Granddad’s sound advice puts first-home buyer in good stead
![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1280 720"%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As a young first-home buyer, Courtney Allen followed her grandfather’s advice to invest in a suburb close to the city with good transport links.
Twelve years later, Ms Allen — now a mother of two — has listed that home in a growth area where house prices have soared by more than 30 per cent in the past year.
The renovated Queenslander at 4 Pryke St, Northgate is marketed by Janelle McKenna, of Place Estate Agents, and will go under the hammer on April 5.
David and Courtney Allen with their children Tommy, 7 months, and Penelope 4. Picture: Lachie Millard
Ms Allen, a project manager, bought the property for $400,000 in 2012.
“It was a daunting process buying my first home at 23 as it’s such a significant life decision,” she said.
“Saving for a deposit wasn’t easy, it took a lot of dedication and hard work to save the 20 per cent required.
“I found it really tough at times because it restricted me from doing things like travelling and going out.”
The property has served as a much-loved family home
It will go under the hammer on April 5
The property became a much-loved family home for Ms Allen, her husband David, and their two children, Penelope, 4, and Tommy, 7 months.
Already, the couple is thinking ahead to how they can build wealth to one day help their children enter the property market.
“I have a lot of empathy for our kids and future generations as first-home buyers in today’s market,” she said.
“Brisbane has experienced so much growth over the last 4 to 5 years and it’s something we have spoken about that we may very well need to help our kids out for their first home – the bank of mum and dad!”
Indoor-outdoor living is prioritised
The renovated home blends contemporary style with traditional character
MORE NEWS
House prices set to double by 2032
Head-turning detail in game-hunter’s estate tops most-viewed list
Heritage home visited by royalty sold for princely sum
In 2021, they transformed the circa-1930 house, retaining its traditional character while creating contemporary living over two levels with an outdoor entertaining zone.
“We wanted to restore the Queenslander character in all her glory — the beautiful 3m ornate ceilings, VJ panelling, and timber weatherboards,” Ms Allen said.
“We hope future owners enjoy these features as much as we have.”
The house has five bedrooms, three bathrooms and a pool, with features including stone benchtops and a butler’s pantry, while upstairs is a lavish master bedroom suite.
PropTrack data shows house prices in Northgate climbed 31 per cent over the past 12 months to a median of $1.24m. Ms Allen calls it “a hidden gem on the northside”, thanks to its proximity to good schools, shopping centres, the airport and an express railway.
Beautiful stone benchtops in the kitchen — and a view out to the pool
Luxury living over two levels
“At the time I purchased the home, one of the key considerations was to buy in a suburb close to the city that had good access to main roads and public transport – that was my grandad’s advice,” she said.
“Northgate was perfect and had so much to offer. It’s experienced so much growth and gentrification over the years and is also a very family-friendly hub with a great community.”
The family is yet to purchase their next home but plans to stay local.
“It’s time to move onto our next chapter wherever that may be and allow another family to capitalise on this beautiful property.”
