Fortitude Valley offers an eclectic mix of live music, night-life and shopping.
Fortitude Valley suburb profile
Buyers continue to flock to the Valley for the night-life, the eateries and the shopping.
Location
About two kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, Fortitude Valley has developed into a business district and spectacular entertainment precinct in its own right.
As with its neighbouring suburbs "the Valley", as it is affectionately called, has undergone extensive redevelopment and rejuvenation over the last decade.
Bounded by New Farm, Newstead and Spring Hill, Fortitude Valley is just a hop, skip and a jump from the CBD.
Property development
A mix of commercial and residential properties, much of the business activity around the Valley happens between St Pauls Terrace and McLachlan Street.
Of the residential housing available in the area, new unit and apartment complexes make up the majority, attracting many young singles and couples to the area.
There have been healthy unit and townhouse sales over the past six months in the traditional area of Brunswick Street but also in new developments along Robertson Street and in Bowen Terrace as well as the popular Emporium complex on Ann Street.
In recent years, old warehouses and commercial sites have been redeveloped into mixed-use buildings catering for apartment living and retail or office space.
The highest house sale for the 12 months to the end of March 2009 was $1,950,000 for a unit 102m² on Ann Street, which sold in March 2009.
Exciting vibe
More than an eclectic mix. Night-life, entertainment and shopping for the adventurous. The Valley has always attracted an eclectic mix of people, which is part of its charm. As the area has matured, it has developed a stunning array of night-life, shopping and restaurants.
Being located in the middle of all the action and being well-serviced by public transport is making the Valley more and more attractive to buyers and renters.
Investor returns
Young professionals, who don't want to spend hours commuting to work, are increasingly choosing to live in Brisbane's inner-city suburbs. Apartments near the CBD provide them with a lifestyle that better suits their needs.
Units and townhouses in the Valley are offering investors healthy returns with the suburb regularly featuring in the top three areas for gross rental yields in Brisbane.
Entertainment
The Valley has a hub of entertainment venues, cafes, night clubs, galleries and restaurants and draws residents and visitors from around Brisbane every weekend. The only downside to this popularity is the traffic congestion that can be a problem along Ann, Brunswick and Wickham Streets on weekends.
Shopping around the Valley is always an adventure with the variety of food outlets in the Chinatown and Brunswick Street malls complemented by fashion boutique stores along Ann Street.
The Valley Markets on Saturdays also provide a fun alternative to retail shopping.
Transport
The Valley's public transport services are excellent with a train station and regular bus services heading into and out of the city centre.
