By Paul Palella – Director, Brisbane Buyers’ Agency
Carina has emerged as one of Brisbane’s most in-demand eastern suburbs — thanks to its 7km proximity to the CBD, family-friendly amenities, and a rapidly evolving housing market. But for buyers looking to secure their dream home here, a key question arises: should you purchase a newly built home or buy an older property and undertake a knock-down rebuild?
At Brisbane Buyers’ Agency, we help clients navigate this exact decision. Let’s break down the numbers, lifestyle factors, and strategic angles so you can buy with confidence.
Option 1: Buying a Turnkey New Home in Carina
For those who value immediate occupancy and minimal disruption, a brand-new, move-in-ready home offers the ultimate convenience. These homes often feature contemporary design, high-quality finishes, and energy-efficient inclusions — all without the hassle of managing a construction project.
Recent sales in Carina show that high-spec new builds are selling between $2.4 million and $2.75 million, with the median sitting around $2.595 million. These properties appeal to families seeking a long-term residence and investors wanting a home that can be leased without delay.
Examples of recent sales include:
- 5-bedroom architectural builds with premium kitchens, multiple living zones, and landscaped outdoor areas.
- Contemporary dual-level designs catering to large families, often on elevated blocks with city glimpses.
These homes represent the premium end of the Carina market — and competition is fierce.
The median purchase price for older homes – (typically a 3 bedroom 1 bath homes on a 600m² block) suited to redevelopment in Carina is around $1.29 million.
David Farrer, Director of Sales and Business Development at McCarthy Homes, provides valuable insights into current construction costs: “Currently, construction costs on a (turnkey) build with a typical size of 380m² would be approximately $2,700 per m². Such a price would encompass premium finishes and is based on a relatively flat site “. Therefore, for a high-spec 380m² home (around $1.026 million), plus $70,000 for landscaping and a pool, and your total projected cost is about $2.386 million.
That’s a potential saving of over $200,000 compared to buying a completed new build, with the added benefit of having full control over layout, finishes, and design.
Comparing the Numbers
|
Option |
Median Land / Purchase Price |
Estimated Build Cost (incl. landscaping/pool) |
Total Projected Cost |
Potential Savings |
|
Turnkey New Home |
$2,595,250 |
N/A |
$2,595,250 |
– |
|
Knock-Down & Rebuild |
$1,290,000 |
$1,096,000 |
$2,386,000 |
$209,250 |
Based on recent Carina sales data and current build cost estimates for a high-spec home.
Beyond the Numbers: Key Considerations
Timeline – Building can take 12–18 months from purchase, meaning you’ll need to factor in temporary accommodation or rental during construction.
Customisation – A knock-down rebuild allows you to create exactly what you want — from floor plan to façade — making it ideal for those with specific lifestyle or family needs.
Capital Growth – Well-designed new builds on quality Carina blocks have strong resale appeal. This can lead to equity gains soon after completion, particularly in tightly held streets.
Stress & Project Management – Buying new removes the challenges of managing a build. Knock-down projects require dealing with builders, approvals, and possible unforeseen costs.
So, What’s the Verdict?
Choose a turnkey home if you want immediate convenience, minimal stress, and a location you plan to enjoy from day one.
Consider a knock-down rebuild if you’re looking for customisation, potential cost savings, and the satisfaction of building exactly what you want.
Both paths can lead to exceptional results in Carina — the best choice depends on your budget, timeline, and appetite for managing a construction process.
Thinking about buying in Carina?
At Brisbane Buyers’ Agency, we help clients weigh every option through the lens of strategy, not emotion. Our goal is to align your purchase with your lifestyle and long-term financial objectives.
Book your Free Insight Session today:
✔ Tailored Buying Brief aligned to your goals
✔ Access to off-market and pre-market Carina opportunities
✔ Investment modelling based on your personal scenario
📞 Call me directly on 0409 499 034 or email paul@brisbanebuyersagency.com.au to take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Brisbane Buyers’ Agency – The Buyers Agent Carina and beyond homeowners and investors trust to secure high-performing properties with confidence.