real estate Archives - Kenmore News

Why Kenmore Hills Remains Brisbane’s Most Tightly Held Suburb

In a city where many residents move every few years, Kenmore Hills is different. Homeowners here stay for 21 years, on average, making it Brisbane’s most tightly held suburb. The appeal lies in its blend of space, greenery, and proximity to the city, offering a lifestyle that is increasingly hard to find within 15 kilometres of the CBD.

Read: Revisiting the Old Friary in Kenmore Hills

Kenmore Hills is known for its generous block sizes and many homes sitting on even larger parcels of land. Quarter-acre blocks, now scarce in many inner and middle-ring suburbs, are still a feature here. This space, combined with leafy surrounds, has helped the suburb retain a semi-rural feel while remaining connected to urban conveniences.

Median House Price: $1.35M

The suburb’s desirability is reflected in its property values. The current median house price sits at $1.35 million, placing it among Brisbane’s pricier middle-ring suburbs. Kenmore Hills also ranks in the top five suburbs closest to the city with the largest average block sizes, a rare combination of land and location.

Part of the suburb’s long-term appeal comes from its stability. After a wave of development in the 1980s, the overall character of Kenmore Hills has changed little. Unlike many other parts of Brisbane where older homes are frequently being knocked down for new builds, the suburb has largely retained its original streetscapes. Big blocks and established houses continue to define the area, accommodating growing families without the churn seen elsewhere.

Nearby areas such as Chapel Hill and Fig Tree Pocket share similar greenery and family-friendly appeal, while Brookfield offers a more acreage-focused lifestyle. But Kenmore Hills occupies a unique middle ground, where residents can enjoy privacy and bushland surrounds without giving up access to shopping centres, schools, and transport links.

Locals say this balance is what makes the area so enduring. One resident described it as “the best of both worlds,” with established native trees, room for children and pets to play, and enough distance between neighbours to feel a sense of space, all while being only a short drive to major shopping hubs and services.

Read: Brookfield and Kenmore Hills Report Higher Cancer Survival Rates Amidst Queensland’s Hotspots

With large blocks becoming scarcer across Brisbane, and demand for family-friendly suburbs growing, Kenmore Hills looks set to remain one of the city’s most tightly held addresses well into the future.

Published 28-August-2025

Local Real Estate Agent Dies in Tragic Mowing Accident at Pullenvale Property

Photo Credit: Brisbane Real Estate™

The Pullenvale community is mourning the loss of a well-respected local real estate agent following a tragic accident involving a ride-on mower at a private property on Grandview Road.

Ty Babbidge, 55, died after becoming trapped under the ride-on mower. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 7:30pm on August 15 (Friday), but Mr Babbidge could not be saved.

Mr Babbidge had worked as an agent with Brisbane Real Estate for 10 years, serving the western Brisbane suburbs with distinction. His professional career saw him involved in numerous property transactions throughout the Pullenvale area, where he built strong relationships with local families and property owners.

The Babbidge family shared their grief with the community through social media, describing their profound loss whilst highlighting the man Ty was beyond his professional achievements.

Ty was greatly loved by his family, friends, and the community. His warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others touched countless lives, and he will be dearly missed.

They spoke of his warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others, qualities that had touched countless lives throughout the community.

His colleague of a decade, Kel Goesch, reflected on Mr Babbidge’s character, emphasising his generous and genuine nature. The colleague noted how Mr Babbidge was passionate about his family whilst also being a trusted friend to many in the industry.

The tight-knit western Brisbane community has responded with an outpouring of support for the Babbidge family. Social media tributes have painted a picture of a man who made lasting impressions through his kindness and professional integrity. Community members have shared memories of recent conversations with Mr Babbidge, remembering his positive demeanour and the happiness he brought to interactions.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety when operating machinery, particularly ride-on mowers. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission reports that there are “hundreds of ride-on lawn mower injuries” nationally in Australia, along with about 2 deaths per year associated with ride-on mowers.

A study covering 1998 to 2002 found that out of 541 mower-related injuries seen in participating hospital emergency departments in Queensland, 65 (12 %) were from ride-on mowers.

Queensland Police have confirmed the incident was non-suspicious, with the forensic crash unit preparing a report for the coroner. The investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the accident as part of standard procedure.

The loss of Mr Babbidge represents more than the passing of a professional colleague; it marks the end of a decade-long contribution to Brisbane’s real estate sector and the loss of a community member who clearly meant a great deal to those around him.

The Babbidge family has requested privacy during this difficult time whilst expressing gratitude for the community’s love and support.

Published 17-August-2025

Massive Block, Half-Built Mansion: Moggill Property Seeks New Owner

Locals in Moggill may have noticed the unusual structure rising from the fields at the end of Landing Place — a part-built mansion that has sparked curiosity for years. Now, after nearly two decades of stop-start progress, the property is officially on the market again, and it’s looking for a new owner with vision.

Read: New Subdivision in Moggill Set to Boost Housing Options

Set on a rare 10,000sqm block at 29 Landing Place in Moggill, the property is unlike anything else currently for sale in the area. The site comes with the shell of an enormous home that was originally planned to include seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, multiple kitchens, and a pool, but the project was never completed.

What remains is a massive concrete slab and brick framework. The roof, interior walls, and fittings were removed by the current owners to make way for a bigger build, which never eventuated. Now, the property is being sold as-is, for offers over $1.2 million.

While the structure itself might not be move-in ready, the land alone is something special. Flat, cleared, and close to local amenities like Moggill Village, Bellbowrie Plaza, and the Moggill Ferry, it’s a rare chance to secure acreage this close to the city.

For builders, renovators, or dream-home hopefuls, this could be the ultimate project. It could also suit someone keen to start fresh with a new home design, something that’s becoming harder to do as large blocks like this become increasingly scarce.

The last time the property sold in 2023, it was actually in a more finished state, with a roof, staircase, and bathrooms. The changes since then reflect the previous owners’ ambitious plans, which have now been shelved in favour of other opportunities.

Read: $4.35 Million Mansion Sets New Benchmark in Pullenvale

With Moggill’s median house price now sitting at around $1.2 million — up 24 percent in the past year — interest is expected to be strong, particularly from buyers who understand the area’s lifestyle appeal and growth potential.

For locals, it’s a familiar landmark with a story. For the right buyer, it could be the beginning of something spectacular.

Published 22-May-2025

Clive Palmer Expands Footprint in Fig Tree Pocket

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Jwmcdonald81

Mining magnate Clive Palmer has significantly expanded his presence in Fig Tree Pocket. The 70-year-old businessman has amassed a sprawling compound now estimated to be worth up to $60 million.

Palmer’s property holdings in Fig Tree Pocket now stretch across nearly half a kilometre of Brisbane River frontage. Since the pandemic began, he has tripled his footprint in the area, now owning seven titles that collectively form one of the largest private landholdings in the suburb.

**Clive Palmer started his spree with this Fig Tree Pocket home in 2018.**
Photo Credit: Ray White New Farm

The foundation of Palmer’s Fig Tree Pocket estate is the former property of Peter Bond, which he acquired in 2018 for $7.5 million, a significant discount from its original $12 million listing price. This 1.26-hectare property marked the beginning of Palmer’s expansion in the area.

**Mr. Palmer purchased a neighbouring property in 2020.**
Photo Credit: Facebook / Jason Adcock-Adcock Prestige

In 2020, Palmer acquired two neighbouring properties, each priced at $5 million. These acquisitions, made through his company Closeridge and in his own name, secured him control of the left side of the street leading to the Brisbane River.

The extensive river frontage of Palmer’s compound provides him with the unique opportunity to anchor his superyacht, “Australia,” adjacent to his residence.

Among Palmer’s neighbours in Fig Tree Pocket are his son Michael, who owns a nearby property, and Queensland tech entrepreneur Bevan Slattery, founder of NextDC and Megaport, who resides next door on the riverfront.

This significant investment in Fig Tree Pocket real estate comes as Palmer awaits a decision from an international court regarding its jurisdiction to hear his case against the Commonwealth.

Published 24-September-2024