News

January 14, 2020 | IN Media Release and News | BY Holly Brennan | 3 min read

The dream of a big backyard appears to be shifting, with the median South East Queensland lot size shrinking to just 445m^{2   1}, as some Queenslanders opt for access to communal recreational areas over large unaffordable lots.

Some buyers have opted for smaller-lot housing in masterplanned communities where they have unlimited access to spacious parks and open green spaces without having to sacrifice the size of their home and budget.

AVID Property Group (AVID), the developer behind the established Brentwood Forest community in Bellbird Park, has committed to delivering large parks and open spaces to provide recreational opportunities for residents outside of the home.

AVID Development Manager Peter MacLeod said that smaller lot sizes did not mean that buyers had to give up the typical Australian outdoor lifestyle and, in many ways, encouraged residents to get outdoors.

“We have focused on building parks and open spaces that are functional for people of all ages – with play equipment and green space for kids to kick a ball around through to a fully-fitted outdoor gym for adults,” Mr MacLeod said.

“By having access to these parks and outdoor facilities close to the home, but still within walking distance, means the actual size of the back yard holds less value for buyers when choosing a neighbourhood to live in.”

Brentwood Forest resident Arati Joshi moved to Brentwood Forest in 2017 and said having access to outdoor areas like dog parks was a priority for her and her Chocolate Labrador, Oscar.

“We have a small back yard and having a park nearby is perfect for large breed dogs, like Oscar, who are full of energy,” Mrs Joshi said.

“Before Oscar joined our family, we loved walking through the forest trails, it was so tranquil being surrounded by nature and we would often spend ages there enjoying the fresh air.

“Now when we take Oscar for walks, he always pulls us towards the park and he won’t move if we try to go somewhere else! He just loves spending time at the park, especially when he can run freely and play fetch with his fur-friends.

“We are proud and happy owners of our little home and now have about five friends who, after visiting our beautiful community, have decided to build their homes here.”

Brentwood Forest is home to what are known as the ‘Jewels of Brentwood Forest’ – the Forest Trails, Sports Park, Fitness and Play Park with an impressive 9.2m play tower and 18m slide, Critchley Park, Adventure Park and two fully fenced off-leash dog parks.

“In its entirety, Brentwood Forest features more than 42ha – equivalent to about 40 standard football fields – of recreational reserve and open space connected by 14.5 kilometres of walking paths and cycleways as well as 15,000m² of parks,” Mr MacLeod said.

“It’s fantastic we can offer families and individuals this additional space – providing them opportunity to get outdoors to ultimately improve their day to day lives.”

In the current land release – The Outlook 3 – blocks a start from just $164,000* and range in size from 285m² to 890m² meaning there is a block to suit any buyer and their budget.

For more information on registered land now available in Brentwood Forest visit www.brentwoodforest.com.au.

*Price correct as of 10 January 2020.

¹Urban Development Institute of Australia: State of land, pg. 26, 2019