best?
Brisbane’s rental market remains one of the most attractive in Australia, offering a variety of investment opportunities across different property types. But not every property performs equally — the key to strong returns lies in choosing the right asset for your location and long-term goals.
Below, we compare how houses, townhouses, and units typically perform in Brisbane’s long-term rental market, and which surrounding facilities best support each type of rental.
Houses: Reliable Growth in Family-Focused Neighbourhoods
Detached houses continue to deliver strong long-term returns, particularly in areas that appeal to families. These renters typically prioritise space, privacy, and outdoor areas — and often stay longer, reducing vacancy risk and turnover costs.
Houses perform best in low- to medium-density suburbs that offer:
- Local and private primary and secondary schools
- Parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces
- Convenient access to shopping centres and supermarkets
- Bus routes or nearby train stations for commuting
Although houses come with higher purchase and maintenance costs, they’re backed by growing land value and ongoing demand from established tenants seeking stability.
Townhouses: Versatile Assets in Well-Connected Hubs
Townhouses are increasingly popular with tenants who want a modern, low-maintenance lifestyle without sacrificing too much space. These homes tend to attract young professionals, couples, small families, and downsizers.
Townhouses thrive in suburbs with:
- Easy access to busways or train lines
- Proximity to retail hubs, cafés, and restaurants
- Close distance to employment centres or industrial estates
- Quality childcare facilities and medical centres
For investors, townhouses provide a good balance between affordability, tenant demand, and lower upkeep costs. They generally perform well in middle-ring suburbs where land is more limited, but convenience remains high.
Units: Strong Yields in High-Demand Urban Areas
Units tend to offer higher rental yields due to lower entry prices and ongoing demand from renters who prioritise affordability and location. These include students, healthcare workers, and young professionals who value lifestyle over space.
Units perform best in areas with:
- Universities and TAFEs, such as Griffith, UQ or QUT campuses
- Major hospitals and health precincts
- Access to CBDs or major employment hubs
- Walkability to train stations, bus interchanges, and shopping malls
- Local entertainment precincts including cinemas, dining, and nightlife
Units in secure, well-managed complexes with lifts, pools, or gyms are especially appealing. Investors should also consider body corporate costs and potential competition in high-density zones.
Final Thoughts: Match Property Type to Local Demand
There’s no single ‘best’ property type — the right investment depends on your budget, rental strategy, and the types of tenants the area attracts.
- Houses are ideal near schools and parks, attracting families seeking space and long-term leases.
- Townhouses suit well-connected suburbs with a mix of retail and transport, appealing to a wide tenant base.
- Units perform well near hospitals, universities, and city infrastructure, drawing strong demand from students and professionals.
Whether you're starting out or looking to grow your portfolio, our team at LJ Hooker Property Partners can help you identify the best rental property for your investment goals. With deep knowledge of Brisbane’s suburbs and tenant preferences, we’ll guide you to smarter, data-driven decisions.
Contact us today to speak with a local property management expert and maximise your rental returns.
