Suburb Profiles
Carina (4152)
Owner-Occupier Appeal
Carina is a popular, well-established suburb around 7 km east of the Brisbane CBD. It’s known for its solid post-war homes, leafy streets, and family-friendly feel. The suburb attracts young families, first-home buyers, and professionals who want proximity to the city without the Bulimba or Camp Hill price tag. Local schools like St Martin’s and Mayfield State School add family appeal, while proximity to Westfield Carindale provides strong retail and dining options.
The trade-offs are that parts of Carina are quite hilly, and older homes may need renovation. Some pockets near Old Cleveland Road experience traffic noise, and street parking can be limited near townhouses. Overall, it suits owner-occupiers who value convenience, amenity, and solid community feel over ultra-modern or prestige living.
Investor Appeal
Carina offers a good balance of yield and growth potential, appealing to investors chasing steady, middle-ring performance. Rental demand comes from professionals, small families, and downsizers, thanks to its transport links, shopping access, and proximity to the CBD. Townhouses are particularly popular with renters and tend to perform well when located near parks or transport.
While capital growth has been consistent, Carina doesn’t typically deliver rapid price surges. Investors should be wary of townhouse oversupply, particularly around main roads, as too much competition can flatten rental growth. Overall, it’s a reliable, middle-market suburb - safe rather than spectacular.
Key Suburb Features
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Demographics
Carina has a mix of professionals, families, and long-term residents. Many locals work in health, education, and white-collar city roles. It’s not overly transient, so the rental market is stable and generally attracts tenants looking for medium- to long-term leases. The population is gradually skewing younger as older homes are renovated or replaced with modern townhouses, shifting the suburb’s feel to more contemporary and professional.
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Distance to City
Roughly 7 km from the CBD, Carina offers convenient access via Old Cleveland Road, with several express bus routes connecting to the city in around 25 minutes. There’s no train station, but nearby stations at Coorparoo or Cannon Hill are about a 10-minute drive. For most residents, buses are the main public transport option. Road congestion can be heavy during peak times, especially heading inbound.
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Suburb Projects & Growth Potential
Carina benefits from its location within Brisbane’s fast-gentrifying eastern corridor. Ongoing townhouse redevelopment and small-scale infill projects have modernised the area, lifting both rental and buyer demand. Its proximity to Westfield Carindale, major arterials, and planned infrastructure upgrades in the eastern suburbs support steady long-term growth.
That said, heavy townhouse construction in some pockets could limit short-term growth if supply outpaces demand. Investors should focus on quieter residential streets or well-finished, boutique projects rather than large complexes.
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Flood Risk
Carina is largely elevated and has minimal flood risk compared to many Brisbane suburbs. Only small pockets near creek lines may experience minor inundation.
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Best Buy in the Suburb
House: Renovated post-war homes or new low-maintenance builds on quiet streets close to transport.
Townhouse/Unit: Small, boutique townhouse complexes away from Old Cleveland Road; avoid high-density blocks.
Carina is a steady, middle-ring performer - not flashy, but very dependable. It’s one of those suburbs that quietly does well because of its location, schools, and easy CBD access. For owner-occupiers, it’s an excellent balance of lifestyle and practicality. For investors, I’d focus on land or boutique townhouses in quieter pockets - the fundamentals are strong, but avoid oversupplied or noisy areas if you want to see consistent growth.
