If you’re searching “what can I buy in Brisbane for under $800k?” you’re not alone.

Brisbane remains one of Australia’s most accessible capital city markets – but only if you know where to look, what to compromise on, and what still stacks up long term.

The Brisbane property market continues to move quickly, and price points such as under $800,000 can feel tight. Here’s what $800k realistically buys in Brisbane today.

First, a reality check

Under $800,000 in Brisbane usually means choosing two out of three:

    • Proximity to the CBD

    • Size

    • Standard of finishings

What you can still get is strong fundamentals: liveability, transport access, rental demand, and long-term growth potential – if you buy well.

For owner occupiers and investors: what $800k can buy

Older townhouses (middle to outer ring suburbs)

In Brisbane’s outer-ring suburbs (roughly 20-30km from the CBD), $800k can still secure:

    • Low maintenance living

    • Owner-occupier appeal

    • 200sqm land component

    • Renovation or value-add potential

Suburbs where this is still possible include:

    • Sunnybank Hills – As of January 2026, we are still finding townhouses and older houses on smaller blocks with renovation potential, strong owner-occupier market due to schools and amenities
    • Aspley – Particularly south of Gympie Road
    • Runcorn – Still viable at this price point for townhouses

These suburbs attract families, professionals and long-term renters and still offer upside through renovation or gradual gentrification.

Apartments (middle ring suburbs)

Apartments under $800k are possible – but selection matters.

Best suited for:

    • Owner-occupiers prioritising lifestyle

    • Downsizers

    • Buyers avoiding oversupplied pockets

Favour:

    • Smaller older complexes

    • Strong owner-occupier ratios

    • Walkable locations close to transport

Avoid:

    • High-rise investor stock

    • Off-the-plan apartments

    • Oversupply zones

What $800k usually won’t buy in Brisbane

    • Stand-alone homes within 50km of Brisbane CBD

    • 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartments within 5km of Brisbane CBD

The bottom line

Yes – you can still buy or invest in Brisbane for under $800,000.

But success comes down to local knowledge, street-by-street insight, and matching the property to your actual goals – whether that’s lifestyle, yield, or long-term growth.

At Home Scouts, we help buyers buy like a local. That means clarity, realism, and confidence – especially if you’re buying from interstate or short on time.

Want to know what $800k buys for you specifically?

Get in touch with us today.

❓ Can I still buy a house in Brisbane for under $800k?

The growth in Brisbane over the last 5 years has meant that buying a house with land in Brisbane for under $800K (within a 50km-60km radius of the Brisbane CBD) is typically not possible.

Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane remains more accessible - especially for buyers prioritising land, lifestyle and long-term growth.

Some are, but selection is critical. Boutique, owner-occupier-focused apartments in strong locations outperform high-density investor stock.

Value suburbs tend to be 10km-20km from the CBD with good transport, schools and infrastructure - not necessarily the most talked-about postcodes.

For many, a buyers agent provides local insights, leverages selling agent relationships and undertakes extensive due diligence to help you avoid costly mistakes, overpay, or buying in locations that don’t suit your long-term goals.