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Ascot Holds Steady on Elite List of Brisbane’s Richest Neighbourhoods

Ascot has long been known for its prestige. With its wide, tree-lined streets, grand Queenslander homes and proximity to the racecourse, Ascot has long held its place as one of the city’s most expensive suburbs. Now, new income data confirms what locals have already known — Ascot is firmly entrenched as one of Brisbane’s richest neighbourhoods.

Read: Strong Demand for Luxury Retirement Apartments in Ascot

According to official personal income data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the top 1 per cent of earners in Ascot are taking home incomes far above the city average. The average income across Brisbane is just under $72,000, but in Ascot, that average climbs to more than $132,000. And for those at the top, it’s far higher.

The top 1 per cent in Ascot are earning well into the multi-million-dollar range each year—money that doesn’t just come from salaries, but from business profits, investments, and rental income. This group includes people running successful companies across construction, finance, real estate and other industries that thrive in both local and national markets.

While income data doesn’t include assets, it’s clear that Ascot’s wealth extends beyond what’s reported. The suburb has been home to some of the most expensive property sales in Brisbane’s history. Last year, a record-breaking sale saw a heritage-listed estate on Sutherland Avenue sell for $23 million, more than double what it was purchased for just two years earlier. Grand homes like these reflect not just high incomes, but significant family wealth and long-term investment.

Ascot’s charm lies in its blend of heritage and luxury. It’s a suburb with deep roots—many homes have been in the same families for generations—but it continues to attract new buyers seeking status, space, and location. Its access to private schools, leafy parks, and the Eagle Farm Racecourse adds to its appeal.

Read: $23 Million Sale in Sutherland Ave, Ascot Signals Shift in Brisbane Home Prices

But while the wealth is unmistakable, the income data also highlights a wider issue: the growing gap between Brisbane’s richest and the rest. The median income in Greater Brisbane is around $57,000, meaning many households across the city earn less than half what’s typical in suburbs like Ascot. The top 1 per cent across the city earn, on average, over $653,000 a year, a figure that continues to rise in elite pockets like Ascot, Hawthorne, and Pullenvale.

Today, Ascot remains a suburb where wealth isn’t always loud, but it’s deeply ingrained, from its manicured gardens to its top-end real estate. For those at the top of Brisbane’s income ladder, Ascot isn’t just a postcode—it’s a legacy.

Published 6-June-2025

Ascot Mansion’s Fate in Limbo as Demolition Appeal Looms

Photo Credit: Real Estate

While no date has been set for the appeal hearing, a millionaire developer is challenging local authorities in court over their refusal to allow the demolition of his family’s $8 million Ascot estate, a home they have cherished for over three decades.

Cleighton Clark, the founder of the well-known Sunshine Coast apartment building company Habitat Development Group, lodged his appeal in the Planning and Environment Court on 22 May, following the local government body’s decision on April 30 to reject his demolition application.

A Home with History

demolition — *Photo Credit:* *Real Estate*

The grand residence, known as ‘Lorne,’ is an 86-year-old mansion located on Anthony Street in Ascot. It was originally designed by architect Roy Ashley Shaw in 1936 and constructed by Blair Cunningham. Historical documents indicate that the Campbell family resided in the home starting in 1939.

Mr Clark’s parents, David and Helen Clark, acquired the five-bedroom property in December 1992. Current property records show that the home is jointly owned by Cleighton Clark, his brother Steele Clark, and Melita Hollands.

The extensive property covers four lots, totalling 1578 square metres, and features a nearly 38-metre frontage to Anthony Street. It includes beautifully landscaped gardens and an in-ground swimming pool. Last October, the home was listed for sale at $7.65 million, with advertising describing it as “the embodiment of Ascot living.”

The listing also highlighted the home’s eastward views towards Moreton Bay, its high ceilings, detailed cornicing, and original flooring, noting that it was being offered to the market for the first time in 32 years.

Plans for Redevelopment and Official Opposition

Mr Clark’s development consultancy, Project Urban, submitted a report to the local government body, stating that tearing down the house would allow for future redevelopment of the site. They believe this redevelopment aligns with the area’s existing planning rules and character expectations.

The house is situated within a traditional building character overlay, spanning land identified as 89A, 91, 93, and 95 Anthony Street.

The local authorities refused the application, explaining that demolishing Lorne would “result in the loss of traditional building character and fails to protect a building constructed in 1946 or earlier where it forms a part of a character streetscape.”

The Developer’s Counter-Argument

In his appeal, Mr Clark argues that the home has undergone significant changes over the years and no longer looks like it was built in 1946 or earlier.

He specifically pointed to alterations made in 1967 or 1993, noting that “polystyrene facade decoration has been added to the street facing and northern facades which include fluted columns, arches, engaged pilasters, keystones, entry pediments, dentils, cornices and window hoods.”

Habitat Development Group, founded by Mr. Clark, is frequently ranked among Australia’s top 10 apartment builders by the Housing Industry Association. The legal battle over the Ascot mansion’s future continues, with the date for the appeal hearing yet to be determined.

Published Date 05-Jun-2025

New Shared Path to Connect Eagle Farm to Brisbane Airport

Construction is set to start soon on a much-anticipated shared path that will improve access and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians travelling between Eagle Farm and Brisbane Airport.

Read: Eagle Farm Racecourse Faces Urgent Redevelopment Deadline

Beginning in late May 2025, the 600-metre path will link the existing shared path at Schneider Road to the established bike lane and footpath at Viola Place, closing a known gap in the Moreton Bay Cycleway.

This direct connection will also pass under the Gateway Motorway, providing a safer and more convenient alternative to current detours via Terminal Drive, Lamington Avenue, and Nudgee Road to the west, or Kingsford Smith Drive, Sugarmill Road, and Lomandra Drive to the east.

Designed with both safety and sustainability in mind, the new path will be between 2.5 and 3 metres wide and will feature:

Line marking and wayfinding signage to integrate with the local bikeway network
Solar-powered LED lighting for improved visibility
Fencing for user safety
A new, relocated weir crossing over a waterway
Turfing and landscaping to enhance the surrounding environment

The route has been identified as a principal cycle connection under Queensland’s Principal Cycle Network Plan and is considered a priority for future infrastructure upgrades.

Jointly funded by Brisbane and Queensland’s Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program, the project is expected to be completed by early 2026. Once finished, the new path will enhance links between major bikeways, while also improving access to Brisbane Airport, the Australian TradeCoast, and the future Northshore Hamilton precinct—home to the main athlete village for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Read: Preliminary Design of New Albion Station Hub Revealed to Brisbane Community

Works will take place from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday to Saturday. Construction will continue for up to eight months, weather and site conditions permitting.

During this time, local residents and commuters may see contractors on site, experience increased noise, dust, or vibrations, and notice construction vehicles accessing the area. For community safety, sections of the project site will be temporarily closed to the public while works are underway.

Published 23-May-2025

22 Yabba Street, Ascot – $10.5 million

The top sale in the area, and among the highest recorded in Brisbane for the year, was 22 Yabba Street, which changed hands for an impressive $10.5 million. This sale reflects a growing appetite for large, well-appointed homes in tightly held pockets.

Set on a generous parcel of land, the residence offers a rare combination of scale, privacy and premium amenities, including a tennis court, pool and landscaped gardens. This renovated Tudor-style residence is regarded as an Ascot landmark. It blends nostalgic charm. Think leadlight windows, an original fireplace and Morris & Co wallpaper—with modern indulgences including a floodlit tennis court and a poolside firepit patio. Properties at this level remain scarce, with few listings matching its calibre.

154 Yabba Street, Ascot – $5.8 million

Just a few doors down, 154 Yabba Street also recorded a major sale at $5.8 million. Originally a 1920s Queenslander, 154 Yabba Street has been architecturally reinvented by Ian Webb Architects into a modern family sanctuary. Inside and out, it wows with resort-like features—there’s a sunken lounge, hanging gardens, and even a heated magnesium pool with cantilevered daybeds over the water.

With two of the top three sales on the same street, Yabba Street is emerging as a prestige micro-market within Ascot. The property’s high-end finish, street presence, and walkable location near Oriel Park and Ascot State School made it especially attractive to families upgrading within the suburb.

64 Riverview Terrace, Hamilton – $5.8 million

Rounding out the list is 64 Riverview Terrace in neighbouring Hamilton, which also sold for $5.8 million. Perched high on Hamilton Hill’s exclusive ridgeline, this home shares in the prestige of a street famed for its extraordinary homes and panoramic river views. In fact, local agents note that Riverview Terrace boasts some of Brisbane’s most unique residences – properties along this hilltop enclave can command eight-figure price tags.

The sale reflects continued strength in Hamilton’s top-end market, driven by limited supply and high demand for river-adjacent property.

Why These Numbers Matter

These three sales underline the continued strength of Brisbane’s prestige market, particularly in the inner north. Notably, the concentration of activity on one street, Yabba Street, where multiple properties have commanded significant price tags within a year. This suggests more than just isolated buyer interest. It points to a shift in how certain pockets within established suburbs are being valued.

In a broader context, these results come amid increasing buyer competition for quality homes in lifestyle suburbs with proximity to elite schools, green space, and transport links. Ascot and Hamilton have long been considered aspirational addresses, but this latest data reinforces their place at the very top of Brisbane’s residential hierarchy.

For homeowners in the area, it’s a strong signal of rising land value and sustained interest from high-net-worth buyers. For agents and investors, it’s a clear indicator of where demand remains strongest, even as broader market conditions fluctuate.

Published 15-May-2025

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School Honoured Across Multiple Categories at 2025 Australian Education Awards

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School has received national recognition across several major categories at the 2025 Australian Education Awards, with four Excellence Awards for its staff and programs, affirming the school’s strong leadership and commitment to excellence in day and boarding education.

Read: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Australian Education Awards Finals (Again!)

Among the individual honours, Ros Curtis AM, Principal of St Margaret’s, has been named one of eight Excellence Awardees in the School Principal of the Year – Non-government category.

Photo credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School/Facebook

In 2024, Ms Curtis was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the King’s Birthday Honours List for her significant service to education and professional associations. Under her leadership, St Margaret’s has continued to thrive academically while fostering a strong, values-based culture for both students and staff.

Meanwhile, Angela Drysdale, Head of Primary, has been named one of eight Excellence Awardees in the Primary School Principal of the Year – Non-government category.

Known for her compassionate leadership, Ms Drysdale earned admiration during the COVID-19 pandemic when she organised a personal walkathon—passing students’ homes on her daily commute to raise funds for vaccine research. Her efforts became a symbol of the school’s community spirit and dedication to student wellbeing, even during the most challenging times.

In addition to these individual acknowledgements, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School is among the Excellence Awardee in two school-wide categories:

Boarding School of the Year, alongside six other leading schools, and
Primary School of the Year – Non-government, with seven other recognised institutions.

These acknowledgements highlight the school’s holistic approach to education, with a strong focus on academic performance, student care, and leadership in both primary and boarding education.

Now in its eighth year, the Australian Education Awards celebrate outstanding achievements across 29 categories. The final winners will be announced at a black-tie gala at the Star Event Centre in Sydney on Friday, 8 August.

Read: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot Unveils Ambitious Expansion Plans

With four Excellence Awards spanning key leadership and institutional categories, St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School continues to set the standard for high-quality education in Australia.

Published 14-May-2025

Street Spotlight: Sutherland Avenue, Ascot

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Sutherland Avenue in Ascot represents the pinnacle of Brisbane’s prestige residential streets, where exclusivity meets unwavering community commitment. While the street already existed in 1936, today’s Sutherland Avenue has evolved to accommodate significantly more properties than its historical footprint, reflecting the area’s desirability and careful urban development.

What makes this street truly remarkable is its 100% owner-occupancy rate – a rare achievement that speaks to the deep connection residents have with this prestigious location. With homeowners staying an average of 14 years and 5 months, and 54% of residents having called Sutherland Avenue home for more than a decade, the street demonstrates exceptional stability in one of Brisbane’s most sought-after postcodes. The street’s property transaction history tells a compelling story of Ascot’s meteoric rise, with 37 Sutherland Avenue selling for $415,000 in November 1989 – a stark contrast to today’s multi-million dollar valuations that reflect the area’s transformation into one of Brisbane’s most exclusive residential enclaves.

Sutherland Avenue, Ascot Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 16
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 100%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 14 years, 5 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 54%

Sutherland Avenue, Ascot – As It Looked in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON SUTHERLAND AVENUE, ASCOT

Property Address | Sale Price | Sale Date No recent sales data available

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON SUTHERLAND AVENUE FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address | Sale Price | Sale Date 30 Sutherland Avenue, Ascot | $6,120,000 | Mar 2003 42 Sutherland Avenue, Ascot | $1,400,000 | Apr 2000 37 Sutherland Avenue, Ascot | $415,000 | Nov 1989

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Ascot in 2025 was $1,576,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Ascot in 2021 was $1,325,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM HOUSE IN ASCOT SINCE 2021: $251,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Ascot in 2025 was $3,430,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Ascot in 2021 was $2,620,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5-BEDROOM HOUSE IN ASCOT SINCE 2021: $810,000

The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Ascot in 2025 was $697,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Ascot in 2021 was $420,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2-BEDROOM UNIT IN ASCOT SINCE 2021: $277,000

The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Ascot in 2025 was $1,106,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Ascot in 2021 was $625,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3-BEDROOM UNIT IN ASCOT SINCE 2021: $481,000

If you know Sutherland Avenue, Ascot well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

New Senior Living Apartments Unveiled at Bernborough Ascot

Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram

A new retirement complex has opened in Ascot, with Poinciana House adding 53 independent living apartments to the Bernborough Ascot community.

New Milestone for Vertical Retirement Living in Ascot

Queensland’s Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Tim Nicholls, has opened Poinciana House, the latest addition to Keyton’s Bernborough Ascot community. Located beside Doomben Racecourse, the development introduces 53 new apartments to what is described as Australia’s first vertical retirement community within a racecourse precinct.

A Growing Retirement Precinct

Bernborough Ascot forms part of a $1.5 billion redevelopment being led by Brisbane Racing Club. The precinct already includes Fig Tree House, which has reached full occupancy. Poinciana House is the second residential building in the development, designed to support long-term independent living and wellness for older Australians.

Bernborough Ascot community — *Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram*

The development has been delivered in partnership with builder Balmain & Co, which highlighted the project’s sustainability credentials and emphasis on lifestyle-focused design.

Features and Facilities

Poinciana House offers a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments across multiple floorplans. Apartments have been designed to maximise natural light, storage, and functionality, with two interior finish schemes available.

Residents have access to an extensive selection of health and lifestyle facilities, such as a rooftop terrace, magnesium indoor pool, sauna, gym, fitness area, bowling green, café, and shared dining and lounge spaces. Allied health consulting rooms are located onsite, along with a concierge desk, parcel services, and a personalised health and wellness program.

retirement house — *Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram*

A 24-hour emergency call system and pharmacy delivery service are also available to residents.

Sustainable Recognition

Bernborough Ascot has received a 6-Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, recognising its commitment to sustainability and urban regeneration. Poinciana House contributes to this rating with its environmentally focused design and energy-efficient features.

senior living apartments — *Photo Credit: Balmain & Co./Instagram*

A Model for ‘Ageing in Place’

Keyton has positioned the development as part of a broader shift toward integrated retirement living. With the adjacent Opal Healthcare’s Ascot Grove Care Community scheduled for completion in 2027, the precinct aims to provide a continuum of care allowing residents to transition between levels of independence without leaving the community.

The company has reported strong interest in the new apartments, with over 70 per cent of Poinciana House already sold.

Published 9-May-2025

Rundown Lancaster Road Home Now on the Market Following Years-Long Ownership Dispute

A property on Lancaster Road in Ascot, linked to former real estate agent and auctioneer Edward Amos, has been listed for sale via expressions of interest amid ongoing legal proceedings related to unpaid debts.

Read: $23 Million Sale in Sutherland Ave, Ascot Signals Shift in Brisbane Home Prices

This comes after a Supreme Court ruling earlier this month reportedly authorised the seizure and sale of nine properties connected to Mr Amos, as part of efforts to recover long-outstanding court costs and other liabilities.

The Ascot home is among nine properties in suburbs including Clayfield, Wooloowin, Newmarket, and Surfers Paradise, reportedly forming part of a substantial portfolio accumulated over decades. Many of the properties have fallen into disrepair, with some no longer habitable and at least two already demolished.

The timber character home, situated on a level 405 sqm block, is currently “council-approved for demolition or removal of the existing dwelling” based on the listing. Marketed as a redevelopment opportunity in a tightly held suburb, the property is one of several across southeast Queensland that may be sold to satisfy long-standing financial obligations allegedly owed by Mr Amos.

Legal proceedings spanning more than a decade have centred on Mr Amos’ refusal to settle unpaid court costs and other financial liabilities said to total under $200,000. Previous efforts to sell certain properties were reportedly delayed when Mr Amos claimed they were held in trust for his children—claims later rejected by the court due to a lack of supporting evidence.

The Lancaster Road property, located in one of Brisbane’s most sought-after residential pockets, is now being marketed for potential redevelopment. Despite the overall portfolio’s estimated value running into the millions, the legal action reportedly stems from much smaller unpaid sums.

Read: Strong Demand for Luxury Retirement Apartments in Ascot

Mr Amos, who has a history of disputes involving land tax and council rates, has not publicly responded to the latest developments concerning the properties, including the one in Ascot.

Published 1-May-2025

Strong Demand for Luxury Retirement Apartments in Ascot

Photo Credit: Keyton

People looking to downsize are showing strong interest in Bernborough Ascot, a unique retirement community located next to a racecourse in the Brisbane suburb of Ascot. Seventy per cent of its second-stage apartments have already sold after the first stage sold out completely.

High Demand Sees Apartments Snapped Up

Buyers quickly purchased all 69 apartments in the first stage, Fig Tree House, where residents are now settled. The second stage, Poinciana House, is proving equally popular, reaching 70 per cent sold shortly after its recent completion.

New residents have already started moving into Poinciana House, highlighting the development’s appeal to those seeking a particular retirement lifestyle in the area.

Resort Facilities Enhance Lifestyle

Bernborough Ascot offers residents numerous facilities like those found at a resort, to promote health and social connection. The recently opened Poinciana House includes a Wellness Hub managed by a dedicated coordinator, featuring a gym, infrared sauna, heated indoor magnesium pool, and spaces for Pilates and yoga.

There are also private rooms for consultations and a salon. Social activities are encouraged with a bowling green, a new Pavilion dining room, an Ascot lounge, and a rooftop terrace with barbecue facilities offering views towards the city.

A cafe operates on weekdays and plans to open on weekends soon. These facilities add to existing ones in Fig Tree House, such as a library, art studio, private cinema, and trackside lounge. A concierge service is also available to assist residents.

Developer’s Approach to Retirement

Keyton, the owner and operator, promotes “rightsizing” over simply downsizing. Keyton CEO Nathan Cockerill explained that the company aims to help people find the right home within a community that supports the lifestyle they desire—one that is secure, connected, active, and healthy.

Mr Cockerill added that Keyton has always focused on resident health and wellbeing, which is central to its company values. Keyton aims to bring passion, kindness, and care to retirement living. Keyton operates over 75 retirement villages across Australia.

Sought-After Ascot Neighbourhood

The development’s location in Ascot, a well-regarded north-east Brisbane suburb just 8 kilometres from the city centre, is a major drawcard. The leafy neighbourhood sits opposite Doomben Racecourse and offers residents easy access to local cafes, shops, restaurants, and public transport.

The racecourse itself provides social opportunities and event spaces. Ascot’s desirability is reflected in its property market, with recent data showing high median prices for houses and significant recent growth in unit prices.

Apartment Details and Green Credentials

Poinciana House offers a range of architect-designed apartments. One-bedroom options start at $665,000, two-bedroom options at $895,000, and three-bedroom options at $1,415,000.

The development’s environmental design has achieved a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. Additionally, plans are underway to build an Opal HealthCare residential aged care facility nearby.

Published Date 30-April-2025

Sprout Artisan Bakery Expands with New Albion Facility

Brisbane’s beloved Sprout Artisan Bakery is entering an exciting new chapter with the development of a purpose-built production facility and retail space at Craft’d Grounds in Albion.

Read: Craft’d Grounds in Albion Wins Prestigious Architecture Award

Known for its slow and considered growth, Sprout’s latest expansion marks a significant milestone in the bakery’s journey from humble beginnings to local institution.

Photo credit: Sprout Artisan Bakery/Facebook

The new site, located in the heart of Albion’s vibrant creative and culinary precinct and is set to operate later this year, is designed to meet growing customer demand while staying true to Sprout’s ethos of quality, consistency, and craftsmanship.

Housed in a reimagined space formerly occupied by Seven Miles Coffee Roasters, the facility is being transformed into a modern hub for both baking and community connection.

The design reflects Sprout’s signature minimal, approachable aesthetic, blending clean lines with the industrial character of Craft’d Grounds. Beyond its visual appeal, the space is being purposefully structured to give customers a rare glimpse behind the scenes.

Photo credit: Sprout Artisan Bakery/Facebook

Large viewing windows and street-facing ovens will allow passers-by to witness the bakery’s signature processes in action — from the delicate lamination of croissant dough to the slow baking of sourdough loaves using a 72-hour method.

At the heart of this expansion is a desire to scale without compromising the handmade integrity of Sprout’s offerings. The new facility will provide the space and infrastructure needed to support their growing team and maintain their meticulous standards, while also opening up opportunities for creativity and innovation in their product range.

The Albion location also brings Sprout closer to its northside customer base, building on the success of its recent presence at the Nundah markets. With this move, the bakery strengthens its position as one of Brisbane’s leading names in artisan baked goods, offering the same much-loved staples — from buttery croissants to creamy custard tarts — in a brand-new setting that reflects both its roots and its future.

Read: Doughcraft Albion: Easter Hot Cross Buns and European Delights

Sprout’s original James Street shop will continue to operate, ensuring long-time customers can still get their fix while the bakery’s reach expands. As the ovens are installed and finishing touches are made in Albion, one thing is clear: Sprout’s next rise is being carefully baked to perfection.

Published 30-April-2025

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