5 Online Tools You Should Use to Make Your Brisbane Property Search Easier

The digital age has blessed us with many amazing online tools that can turn the stressful task of searching for a property into an exciting and fruitful adventure. So, today, let’s explore five game-changing online resources that can give you an edge in your Brisbane property hunt. Whether you’re planning to move to a new home in the Sunshine State or boost your investment portfolio with a Brisbane property, these online tools will make your Brisbane property search much easier!

1. Brisbane City Council’s PD Online

PD Online (Development.i) is a treasure trove of planning and development information straight from the horse’s mouth—Brisbane City Council. Property search will be more convenient if you have insider information, so maximise this online tool.

Pros:

• Official zoning and overlay information
• Development application history
• Free to use

Cons:

• Interface can be complex for beginners
• Requires some understanding of planning and development terminology

How to maximise this online tool: Use PD Online (and other property information from Brisbane City Council) in conjunction with property listings to understand the development potential of a property. Check for any past or current development applications in the area to gauge future changes to the neighbourhood.

2. Realestate.com.au

Realestate.com.au is the behemoth of Australian property portals, and for good reason. It’s your one-stop shop for listings, market insights, and property data.

Pros:

• Comprehensive listing database
• User-friendly interface
• Advanced search filters
• Property price estimates

Cons:

• High competition for popular listings
• Some exclusive listings may not appear

How to maximise this online tool: Don’t just skim the surface! Dive deep into the ‘Sold’ section to understand price trends in your desired areas. Set up alerts for new listings that match your criteria, and use the ‘Insights’ tab to gauge market demand.

3. Propertyvalue.com.au

Property Value by CoreLogic is one of Australia’s most reliable sources for property data and analytics. It offers in-depth property reports, valuations and other insights to help you decide when buying a house or investment property in Brisbane.

Pros:

• Comprehensive property data
• Professional-grade analytics
• Accurate property valuations

Cons:

• Subscription required for full access
• Might be pricey for individual users

How to maximise this online tool: Use Property Value by CoreLogic to validate your property choices. Their reports can deliver insights into historical sales, rental estimates, and comparable sales in the area. With such data, you can fully understand a property’s true value and negotiate prices more confidently.

4. Nearmap

Buying a property in Brisbane but living in another city or state? Use Nearmap in your Brisbane property search. This incredible online tool provides high-resolution aerial imagery, allowing you to inspect properties and neighbourhoods virtually.

Pros:

• Up-to-date aerial imagery
• Historical imagery available
• Measurement tools for property dimensions

Cons:

• Subscription required
• Doesn’t fully replace physical inspections

How to maximise this online tool: Use Nearmap to get a bird’s eye view of properties you’re interested in. Check the surrounding area for potential issues like nearby developments or noise sources. The historical imagery can show how the area has changed over the years, giving you insights into future trends.

5. Walkscore

Looking for a Brisbane suburb that fits your active lifestyle? Check out Walkscore.  Beyond serving as a property portal, Walkscore provides walkability, transit, and bike scores for neighbourhoods, helping you understand how well a location aligns with your lifestyle preferences.

Pros:

• Easy-to-understand scoring system
• Information on nearby amenities and transit options
• Helps in assessing car dependency in an area

Cons:

• Scores may not account for all factors (e.g., safety, topography)
• Coverage may be limited in some areas

How to maximise this online tool: Keep your personal preferences in mind when evaluating insights from Walkscore. For instance, a high walk score might be crucial if you love city living, while a lower score might be acceptable if you prefer a quieter, more car-dependent area. Compare scores of different neighbourhoods you’re considering to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

Other Notable Online Tools to Use in Your Brisbane Property Search

• View.com.au: A good alternative to realestate.com.au, view.com.au offers a wide range of property listings, market insights & tools to make your property search in Queensland more convenient. The only drawback to this tool is that some exclusive listings may not be available, and price estimates may not always be accurate. So, use this tool along with other tools for more insights.
• Google Maps: While primarily known for navigation, Google Maps is an invaluable tool for property hunters, offering street views, satellite imagery, and local information. Plus, it is free to use! It’s a great alternative to subscription-based map tools like Nearmap. Check the ‘Photos’ section for user-uploaded images of the area to get a feel for the neighbourhood. However, be wary that these images may not always be up-to-date.
• Develo: This tool provides instant Queensland state and local government data reports, offering crucial information about properties you’re considering. Comprehensive reports may include easements, flooding, bushfire risks, and more. The reports are easy to read, making them suitable for different buyers. The only downside is it is a paid service; nevertheless, it’s an invaluable tool for property searches in QLD!

Summing It Up

While these tools are incredibly valuable, they work best when used in combination with each other and your on-the-ground research. Each property tool offers a unique perspective, and by leveraging them all, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of potential Brisbane properties and neighbourhoods. And to make your property search even easier, you can engage a buyer’s agent in Brisbane!

With a seasoned buyer’s agent or advocate by your side, you can access any Brisbane property for sale, including those off-market properties! Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn how a buyer’s agent can assist your Brisbane prop