Why investors like their chances in Leichhardt, Qld

The report and ranking drew on the insights of a 12-strong investment expert panel and recent housing performance drawn from open-source data, which aim to give unparalleled insights into the Australian suburbs that are set for future growth.

The suburb is a good pick for its broad appeal, offering the space that’s being sought by many families, proximity to ample greenspaces for nature lovers, and a close distance to the University of Southern Queensland’s Ipswich campus for students looking for a place to live.

Bounded to the south-west by the Bremer River, to the south by the Old Toowoomba Road, and to the north-east by the Bremer River again, Leichhardt is a suburb mainly populated by detached houses with a high proportion of tenants. More than 50 per cent of the population stated they rent the homes in which they live in the 2016 census.

Lately, the locale has achieved steady growth, with house prices sitting at a median of $460,000, up 14.3 per cent over the past 12 months. Given that nearby median prices in the Greater Brisbane area currently sit at $787,000, Leichhardt represents excellent value in one of the fastest growing corridors on Australia’s east coast.

And being located within the boundaries of the Ipswich local government area means that Leichhardt is set to benefit from some major infrastructure upgrades in the months and years ahead.

Major projects in the Ipswich area include the $1.7 billion fast rail link, the $12 billion Springfield community, $1.5 billion Springfield rail link, the $1 billion Citiswich project, a $2.8 billion Motorway upgrade, and a $5 billion Australian Defence Force contract.

It’s expected these current and planned infrastructure works will hasten the transition in the broader Ipswich area that is already underway, seeing the city transform from a traditional regional town to a bustling urban centre through changes in population, economy, infrastructure and cultural vibrancy.

Moreover, Ipswich’s cultural scene is evolving, with a burgeoning arts community, vibrant festivals and diverse culinary offerings enriching the city’s social fabric. These cultural amenities contribute to Ipswich’s attractiveness, fostering a sense of community and enhancing the overall quality of life for its residents.

Of course, no mention of Leichhardt would be complete without identifying it as the home of the beloved Ipswich Golf Course, which occupies 54 hectares in the south-west of the suburb adjacent to the river.

Established in 1898 as a membership-based organisation, the facility boasts an 18-hole golf course and includes a par-72 championship course designed by Australian golf legend Wayne Grady.

Though it had some financial troubles in 2013, entering into receivership, the Ipswich Golf Club proved too valuable an institution to lose. It was subsequently purchased by Terry Morris (founder of Sirromet Wines) and Dean Merrell, and lives to serve the area’s avid golf community as a beloved local institution.

Leichhardt owners count on its well-appointed homes, leafy streets and ample space to underpin the strength of investment now and into the future. Its inclusion on the latest FAST 50 report is a testament to those strong fundamentals.

Check out which other suburbs made the cut in the FAST 50 2025 report here.