Brisbane is currently facing a significant property boom, with house prices reaching historical peaks and the city being recognized as the second-most expensive city for homebuyers in Australia, just behind Sydney. While there are predictions of nearly 20% growth in house prices over the next two years, there is growing concern about homes situated in flood zones, which are taking longer to sell and are being sold for lower prices. Buyers seem willing to mitigate the risks of potential flooding in exchange for desirable locations and more affordable prices.

The memory of past devastating floods in 2011 and 2022 still lingers in the minds of many residents, and this historical context plays a crucial role in shaping buyer behavior and perceptions in the current market. As flood zone properties remain challenging to sell, the questions arise about a burgeoning divide in the Brisbane property market. Some potential buyers look past the risks associated with flood zone properties, viewing houses in these areas as opportunities for investment due to their relatively lower prices compared to non-flood zone properties.

As the property market heats up in Brisbane, the implications of buying homes in flood-prone areas could become a significant point of contention among buyers, sellers, and policymakers. Awareness of flood risks may not deter all buyers, but it has certainly sparked debate around the sustainability of the property boom when coupled with an increasing number of homes at risk of flooding. As Brisbane continues to grow, the challenge will be balancing the allure of a skyrocketing property market with the reality of natural disaster risks.