Wavell Heights Rises as Brisbane’s Newest Blue-chip Suburb

Wavell Heights, once regarded as a quiet, middle-tier pocket of Brisbane’s northside, is now being recognised as one of the city’s fastest-emerging blue-chip suburbs.


Read: Buyers Battle It Out as Brisbane Prices Hold Strong


Recent property market analysis by SuburbData has placed the suburb alongside Morningside, Holland Park, Kedron, and Mitchelton as part of a new wave of prestige locations. Traditionally, buyers looked to Ascot, Hamilton or Bulimba for luxury homes, but rising prices have seen many turn their attention to Wavell Heights, where leafy streets, family-friendly amenities and lifestyle appeal offer an attractive alternative.

Photo credit: RDNE Stock project/Pexels

Property experts point out that price gaps of more than $1 million exist between Wavell Heights and nearby long-established prestige suburbs. This has sparked growing demand from two distinct groups: value-seekers leaving traditional blue-chip areas for more space at a lower price, and local families upsizing into their “forever homes.” Knockdown-rebuild projects are also on the rise, with buyers keen to create modern residences while retaining the suburb’s character.

Beyond market figures, what sets Wavell Heights apart is its strong sense of community and lifestyle advantages. Locals describe the neighbourhood as a place with friendly neighbours, tree-lined streets and a welcoming atmosphere for raising families. 

Photo credit: Sir Mix/Google Maps

The suburb also offers small cafés, leafy parks, and a mix of renovated post-war houses and architect-designed homes that add to its appeal.

One resident who has lived in the area for more than two years praised the quiet environment, green spaces and the quality of local schools. They noted the availability of extracurricular activities such as drama, chess and sport, which allow families to stay close to home without sacrificing opportunities for their children. Wavell Heights’ proximity to Westfield Chermside, one of Brisbane’s largest shopping centres, as well as nearby medical facilities, adds further convenience.


Read: 2025 Queensland SPASA Awards: Wavell Heights Pool Store Named Best in Queensland at Industry Awards


As Brisbane’s property market evolves, Wavell Heights appears to be perfectly positioned. It combines affordability compared with its prestige neighbours, excellent liveability, and the potential for significant long-term capital growth. With its mix of lifestyle, community spirit and increasing buyer interest, Wavell Heights is no longer just a northern suburb – it is fast becoming one of Brisbane’s most sought-after addresses.

Published 25-August-2025

Northgate Dream Home of Food Influencer Hits the Market

A Northgate property transformation has resulted in a custom-built home now available for purchase after food influencer Shannon Cooper converted what she called “the most expensive shed in Northgate” into her dream residence.



Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional

The property at 107 Gympie Street represents one of two adjacent properties Ms. Cooper purchased from the same owner before subdividing the land into three plots. The original structure on this particular plot was an older house being used as a shed, which the local council had determined was unsafe for habitation.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional

The unsafe conditions included “massive cracks all through the ceiling” and floors that were “sunken in places,” according to Ms. Cooper, who runs the Instagram account My Food Religion.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional

Rather than attempting to renovate the dangerous structure, Cooper opted for a complete rebuild while residing in the neighbouring home. She collaborated with RedDoor Architects to design a house that would meet council requirements while complementing the character of other buildings in the Northgate streetscape.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional

The new design focused on maximising space on the small Northgate lot while maintaining attractive outdoor areas. This approach has proven successful, with Place Ascot agent Janelle McKenna noting that many potential buyers mistake the new construction for a renovation, believing it to be seamlessly integrated with the neighbourhood’s aesthetic.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional

The Northgate home features architectural elements designed to enhance spaciousness, including high ceilings and large voids, plus significant glass openings connecting to the backyard. This design allowed Cooper to monitor her daughter in the backyard pool from various vantage points inside the home.

Photo Credit: Facebook / Janelle McKenna Real Estate Professional

Cooper and her family have now decided to relocate to the Sunshine Coast, though she expressed that she’ll particularly miss the kitchen, which served as an ideal space for her content creation and recipe development work.



The Northgate property is scheduled for auction on Saturday, March 29.

Published 15-March-2025

MAFS Stars Kerry and Johnny Balbuziente List Renovated Wavell Heights Home

Married At First Sight (MAFS) fan favourites Kerry and Johnny Balbuziente list their renovated Wavell Heights home on the market as they prepare for the next chapter in their lives.

Photo Credit: Place


The couple, who met during MAFS Season 8 in 2021, welcomed their first child, Chloe, eight weeks ago and are now looking to move closer to family in Ascot.

The Balbuziantes purchased the character home on Barker Street two years ago and have since transformed it with a comprehensive renovation.

“We’ve kept the beautiful, original ceiling roses and the same windows, but we’ve gently brought her into a more modern era,” Kerry Balbuziente explained. The renovation features bright whites and colourful furnishings, creating what she describes as a “coastal chic” aesthetic.

One unique feature of the home is the iconic plaque from their MAFS hotel room, which Johnny famously removed with a butter knife during filming. The memento now hangs prominently above the kitchen entrance, though the couple plans to take it to their next home.

The property is being marketed by Drew Davies of Place Estate Agents, with an auction scheduled for September 11. The Balbuziantes hope to capitalise on what they perceive as a hot market, though they acknowledge the challenges of buying in the current climate. “Lucky we have in-laws with a spare bedroom, so we might be bunking in all together!” Kerry joked.

Photo Credit: Place

Since their time on MAFS, the couple has focused on building their life together. They became engaged during a sunset boat ride on Sydney Harbour and tied the knot at Ciao Pai restaurant in Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves in January 2023.

Professionally, Kerry juggles her work as an occupational therapist with co-ownership of Caxton Street Brewing Company, while Johnny continues his career as a theatre producer.



As they prepare for this next move, the Balbuziantes are already considering future renovation projects. “Johnny and I have loved flipping this home, and hope potentially to do it again,” Kerry said, adding, “I’m a weirdo. I love moving house and having a blank canvas to start again and decorate.”

Published 13-August-2024