Parents on property ladder worry kids won’t make it

Kate and Simon Dobbie are counting their blessings they were able to get into the Brisbane property market in the early 2000s, but worry how their children will ever afford a home.

The couple bought their first home in Mitchelton 18 years ago and have just listed their current home in Grange for sale.

“It was daunting at the time (being first homebuyers), but it wasn’t necessarily hard,” Mrs Dobbie said.

“I was a flight attendant and my husband was a public servant.

“We managed to buy a house and still live our lives and travel.

“I don’t know how first homebuyers are doing it today.”

New Canstar analysis showed an income of $171,862 was needed to buy a median-priced house in Greater Brisbane in May 2025, compared to $72,628 in March 2020 — a $99,234 increase.

For units, $120,490 was required today, up from $52,164 pre-pandemic.

Kate and Simon Dobbie at their Grange home. Picture: Richard Walker

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The Dobbies sold their first home to build a house in Gaythorne and went on to sell that one to buy 145 Gracemere St, Grange, where they have lived with their two sons for the past 11 years.

“We bought a 100-year-old Queenslander that we added an extension to,” Mrs Dobbie said.

“It’s got lots of character and memories, but we’re never at home to make use of the big block.

“Our kids have grown up here, the neighbourhood is really good and we will be super sad to leave, but we are ready.

“There has been a lot of growth in the inner north and we want to capitalise on that growth from the last 11 years.”

Kate and Simon Dobbie have listed their home at 145 Gracemere St, Grange, for sale. Picture: realestate.com.au

Mrs Dobbie said with one son likely to move out within the next couple of years, they were selling now to buy in their chosen area of Kedron and Wooloowin ahead of further price surges.

“We love the inner north and we’re keen to get closer to Kedron Brooke, to my son’s school, my husband’s work and to Lutwyche Rd so I can commute into the city for my work,” she said.

“The prices will only go up with the Olympics coming and the predicted increases in the north (of Brisbane) are crazy.”

While the hot Brisbane market should allow Mr and Mrs Dobbie to achieve a price needed to buy their next property, they were worried what their sons would face when it was their turn to buy a home.

“When I think of our children or any of our friend’s children, I don’t know how they will get into the market without family help,” Mrs Dobbie said.

“Brisbane is supposed to be a more affordable option than Sydney or Melbourne but prices have increased so much and with the Olympics coming up it’s only going to keep increasing.

“We are just so lucky we got into the market 18 years ago.”

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