Despite recent upheaval in the Brisbane property market, there are still plenty of opportunities for investors that are looking for a good return on their dollar.

According to a new report by PRDnationwide, Albion, Bulimba, Chermside, Grange, Hawthorne, Kedron, Milton, Seven Hills, South Brisbane, Wilston and Woolloongabba have all been identified as property hotspots for the year ahead.

PRDnationwide property researcher and author of the report Aaron Maskrey said the suburbs were chosen based on current pricing levels, infrastructure, property trends, access to amenity and other factors.

“Several picks for the 2011 hotspots are suburbs that are located in or next to highly desirable areas at an affordable price,” Mr Maskrey said.

source: www.theadviser.com.au

According to recent research by RP Data, property prices grew by 4.7 per cent over 2010, significantly lower than the 20 per cent achieved in 2009. These flatter property prices are likely to benefit investors who are looking to make moves during 2011.

But while the flatter prices will make for uninspiring capital gains, RESI’s chief executive officer Lisa Montgomery told Market Focus that investors will continue to benefit from a tighter rental market.

Nationally, gross yields for apartments and houses are 4.7 per cent and 4.0 per cent respectively.

First home buyers have well and truly pulled back from the market and are looking to rent, pushing vacancy rates lower.

“Investors are actually sitting in the wings right now. They are waiting to see what is happening with property prices and with interest rates,” she said.

“This year we will see an increase in rates, but those savvy property investors that have prepared themselves to get into the market, will take advantage of the flatter property prices.”

source: www.theadviser.com.au