Couple realises dream home after sitting on equity for six years – realestate.com.au

News Corp Australia Network

Emily and Simon Schlegel with their children Maddy (6) and Harry (4) have purchased their dream home in Manly West after reaping the rewards of their sale in Wakerley. Manly West Saturday 5th August 2023 Picture David Clark

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BRISBANE couple Emily and Simon Schlegel have just bought their dream home using equity from the first house they bought together six years ago.

The Schlegels were able to cash in on the capital gains made from their Wakerley property, which were almost double what they paid for the home in 2017.

New data from PropTrack reveals the median house price in Wakerley has grown nearly 54 per cent in the past five years to $1.17m.

“When we first moved into Wakerley, my husband and I were only dating at that stage,” she said. “We had plans to get married and start a family and wanted a nice family area.

“We were in a nice estate, but we knew there was a drawcard with Gumdale State School where people rent (in the area) to go through the school.

“My husband and I are both happy we purchased when we did, and it was a great safe area.”

Mrs Schlegel said her family aimed to stay within the Wakerley vicinity by upgrading their home.

“We have now purchased our dream home in Manly West, a neighbouring suburb to Wakerley, using the equity gained from our first home,” she said.

“We are fortunate that our agent Ben Carroll approached us in Wakerley.

“We sold our house and bought our house off of Ben as well.

“Our new home caters to our family, so there is enough space and living areas.

“I have a home office as I work from home. We also have a pool and a great neighbourhood.”

Ben Carroll from Harcourts Property Centre, Wellington Point, said the Brisbane market was positive, and homeowners would only continue to see their assets grow.

“There is a big portion of people moving to southeast Queensland, and there’s a lot of demand in the market,” Mr Carroll said.

“There has been an enormous change in Wynnum and Manly; people from Carindale, Coorpooroo, Bulimba, and Hawthorne now see our area’s lifestyle benefits.

“Being near the water has a considerable upside, and now we have an area of cafes, bars and restaurants that weren’t here a couple of years ago; it’s very attractive to buyers.

“I’ve never been more confident in the bayside market as I am today.”