Jonas Leong
9 Pine Street, Hillcrest, Qld 4118
Auction
3 2 2
Open Saturday 8 August 2:00 pm Auction Saturday 22 August 2:30 pm🏛️ About This Suburb (Last Updated Date: 2026-03-13)
History, Aboriginal heritage, and the story behind the name.
Hillcrest — Yugambeh and Jagera Country
Originally part of the Beaudesert Shire, Hillcrest was formally recognized as a suburb in 1987 following rapid residential subdivision in the late 20th century. It transitioned from rural-residential fringe land into a structured suburban environment to support the growing workforce of the South-East Queensland corridor.
A established residential area characterized by low-density housing, wide streets, and significant proximity to the Grand Plaza retail precinct.
Overall Score
7
A solid performer for entry-level buyers and yield-focused investors.
Name Origin
Descriptive name chosen to reflect the suburb's elevated topography relative to the surrounding Logan plains.
Established
Gazetted 1987
Topography
Elevated terrain providing district views in northern pockets.
Retail Hub
Directly adjacent to the Grand Plaza regional shopping centre.
Green Space
Home to the expansive Sweetgum Park and Middle Park recreation areas.
📊 Scorecard
12 key dimensions scored 0–10. Each score includes a one-line explanation.
Market Momentum
6
Steady demand following the 2021-2024 growth cycle, now entering a consolidation phase.
Amenity
8
Excellent access to major retail, dining, and essential services in neighboring Browns Plains.
Schools
6
Serviced by reputable local state schools, though high-demand private options require travel.
Transport
5
Strong road connectivity via Mt Lindesay Hwy, but lacks a dedicated rail link.
Risk Profile
7
Generally low risk, with specific attention needed for bushfire and flood overlays.
Liveability
7
High for families due to parklands and quiet internal cul-de-sacs.
Demographics
6
Diverse population with a strong mix of young families and essential workers.
Rental Demand
8
Very tight vacancy rates driven by affordability and proximity to employment hubs.
Growth Potential
7
Supported by the ongoing infrastructure investment in the Logan City Council region.
Affordability
8
Remains one of the more accessible suburbs within a 30km radius of Brisbane CBD.
Crime & Safety
6
Crime rates are consistent with regional averages; standard suburban vigilance is advised.
Walkability
4
Most errands require a vehicle, though internal park connectivity is good.
⚡ Quick Snapshot
Key metrics at a glance, plus your top advantages and watch-outs.
Median House
$785,000
Estimated March 2026
12mo Growth
5.8%
Steady capital appreciation
Gross Yield
4.9%
Attractive for investors
Days on Market
24 Days
Competitive buyer environment
Family Ratio
72%
Predominantly family households
Vacancy Rate
0.9%
Critically undersupplied rental market
✅ Key Advantages
- Exceptional proximity to Grand Plaza and major retail outlets.
- Easy access to Mt Lindesay Highway and Logan Motorway for commuters.
- Large average block sizes (600sqm+) compared to newer developments.
- Abundant local parklands and recreational facilities for families.
- Relatively affordable entry point for the South-East QLD market.
⚠️ Key Watch-Outs
- Significant traffic congestion on Johnson Road and Mt Lindesay Hwy during peaks.
- Aircraft noise from flight paths servicing Archerfield and Brisbane airports.
- Limited public transport options beyond the bus network.
- Presence of bushfire hazard overlays in southern residential pockets.
- Variable street appeal with some pockets requiring urban renewal.
🏘️ Suburb Overview
Character, property mix, price range and what drives value here.
🏙️ Character
Family Residential
How this suburb feels day-to-day.
🏠 Property Types
Primarily detached single-story brick dwellings with some modern townhouses.
Dominant dwelling stock.
💰 Price Range
$620k – $950k
Typical entry to ceiling.
💡 Why It Matters
Hillcrest serves as a critical 'middle-ring' affordable option for the Logan region. It provides the space of a traditional suburb with the convenience of a major commercial district, making it a primary target for first-home buyers exiting the rental market.
💰 Price Guide & Market Trends
Medians, rental market, 5-year history and property split.
🏠 House Median
$785,000
$700k – $920k
🏢 Unit Median
$495,000
$440k – $550k
📈 Price Trend
+5.8% past 12 months
12-month movement
🔑 Weekly Rents
Houses $620pw, Units $480pw
Current asking rents
📉 5-Year Price History
🏘️ Property Type Split
The suburb has seen a significant re-rating since 2022. While growth has moderated from the double-digit peaks of the post-pandemic boom, the low vacancy rate continues to provide a strong floor for property values.
🎯 Affordability
How this suburb compares to metro and state medians.
🏙️ vs Metro Average
24% below Brisbane Greater Metro median
Price comparison
📋 Income Ratio
7.4x annual household income
Median price ÷ median income
💳 Gross Yield
4.9% gross yield
Estimated rental yield
More AffordableModeratePremium
Entry levelMid rangePremium
Hillcrest remains highly affordable compared to Brisbane's southern suburbs like Sunnybank or Calamvale, attracting buyers priced out of the Brisbane City Council area.
🔥 Rental Demand
Vacancy rates, demand pressure, tenant profile, and investor outlook.
📊 Vacancy Rate
0.9%
Lower = tighter market
⏱️ Days to Lease
16 days
Avg time on market
📈 Rent Growth p.a.
+8.5% pa
Annual rental increase
Demand Level
Very High
👤 Tenant Profile
Young families, retail workers, and logistics professionals employed in the Logan/Berrinba industrial zones.
💼 Investor Outlook
Strong cash-flow potential with low vacancy risks. Capital growth is likely to track with broader Logan infrastructure improvements.
🚀 Growth Potential
Historical capital growth, infrastructure pipeline, and 5-year outlook.
+5.8%
1-Year Growth
+18.5% cumulative
3-Year Growth
+61.8% cumulative
5-Year Growth
📍 Growth Drivers
- Ongoing expansion of the Berrinba and Crestmead industrial precincts providing local jobs.
- Proposed upgrades to the Mt Lindesay Highway corridor.
- Logan City Council's 'Logan Plan 2025' focusing on housing diversity.
- Continued migration from interstate and more expensive Brisbane suburbs.
⛔ Headwinds
- Rising interest rate environment impacting borrowing capacity for the local demographic.
- Limited land remaining for new large-scale subdivisions.
- Perception challenges regarding safety in the wider Logan area.
🔮 5-Year Outlook
Expect moderate, steady growth driven by its role as a key affordable hub. As infrastructure improves, Hillcrest is likely to see further gentrification of older housing stock.
🛡️ Crime & Safety
Safety index, trend comparison, and what to check locally.
6
Safety Score
Average
📉 Trend
Stable
vs last 12 months
🏙️ vs Metro Average
Consistent with Logan City LGA averages
Relative comparison
Risk Categories
Property Crime: Medium
Personal Safety: Low
Traffic Incidents: Medium
📋 What to Check Locally
Check specific street data via the QPS Online Crime Map. Pockets further from the main commercial thoroughfares typically report higher perceived safety.
⚠️ Risk Profile
Natural hazards and planning risks to verify before buying.
📋 Summary
The primary risks involve environmental factors and noise pollution from major transport arteries.
🌊 Flood Risk
Low risk for most of the suburb, but localized flash flooding can occur near the scrubland interfaces and drainage lines during extreme weather.
🔥 Bushfire Risk
High risk in southern sections bordering undeveloped bushland; properties here may require specific BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) assessments.
🏦 Insurance Impact
Standard premiums apply, though properties in bushfire-prone zones may see higher loading.
🗺️ Planning & Zoning
Development controls, overlays, and what's changing locally.
📐 Typical Zoning
Low Density Residential
🔲 Overlays
Bushfire Hazard, Environmental Management, Noise Corridor (Mt Lindesay Hwy).
🏗️ Development Hotspots
Infill development of older large blocks into duplexes or secondary dwellings.
Zoning favors the retention of family homes, but council's push for density near transport hubs may lead to more townhouse developments on the suburb's fringes.
🌳 Liveability
Day-to-day experience — transport, amenity, green space, schools and healthcare.
🚌 Transport
Car-dependent; well-serviced by Translink buses to Grand Plaza and Brisbane City.
🛍️ Amenity & Retail
Exceptional; walking distance to major supermarkets, cinemas, and specialty retail for many residents.
🌲 Parks & Recreation
Excellent; Sweetgum Park offers significant recreational space and walking trails.
🏫 Schools
Good; Boronia Heights State School and Browns Plains State High are the primary catchments.
🏥 Healthcare
High; Proximity to Logan Hospital (approx. 15 mins) and numerous local medical centres.
👥 Demographics
Who lives here — income, age, ownership, and education levels.
A multicultural, working-class community with a high proportion of families and a growing professional segment.
💵 Median Income
$76,500 pa
🏠 Ownership
58% owner-occupied, 42% renting
🎂 Age Profile
Median age 34
🎓 Education
High proportion of vocational and trade qualifications.
📊 Age Distribution
The young median age suggests long-term demand for family-sized homes and local schooling infrastructure.
🏗️ Major Developments
Infrastructure pipeline and what it means for values and liveability.
📋 Overview
Focus is on regional transport infrastructure and industrial employment growth nearby.
📈 Positive Impacts
- Mt Lindesay Highway upgrades reducing commute times.
- Expansion of the Crestmead Logistics Estate creating local employment.
- Logan City Council parkland rejuvenation programs.
📉 Negative Impacts
- Construction noise and traffic delays during highway works.
- Increased heavy vehicle traffic on arterial boundaries.
🗺️ Nearby Suburb Comparison
How neighbouring suburbs stack up on price, lifestyle and who they suit.
📍Browns Plains
Position
North
Price
Slightly lower
Lifestyle
More commercial/industrial focus.
Best for
Budget-conscious buyers and renters.
📍Regents Park
Position
South
Price
Similar
Lifestyle
More established residential feel, further from highway.
Best for
Families seeking quieter streets.
📍Boronia Heights
Position
West
Price
Lower
Lifestyle
Older housing stock, more bushland interface.
Best for
First home buyers on a strict budget.
📍Park Ridge
Position
East
Price
Higher (for new build)
Lifestyle
Newer estates, smaller blocks, developing infrastructure.
Best for
Buyers wanting brand new homes.
🔍 Similar Suburbs
Suburbs with a comparable profile — useful if this one is over budget or sold up.
Forest Lake
QLD
8/10
Master-planned feel with strong family focus and retail hub proximity.
Algester
QLD
7/10
Similar 1990s brick housing stock and demographic profile.
Marsden
QLD
6/10
High rental demand and similar price point within Logan LGA.
Drewvale
QLD
8/10
Directly adjacent with similar highway access but slightly higher price point.
💬 Community Sentiment
Aggregated themes from resident discussions, forums and local feedback.
📊 Overall Community Sentiment
Residents value the suburb for its convenience and affordability, though some express concerns over peak-hour traffic and the need for more local dining options outside of the shopping centre.
★★★★☆
Family Convenience
We love being so close to Grand Plaza; it makes the weekly shop so easy. The parks are great for the kids.
Convenience
Parks
★★★☆☆
Traffic issues
The highway access is good, but Johnson Road is a nightmare at 8 AM. You need to time your exit perfectly.
Access
Traffic
★★★★★
Affordability
We couldn't afford Brisbane, but Hillcrest gave us a 700sqm block and a solid house. Best decision we made.
Value
Block Size
★★★★☆
Rental Yield
Never had a vacancy longer than a week. The demand from workers in the nearby industrial estates is constant.
Yield
Demand
★★★☆☆
Noise
It's a nice area, but the planes and the highway noise can be a bit much if you're on the eastern side.
Quietness
Location
★★★★☆
Community
The neighborhood has improved a lot. People are starting to renovate the older homes now.
Gentrification
Community
💡 Tailored Advice
Personalised guidance for every role in this market.
🧑💼 Buyer Strategy
- Prioritize properties on the western side of the suburb to minimize highway noise.
- Look for homes with side access; these are highly prized by the local demographic for trailers/boats.
- Check the age of the roof and electrical switchboard, as many 1990s homes are reaching maintenance milestones.
- Verify if the property is within a bushfire overlay zone before finalizing insurance.
- Negotiate harder on properties with unapproved patio or shed structures, which are common in the area.
❓ Questions to Ask the Agent
- Is this property located within a designated bushfire hazard or flood overlay?
- Are there any known issues with the soil type or foundation movement in this street?
- What is the current school catchment for both primary and secondary?
- Has the property ever had a termite infestation or treatment?
- Are all the outdoor structures (sheds, carports) council-approved?
- What are the average utility costs for this property type in the area?
- How many offers have been received, and what are the current settlement terms preferred by the seller?
- Is the property currently under any noise attenuation requirements due to the highway proximity?
🏷️ Seller Strategy
- Focus on street appeal; a simple pressure clean and garden mulch can significantly impact first impressions.
- Highlight proximity to Grand Plaza in all marketing materials.
- Ensure all building approvals for extensions are documented and ready for due diligence.
- Consider a short 3-week auction campaign given the current low-stock environment.
- Minor kitchen refreshes (new handles/benchtop) offer the highest ROI for this price point.
📣 Positioning Tips
Position the property as a 'move-in ready' family haven that beats the commute. Emphasize the land size and the security of a brick-and-tile build in a high-growth corridor.
💼 Investment Case
Hillcrest offers a superior balance of yield and low vacancy within the Logan LGA.
⚠️ Investment Risks
Over-capitalizing on renovations that exceed the local ceiling price; potential for future townhouse competition.
📈 Action Plan
- Target 3-4 bedroom detached houses on 600sqm+ lots.
- Look for properties with 'granny flat' potential (STCA) to maximize yield.
- Ensure the property has air conditioning in the main living and master bedroom.
- Conduct a thorough pest inspection specifically for subterranean termites.
🔑 Renter Tips
- Have your application ready before the first inspection; properties lease very quickly.
- Highlight stable employment in the local logistics or retail sectors.
- Check for air conditioning, as summer temperatures in Logan can be extreme.
🏘️ What Renters Love Here
Walking distance to major shops and cinemas; plenty of parks.
⚠️ Renter Watch-Outs
Traffic noise near the highway; limited late-night public transport.
🏢 Landlord Strategy
- Maintain gardens to a high standard to attract long-term family tenants.
- Install security screens (Crimsafe or similar) to increase tenant appeal and safety.
- Review rents every 6 months to stay aligned with the fast-moving Logan market.
📋 Compliance & Management
Ensure smoke alarms are 2022-compliant and safety switches are tested annually.
🤝 Agent Insights
- Stock levels remain 15% below the 5-year average, keeping prices firm.
- Buyers are increasingly coming from the Brisbane City Council area seeking value.
- Properties with dual-living potential are fetching a premium.
🎯 Marketing Angles
The '15-minute suburb'—everything you need is within a 15-minute walk or drive.
👤 Target Buyer Profile
Young families (25-40), first-home buyers, and interstate portfolio investors.
✅ Due Diligence Checklist
Tap items to tick them off. Don't skip these before signing anything.
✓
Obtain a Logan City Council Property Report for flood and fire overlays.
✓
Conduct a professional building and pest inspection with a focus on termites.
✓
Check the QPS Crime Map for the specific street and surrounding blocks.
✓
Verify school catchment zones via the QLD Department of Education website.
✓
Inspect the property during peak hour to assess traffic noise levels.
✓
Review the title for any easements that may restrict future building or pools.
✓
Check for any planned major roadworks on Johnson Road or Mt Lindesay Hwy.
✓
Confirm the functionality of all air conditioning units and kitchen appliances.
✓
Assess the condition of the fencing, especially if backing onto parkland or scrub.
✓
Verify the proximity and frequency of the nearest bus route.
✓
Check for any large trees that may require council permission to remove.
✓
Review the local zoning for any potential high-density changes nearby.
📚 Government Sources & Disclaimer
Official council and government links only. Always verify independently before any property decision.
🔗 logan.qld.gov.au
🔗 abs.gov.au
🔗 planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au
🔗 tmr.qld.gov.au
🔗 qps-ocm.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This report is based on data available as of 2026-03-13. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Buyers should conduct their own independent due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before making any property purchase.
