Queensland has become the property gem much sought after by rich Chinese homebuyers, thanks to its reasonable prices, education offerings and strong infrastructure, says The Courier-Mail ( 16 April 2014). According to Juwai.com, investment by Chinese property hunters in Australia rose 75% to peak at $5.4 billion in the financial year of 2012-2013. Popular hot spots include Brisbane and Gold Coast, followed by Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Cairns, Rockhampton and Townsville. “In Queensland, investors can live like movie stars for less than a two-bedroom apartment in Beijing,†says Andrew Taylor, Co-CEO of Juwai.com. He adds that on a per sq. m. basis, apartments in Beijing can sell for 111% more than in Brisbane. Savvy real estate agencies who have already taken steps to capture the pool of Chinese investors include LJ Hooker and RE/MAX Australia – both who recently shook hands to become partners with Juwai.com.
