Island Living COVID Boom

It's amazing how a tiny little virus that you can't even see can have such an impact on the world. The ripple effect of the pandemic has been far reaching and one of those ripples has reached our tiny Southern Moreton Bay Islands.

We will leave the demographers of this world to debate why, but it’s likely to be a combination of factors that are driving record numbers to the islands. People seeking a safe haven from the cities, young first home buyers riding the wave of stimulus and taking full advantage of cheap land, people cashing in on their superannuation draw back or opportunists who can smell change in the air.

What we can tell you is that from the 1st of June 2020 until 26th January this year there has been just over 500 development applications lodged for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands with Redland City Council. Lamb Island is leading the charge with a 48% increase in lodgments while Macleay and Russell Islands are both experiencing an 23% increase. Understandably, Karragarra Island comes in last with a -34% growth. This would make sense given the fact that this island is very small and well developed. According to the demographers at Redland City Council, based on the median / mid range growth scenario for the bay islands in the city, they predicted a 13% increase. So Coronavirus has almost doubled their growth predictions in this part of the city.

Along with the population increase on the islands there will be those that are happy and those that are not. Brisbane Bayside Real Estate’s Jason Marshall and Reg Kaasik recently spent some time on the island talking to locals and there was a wide range of views. Some were happy to see the growth in numbers, maybe their property values may finally go up. Others were looking to leave their island hideaway as it has just gotten too busy….just too many people. The local nursery said they were doing record trade and the main street is always busy these days. Jason & Reg witnessed plenty of vehicles loaded with building supplies arriving on the ferry’s also.

With growth brings opportunity. There will be pressure on the businesses that are there and demand for new businesses and services. The bay island transport facilities will experience growth, services such as fire, police and ambulance will notice the change and maybe, some of those local artists will gain an invaluable increase in clients. Nobody likes change but that has been a part of the landscape in the Redlands for the last 50 years. Thankfully Redland City Council have already put zoning regions in place to accommodate this change, now all we need is business owners to look a little closer at these islands which have traditionally been overlooked.

If you would like more information on commercial opportunities on the bay islands contact Brisbane Bayside Real Estate for an obligation free chat.

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