If you’ve been scrolling the rental portals lately, you may have spotted a new name in the mix — PPG Rentals has entered the chat. Our first listing, 401/113 Commercial Road, was snapped up after a single weekend of viewings. A promising debut, we thought.
For years, we kept our sights firmly on residential sales — it’s what we love and what we’re known for. But after what can only be described as an overwhelming chorus of requests to offer property management, we’ve decided to answer the call.
We take pride in doing things diligently in an industry that often rewards speed and volume over care. I’m delighted to report that both Josh and Lou will be joining me in this new chapter — their arms, for the record, required very little twisting.
You can expect the exact same level of diligence we’ve always brought to our owners and buyers. We’re all landlords ourselves; we know what it means to hand over the keys on something you’ve worked hard for. That peace of mind matters. Our portfolio is steadily growing, and we’d be thrilled to bring your investment into the fold. If you’d like to receive a proposal, just hit reply or give me a call.
On the property sales front, Brisbane remains one of Australia’s best-performing markets. The most recent PropTrack Home Price Index shows median dwelling values are up 17.5% over the past 12 months to $1.08 million — second only to Perth among the capital cities. In dollar terms, the typical Brisbane house has gained $182,200 in a single year, now sitting at a median of $1.234 million. Units have been the quiet overachiever, climbing 21.8% to $861,000.
The broader economic picture is more complicated. CPI jumped to 4.6% for the year ending March, well above the RBA’s 2–3% target, driven by record fuel costs (up 32.8% in March alone — a terrible time to have sold the EV!), housing, and transport. With inflation running hot, most economists are expecting a third consecutive rate hike on May 5th, which would take the cash rate to 4.35% and undo all three of the cuts borrowers enjoyed through 2025. For a household carrying a $750,000 mortgage, that’s roughly $120 more per month — nearly $1,500 a year — landing at a time when budgets are already stretched.
Consumer confidence has taken a hit as a result, hovering near levels last seen at the onset of COVID. But here’s the thing about moments like this: historically, sharp dips in confidence have correlated with some of the best buying conditions on record. Those who leaned in during low-sentiment windows — rather than waiting for the all-clear — have consistently come out ahead. Fear is cyclical. Good property, held or bought well, isn’t.
Supply constraints, elevated construction costs, and continued population growth aren’t going anywhere. The old adage rings as true as ever: the best time to buy or sell is when it’s right for your circumstances.
In the meantime, the sub-$1.5 million segment in Brisbane remains genuinely active — FOMO, it turns out, is remarkably rate-resistant. Well-presented properties are still drawing strong interest, competition hasn’t evaporated, and for buyers who’ve been waiting on the sidelines, improving negotiating conditions may be exactly the opening they’ve been holding out for.
1615/8 Church Street is one of those apartments that really does have it all. Panoramic views, Happy Boy, Petite and Snack Man practically at your doorstep (three of Brisbane’s finest venues, if you ask me) and just a short stroll to James Street. Whether you’re after a lock-up-and-leave pad or a solid investment, this one ticks every box. We’re gearing up to launch the campaign shortly, so reach out if you’d like a first look.
5352/66 Lamington Street launched earlier this week — and in a scheduling coincidence we did not plan for, straight up against the cinema premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2. Miranda Priestly, apparently, was not enough of a deterrent. Numbers through the door were strong, which comes as little surprise: properties in the Cutter’s Landing Enclave are tightly held and rarely up for grabs. In the words of Runway’s Editor in Chief: “Oh, don’t be ridiculous, Andrea. Everybody wants this.”
I would strongly advise against moving at a glacial pace — because if I weren’t representing this property, I’d be making my move faster than the Runway team scampers at the sound of their boss’s heels.
Until next week,
Ben
