Development along our growth corridor sets up opportunities for investment. Here's our pick of the top five areas:

1

Karalee

ESTABLISHED as a large-lot residential suburb to suit grand houses like this one, Karalee provides wonderful opportunities for the discerning buyer with many a key feature that residents value in this suburb. Located only 12 minutes from the Ipswich City Centre, Karalee still provides a peaceful, relaxed lifestyle as well as strong shopping and schooling possibilities.

2

Deebing Heights

WITH 56 new residential lots being given the Ipswich City Council green light, the future of the suburb of Deebing Heights seems bright. Developed in a prosperous growth corridor, properties here continue to receive good rental returns. It is likely to get better with new schools planned. Lots in this area continue to be of a substantial size with a minimum of half an acre.

3

Springfield Lakes

THIS is another part of Ipswich that continues to forge ahead, with 13 hectares of residential lots to be developed in this already popular area as part of Sanctuary Estate. Cr Paul Tully said open space and good-size blocks would continue to be a feature in this suburb. "Springfield Lakes is a fantastic place for families with large parks and open space and is within walking distance to the future neighbourhood shopping centre planned for the corner of Springfield Greenbank Arterial and Grande Avenue," he said. "This new development will spark a lot of interest, with Ipswich's population currently 185,000 and continuing to grow."

4

Springfield

THE Queensland Government Statistician's Office has described Ipswich as the fastest-growing city in Queensland, projecting it to grow by 4.6% or 360,400 people between 2011 and 2036. The suburb of Springfield ranks among the fastest growing communities in Queensland based on its exceptional facilities and its attractive homes, many of which continue to gather the average price of $375,000, according to real-estate.com.au data. Also known as Greater Springfield, it is a 28.5sq km residential development and a satellite city specifically designed and located to reduce population growth along the coastal strip from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast.

5

Bellbird Park

AS THE name suggests, this is an opportunity for residents to live in a more relaxed, natural yet still well designed suburb of Ipswich. It is an interesting mix of well preserved, older-style homes combined with more modern homes, providing a rental return for investors of at least $330 according to REIQ research. This area is close to other growing suburbs such as Augustine Heights, Brookwater and Springfield Lake.