Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Brisbane's property market is included in our pack
Brisbane's apartment market has become one of Australia's strongest performers heading into 2026, with unit prices rising faster than houses and foreign buyer costs reaching record levels.
Whether you're eyeing a studio near the CBD or a family-sized three-bedroom in the suburbs, understanding the real numbers is essential before you commit to such a significant purchase.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest data, government fee changes, and market movements so you can make informed decisions.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Brisbane.
Insights
- Foreign buyers in Brisbane face an extra 8% stamp duty surcharge (AFAD) plus FIRB fees starting at AUD 14,100, adding roughly 13% to 16% on top of the apartment purchase price.
- Brisbane unit prices grew 12.4% over the past year compared to 8.1% for houses, making apartments the fastest-appreciating property type in the city as of late 2025.
- A temporary ban prevents most foreign buyers from purchasing established (resale) apartments in Brisbane until March 2027, pushing demand toward new or near-new stock.
- Body corporate fees in Brisbane apartments typically range from AUD 4,000 to AUD 10,000 per year depending on building amenities, and can unexpectedly spike through special levies.
- The median Brisbane apartment value reached AUD 807,000 in December 2025, but inner-ring suburbs like New Farm and Teneriffe command prices 50% to 100% higher than this median.
- First-home buyers purchasing new Brisbane apartments pay zero stamp duty regardless of price since May 2025, but this concession does not eliminate AFAD for foreign purchasers.
- Brisbane apartment supply is forecast to average only 4,600 completions per year through 2030, while housing demand runs at roughly 16,000 per year, keeping prices under upward pressure.
- Outer suburbs like Bracken Ridge and Chermside offer entry-level apartments from AUD 550,000 to AUD 700,000, roughly 30% below the citywide median.
How much do apartments really cost in Brisbane in 2026?
What's the average and median apartment price in Brisbane in 2026?
As of January 2026, the median apartment price in Brisbane sits at approximately AUD 807,000 (around USD 500,000 or EUR 464,000), while the average is higher at roughly AUD 900,000 (USD 558,000 / EUR 518,000) because luxury inner-city units pull the numbers up.
When it comes to price per square meter, Brisbane apartments typically cost between AUD 9,000 and AUD 12,000 per square meter (USD 5,600 to USD 7,400 / EUR 5,200 to EUR 6,900), which translates to roughly AUD 836 to AUD 1,115 per square foot.
For a standard Brisbane apartment that most buyers would consider, you should budget somewhere between AUD 600,000 and AUD 1,000,000 (USD 372,000 to USD 620,000 / EUR 345,000 to EUR 575,000), with the sweet spot for typical two-bedroom units landing right around the median.
How much is a studio apartment in Brisbane in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical studio apartment in Brisbane costs between AUD 420,000 and AUD 550,000 (USD 260,000 to USD 341,000 / EUR 242,000 to EUR 316,000), with most purchases landing around AUD 500,000 for a modern building with good transport access.
Entry-level to mid-range Brisbane studio apartments start from around AUD 380,000 (USD 236,000 / EUR 219,000) in outer suburbs, while high-end or luxury studios in premium inner-city locations can reach AUD 650,000 to AUD 800,000 (USD 403,000 to USD 496,000 / EUR 374,000 to EUR 460,000).
Studios in Brisbane typically measure between 25 and 45 square meters, with most falling in the 30 to 40 square meter range, which is somewhat larger than studio apartments in Sydney or Melbourne.
How much is a one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical one-bedroom apartment in Brisbane costs between AUD 520,000 and AUD 720,000 (USD 322,000 to USD 446,000 / EUR 299,000 to EUR 414,000), with CBD fringe and lifestyle suburbs clustering in the AUD 600,000 to AUD 700,000 range.
Entry-level one-bedroom apartments in Brisbane's outer and middle suburbs start around AUD 480,000 (USD 298,000 / EUR 276,000), while luxury one-bedroom units in river-facing buildings or premium suburbs like New Farm can exceed AUD 850,000 (USD 527,000 / EUR 489,000).
One-bedroom apartments in Brisbane typically range from 45 to 65 square meters, often including a small balcony or courtyard, which is standard for this apartment category in Queensland's capital.
How much is a two-bedroom apartment in Brisbane in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical two-bedroom apartment in Brisbane costs between AUD 720,000 and AUD 980,000 (USD 446,000 to USD 608,000 / EUR 414,000 to EUR 564,000), which aligns closely with the citywide apartment median since this is the most common format.
Entry-level two-bedroom apartments in Brisbane's outer suburbs can be found from around AUD 620,000 (USD 384,000 / EUR 357,000), while high-end two-bedroom units in prestige buildings along the Brisbane River or in Kangaroo Point often exceed AUD 1.2 million (USD 744,000 / EUR 690,000).
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges for apartments in our property pack covering the property market in Brisbane.
How much is a three-bedroom apartment in Brisbane in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical three-bedroom apartment in Brisbane costs between AUD 1.05 million and AUD 1.6 million (USD 651,000 to USD 992,000 / EUR 604,000 to EUR 920,000), with substantial variation because many three-bedroom units occupy premium buildings and locations.
Entry-level three-bedroom apartments in Brisbane's middle-ring suburbs start around AUD 950,000 (USD 589,000 / EUR 546,000), while luxury penthouse-style three-bedroom apartments in Teneriffe, Newstead, or riverfront towers can exceed AUD 2.5 million (USD 1.55 million / EUR 1.44 million).
Three-bedroom apartments in Brisbane typically measure between 100 and 150 square meters, often featuring two bathrooms and dedicated parking, making them comparable in size to smaller townhouses.
What's the price gap between new and resale apartments in Brisbane in 2026?
As of January 2026, new-build apartments in Brisbane typically cost 5% to 15% more than comparable resale stock in the same suburb and of similar size, though developer incentives can sometimes narrow this gap significantly.
New-build apartments in Brisbane generally price at around AUD 10,000 to AUD 14,000 per square meter (USD 6,200 to USD 8,700 / EUR 5,750 to EUR 8,050), reflecting modern finishes, warranties, and energy efficiency.
Resale apartments in Brisbane typically price at around AUD 8,000 to AUD 11,000 per square meter (USD 4,960 to USD 6,820 / EUR 4,600 to EUR 6,325), though older buildings in prime locations can command similar prices to new stock due to superior positions.
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Can I afford to buy in Brisbane in 2026?
What's the typical total budget (all-in) to buy an apartment in Brisbane in 2026?
As of January 2026, a foreign buyer purchasing a typical AUD 807,000 Brisbane apartment should budget approximately AUD 912,000 to AUD 930,000 all-in (USD 566,000 to USD 577,000 / EUR 524,000 to EUR 535,000), which represents roughly 13% to 15% above the purchase price.
Beyond the purchase price, your all-in budget for a Brisbane apartment must include transfer duty (stamp duty), Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) at 8%, FIRB application fees, titles registration, legal and conveyancing fees, strata inspection reports, and moving costs.
We go deeper and try to understand what costs can be avoided or minimized (and how) in our Brisbane property pack.
You can also read our dedicated blog article to understand what you can at different budget levels in Brisbane.
What down payment is typical to buy in Brisbane in 2026?
As of January 2026, a typical down payment for a Brisbane apartment ranges from 10% to 20% of the purchase price, which for an AUD 807,000 unit means approximately AUD 80,700 to AUD 161,400 (USD 50,000 to USD 100,000 / EUR 46,400 to EUR 92,800) before closing costs.
Most Australian lenders require a minimum down payment of 10% for residential purchases, though foreign buyers often face stricter requirements and may need 20% to 30% deposits depending on their visa status and the lender's policies.
To secure favorable mortgage terms and avoid expensive Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI), a 20% down payment is recommended in Brisbane, and foreign buyers should add buffer funds for AFAD and FIRB costs which can total AUD 80,000 or more on a median-priced apartment.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Australia.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
Which neighborhoods are cheapest or priciest in Brisbane in 2026?
How much does the price per m² for apartments vary by neighborhood in Brisbane in 2026?
As of January 2026, apartment prices per square meter in Brisbane range dramatically from around AUD 7,000 per square meter (USD 4,340 / EUR 4,025) in outer suburbs to over AUD 18,000 per square meter (USD 11,160 / EUR 10,350) in premium riverfront locations.
The most affordable Brisbane neighborhoods for apartments include Bracken Ridge, Chermside, Nundah, and Bald Hills in the northern corridor, where you can expect to pay around AUD 7,000 to AUD 9,000 per square meter (USD 4,340 to USD 5,580 / EUR 4,025 to EUR 5,175).
The most expensive Brisbane neighborhoods for apartments are New Farm, Teneriffe, Newstead, Kangaroo Point, and West End along the Brisbane River, where prices commonly reach AUD 12,000 to AUD 18,000 per square meter (USD 7,440 to USD 11,160 / EUR 6,900 to EUR 10,350).
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Brisbane.
What neighborhoods are best for first-time buyers on a budget in Brisbane in 2026?
As of January 2026, the top three Brisbane neighborhoods for first-time apartment buyers on a budget are Bracken Ridge, Chermside, and Nundah, all located in Brisbane's northern corridor with good rail connections and growing amenities.
In these budget-friendly Brisbane suburbs, typical apartment prices range from AUD 550,000 to AUD 750,000 (USD 341,000 to USD 465,000 / EUR 316,000 to EUR 431,000), which is roughly 20% to 30% below the citywide median.
These affordable Brisbane suburbs offer shopping centers, train stations, hospitals, schools, and parks, making them practical choices for everyday living despite being 10 to 18 kilometers from the CBD.
The main trade-off when buying in these budget-friendly Brisbane neighborhoods is longer commute times to the city center and fewer walkable dining and entertainment options compared to inner-city locations.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest-rising apartment prices in Brisbane in 2026?
As of January 2026, the Brisbane neighborhoods with the fastest-rising apartment prices are Nundah (up 22.8% in 12 months), Kedron (up 18.7%), and Bracken Ridge (up 16.9%), according to the latest market data.
These fast-appreciating Brisbane suburbs have recorded year-over-year apartment price increases between 15% and 23%, significantly outpacing the citywide average of around 12% growth for units.
The main drivers behind rapid price growth in these Brisbane neighborhoods are improved rail connectivity, relative affordability compared to inner suburbs, strong rental demand, and limited new apartment supply in established residential pockets.
You can also read our latest update about property price forecasts in Brisbane.
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What extra costs will I pay on top of the apartment price in Brisbane in 2026?
What are all the buyer closing costs when you buy an apartment in Brisbane?
For a typical AUD 807,000 Brisbane apartment, a foreign buyer should expect total closing costs of approximately AUD 105,000 to AUD 123,000 (USD 65,000 to USD 76,000 / EUR 60,000 to EUR 71,000), which is dramatically higher than what local buyers pay.
The main categories of closing costs for Brisbane apartment buyers include transfer duty (stamp duty), Additional Foreign Acquirer Duty (AFAD) for foreigners, FIRB application fees, titles registration fees, conveyancing and legal fees, strata records inspection, and loan establishment costs.
The largest closing cost for foreign buyers is AFAD at 8% of the property value, which alone adds roughly AUD 64,500 on an AUD 807,000 apartment, followed by FIRB application fees which start at AUD 14,100 for properties under AUD 1 million.
Some closing costs in Brisbane are negotiable or variable, including conveyancing fees (which range from AUD 1,200 to AUD 2,500 depending on the firm) and loan establishment fees (which some lenders waive during promotional periods).
On average, how much are buyer closing costs as a percentage of the purchase price for an apartment in Brisbane?
Foreign buyers should budget approximately 13% to 16% of the purchase price for closing costs when buying a Brisbane apartment, compared to just 3% to 5% for eligible local owner-occupiers who qualify for concessions.
The realistic range of closing costs covers 3% to 5% for Australian citizens and permanent residents using home concessions, 5% to 7% for local investors without concessions, and 13% to 16% for foreign buyers subject to AFAD and FIRB fees.
We actually cover all these costs and strategies to minimize them in our pack about the real estate market in Brisbane.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What are the ongoing monthly and yearly costs of an apartment in Brisbane in 2026?
What are typical HOA fees in Brisbane right now?
In Brisbane, the equivalent of HOA fees are called body corporate levies (or strata fees), and typical annual costs range from AUD 4,000 to AUD 10,000 per year (USD 2,480 to USD 6,200 / EUR 2,300 to EUR 5,750), depending on building amenities and size.
Basic Brisbane apartment buildings without pools, gyms, or concierge services typically charge AUD 4,000 to AUD 6,000 per year (USD 2,480 to USD 3,720 / EUR 2,300 to EUR 3,450), while full-amenity towers with pools, gyms, lifts, and on-site management commonly charge AUD 6,500 to AUD 10,000 or more annually (USD 4,030 to USD 6,200 / EUR 3,740 to EUR 5,750).
What utilities should I budget monthly in Brisbane right now?
For a typical Brisbane apartment, total monthly utility costs range from approximately AUD 180 to AUD 350 (USD 112 to USD 217 / EUR 104 to EUR 201), covering electricity, water, sewerage, gas (if applicable), and internet.
Utility costs vary based on apartment size and usage patterns, with a one-bedroom unit typically costing AUD 150 to AUD 250 per month (USD 93 to USD 155 / EUR 86 to EUR 144), while a larger three-bedroom apartment may cost AUD 280 to AUD 400 monthly (USD 174 to USD 248 / EUR 161 to EUR 230).
Brisbane apartment utilities typically include electricity, water and sewerage charges, internet, and sometimes gas for cooking or hot water, though many newer buildings are fully electric.
Electricity is usually the most expensive utility for Brisbane apartment owners, with the Australian Energy Regulator's benchmark suggesting monthly costs of AUD 120 to AUD 220 (USD 74 to USD 136 / EUR 69 to EUR 127) depending on air conditioning usage and household size.
How much is property tax on apartments in Brisbane?
For a typical Brisbane apartment used as a principal residence, the main annual property-related tax is council rates, which typically range from AUD 1,800 to AUD 2,800 per year (USD 1,116 to USD 1,736 / EUR 1,035 to EUR 1,610) depending on the property's unimproved land value.
Brisbane does not have a single "property tax" like some countries; instead, apartment owners pay council rates (set annually by Brisbane City Council) and may also owe land tax if the property is not their principal residence or if they are a non-resident absentee.
For investors or foreign absentees, Queensland land tax can add significant costs, with rates starting at 1% for taxable land values above the threshold and higher surcharges applying to non-residents, potentially adding AUD 3,000 to AUD 10,000 or more annually depending on the property's land value.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Brisbane.
What's the yearly building maintenance cost in Brisbane?
For Brisbane apartment owners, yearly building maintenance is typically paid through body corporate levies rather than separately, with the maintenance portion representing roughly AUD 2,000 to AUD 5,000 per year (USD 1,240 to USD 3,100 / EUR 1,150 to EUR 2,875) of your total levy.
Maintenance costs vary significantly based on building age and type, with newer buildings generally requiring lower contributions (AUD 1,500 to AUD 3,000 annually) while older buildings with aging lifts, pools, or structural issues may require AUD 4,000 to AUD 8,000 or more per year.
Building maintenance costs in Brisbane apartments typically cover lift servicing, pool and gym maintenance, exterior painting, roof repairs, plumbing, common area cleaning, landscaping, and contributions to the sinking fund for future capital works.
In Brisbane, building maintenance costs are included within your body corporate levies, split between the administrative fund for regular upkeep and the sinking fund for larger capital expenses, so you generally do not pay a separate maintenance bill.
How much does home insurance cost in Brisbane?
For Brisbane apartment owners, contents insurance (your main personal insurance need) typically costs AUD 300 to AUD 800 per year (USD 186 to USD 496 / EUR 173 to EUR 460), while building insurance is usually arranged and paid by the body corporate.
Contents insurance costs in Brisbane vary based on coverage level, sum insured, and property location, with basic policies starting around AUD 250 annually and comprehensive coverage with higher limits reaching AUD 1,000 or more per year.
Building insurance for Brisbane apartments is typically mandatory under Queensland body corporate law and is arranged collectively by the strata scheme, so individual apartment owners generally do not need to purchase separate building coverage but should verify this with their body corporate.
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Brisbane, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| Cotality Home Value Index | It's one of Australia's most cited housing datasets, built from extensive sales and valuation data. | We used it as our anchor for Brisbane unit median values in early 2026. We then layered suburb-level and cost data to estimate realistic all-in budgets. |
| Queensland Revenue Office - Transfer Duty | It's the official Queensland government source for stamp duty rules and calculations. | We used it to calculate realistic stamp duty for owner-occupier apartment purchases. We also used its worked examples to avoid rule-of-thumb errors. |
| QRO - AFAD Assessment Rules | It's the government's detailed rule page that spells out how AFAD is calculated. | We used it to calculate AFAD as 8% of the dutiable value. We also used it to explain when AFAD applies and how it adds to transfer duty. |
| FIRB - Residential Land Guidance | It's the Australian Government's official foreign investment rules site. | We used it to explain what foreign buyers can and cannot buy in early 2026. We also flagged the ban on established dwellings until March 2027. |
| ATO - FIRB Fees Schedule | It's the official schedule for FIRB-related application fees published by the ATO. | We used it to add the correct FIRB fee into foreign buyer budgets. We also explained why FIRB fees can be a meaningful extra cost. |
| Brisbane City Council - Rates 2025-26 | It's the official legal schedule for Brisbane council rates and charges. | We used it as the authoritative reference that council rates are a real ongoing cost. We grounded our rates estimates even when exact bills vary by valuation. |
| Titles Queensland - Registry Fees | It's the official fee schedule for title registration in Queensland. | We used it to include realistic settlement and registration fees in closing costs. We treat these as small but certain costs most buyers forget. |
| Queensland Government - Body Corporate Fees | It's the Queensland Government's plain-English guidance on strata obligations. | We used it to explain what body corporate fees are and why you pay them. We then translated that into typical budget ranges for Brisbane apartments. |
| Queensland Government - Body Corporate Insurance | It's the government reference for what insurance a body corporate must hold. | We used it to explain why apartment owners often don't buy separate building insurance. We focused budgeting advice on contents and liability gaps. |
| Australian Energy Regulator - DMO 2025-26 | It's the national regulator's benchmark cap for electricity in South East Queensland. | We used it as the official benchmark for electricity price expectations. We then converted that into a practical monthly budgeting range for apartments. |
| Urban Utilities - FY2025-26 Pricing | It's the primary water and sewerage provider's official statement for Brisbane. | We used it to anchor expectations for water and sewerage costs. We then gave a realistic apartment budgeting range reflecting lower usage than houses. |
| QRO - Land Tax Calculator | It's the official Queensland government source for land tax rules. | We used it to explain when land tax applies and to prevent confusion between property tax, council rates, and land tax. |
| Insurance Council of Australia - 2025 Fact Pack | It's the industry peak body summarizing market-wide insurance conditions. | We used it to ground the context that insurance costs have been rising. We translated that into practical budgeting advice for apartment owners. |
| Savings.com.au - Brisbane Suburbs 2026 | It compiles suburb-level price data and growth rates from major property portals. | We used it to identify fast-growing suburbs and budget-friendly neighborhoods. We cross-referenced growth percentages with other market sources. |
| PropertyUpdate - Brisbane Market Forecast | It's a respected property analysis site featuring expert forecasts and market data. | We used it to contextualize Brisbane's market outlook. We also referenced their suburb recommendations for budget buyers. |
| Hunter Galloway - Brisbane Property Market | They are a Brisbane-based mortgage broker publishing regular market updates. | We used their first-home buyer insights and stamp duty explanations. We also referenced their affordability analysis for different buyer types. |
| Metropole Brisbane - Housing Market Update | They are property investment advisors tracking Brisbane data monthly. | We used their unit-versus-house performance comparisons. We also referenced their suburb-level growth observations. |
| LookUpStrata - Body Corporate Fees | It's a strata industry resource with data from audited financial statements. | We used their average levy ranges for South East Queensland apartments. We also referenced their advice on evaluating strata financial health. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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