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 property prices are still climbing in 2026, but the market is shifting toward units and townhouses as detached houses become increasingly out of reach for many buyers.
This article breaks down the latest Brisbane housing prices, neighborhood trends, forecasts for 2026 and beyond, and the key factors shaping the market right now.
We constantly update this blog post to keep you informed with the freshest data available.
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
- Brisbane units grew 16% in 2025 while houses grew 12%, marking the first sustained period where attached housing outperformed detached homes in the city.
- Springwood-Kingston recorded 19.5% annual price growth, making it the fastest-growing Brisbane suburb in 2025, driven by affordability and M1 access to both Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
- Brisbane's vacancy rate sits at just 1.0%, which is so tight that well-priced inner-city units often lease within 10 days of listing.
- The median Brisbane house price has risen 86.7% over the past five years, turning 174 Queensland suburbs into million-dollar markets in 2024 alone.
- Major banks forecast Brisbane property prices to rise between 4% and 8% in 2026, with Westpac predicting 8% and CBA estimating a more conservative 4%.
- Cross River Rail will add four new underground stations in 2026, directly boosting property values in Woolloongabba, Dutton Park, and Bowen Hills.
- Brisbane's population is projected to exceed 3 million by mid-2026, with Greater Brisbane expected to hold more than half of Queensland's total population for the first time since 1978.
- The 2032 Olympics are expected to generate $17 billion in economic benefits for Queensland, with infrastructure spending already lifting property values in 22 identified suburbs across South East Queensland.
What are the current property price trends in Brisbane as of 2026?
What is the average house price in Brisbane as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical house price in Brisbane sits at around AUD $1.13 million (approximately USD $710,000 or EUR 680,000), while a typical unit or apartment costs around AUD $820,000 (USD $515,000 or EUR 495,000), and townhouses generally fall in between at around AUD $800,000.
When it comes to price per square meter in Brisbane, detached houses average around AUD $5,600 per square meter of living space, while apartments and units command a higher AUD $9,100 per square meter due to their typically smaller floor plans and premium inner-city locations.
The realistic price range that covers roughly 80% of Brisbane property purchases in 2026 stretches from around AUD $650,000 to AUD $1.5 million (USD $410,000 to $940,000 or EUR 390,000 to 900,000), with the lower end representing outer-ring units and the upper end covering established family houses in desirable middle-ring suburbs.
How much have property prices increased in Brisbane over the past 12 months?
Brisbane property prices increased by approximately 13% to 14% over the 12 months leading into January 2026, making it one of the strongest performing capital city markets in Australia during that period.
The price increases varied across property types in Brisbane, with units growing around 16% year-on-year and houses rising by approximately 12%, reflecting the clear shift of buyers toward more affordable attached housing options.
The single most significant factor behind Brisbane's price growth was the severe shortage of available housing stock, which kept competition intense among buyers even as borrowing costs remained elevated with the RBA cash rate at 3.60%.
Which neighborhoods have the fastest rising property prices in Brisbane as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Brisbane neighborhoods with the fastest rising property prices are Springwood-Kingston in the south, Sunnybank in the middle ring, and Nathan near Griffith University, all located in the Logan and southern corridor areas.
Springwood-Kingston recorded approximately 19.5% annual price growth, Sunnybank achieved around 19.4%, and Nathan saw prices rise by about 18%, significantly outpacing the broader Brisbane market average.
The main demand driver for these fast-growing Brisbane neighborhoods is their relative affordability combined with strong infrastructure access, as families and first-home buyers priced out of inner suburbs seek value in areas with good transport links to both Brisbane CBD and the Gold Coast.
By the way, you will find much more detailed price ranges across neighborhoods in our property pack covering the real estate market in Brisbane.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Australia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which property types are increasing faster in value in Brisbane as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Brisbane property types rank by appreciation rate as follows: units and apartments are growing fastest at around 16% annually, followed by townhouses and duplexes at approximately 14%, with detached houses growing more slowly at around 12%.
The top-performing property type in Brisbane, units and apartments, achieved approximately 16% annual appreciation, marking a notable shift from previous market cycles where detached houses typically led price growth.
The main reason units are outperforming other property types in Brisbane is affordability, as stretched borrowing capacity and median house prices above $1.1 million are pushing buyers toward more attainable options in the $600,000 to $850,000 range.
Finally, if you're interested in a specific property type, you will find our latest analyses here:
- How much do properties cost in Brisbane?
- How much should you pay for a house in Brisbane?
- How much should you pay for an apartment in Brisbane?
- How much should you pay for a townhouse in Brisbane?
- How much should you pay for a studio in Brisbane?
- How much should you pay for a duplex in Brisbane?
What is driving property prices up or down in Brisbane as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three factors driving Brisbane property prices are the chronic shortage of housing supply relative to population demand, strong interstate and overseas migration into Queensland, and tight rental market conditions with vacancy rates around 1%.
The single factor with the strongest upward pressure on Brisbane property prices is the severe supply constraint, as new home construction continues to lag well behind population growth and listings remain at historically low levels across most suburbs.
If you want to understand these factors at a deeper level, you can read our latest property market analysis about Brisbane here.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Brisbane
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What is the property price forecast for Brisbane in 2026?
How much are property prices expected to increase in Brisbane in 2026?
As of early 2026, Brisbane property prices are expected to increase by approximately 6% over the calendar year, placing the city among the strongest performing capital markets in Australia.
The range of forecasts from different analysts for Brisbane property price growth in 2026 spans from a conservative 4% (CommBank economists) to a more optimistic 8% (Westpac), with NAB and most other forecasters clustering around 4.5% to 6%.
The main assumption underlying most Brisbane price forecasts is that interest rates will remain stable or decline slightly in 2026, and that housing supply will continue to lag behind population-driven demand, preventing any significant price correction.
We go deeper and try to understand how solid are these forecasts in our pack covering the property market in Brisbane.
Which neighborhoods will see the highest price growth in Brisbane in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Brisbane neighborhoods expected to see the highest price growth are Woolloongabba and Dutton Park near the new Cross River Rail stations, Chermside and Nundah in the middle north, and Springwood in the southern growth corridor.
These top-growth Brisbane neighborhoods are projected to achieve price increases of 8% to 12% in 2026, outperforming the broader city average of around 6% due to their combination of improving infrastructure and relative affordability.
The primary catalyst driving expected growth in these Brisbane neighborhoods is major transport infrastructure, particularly the Cross River Rail project opening new stations and the ongoing Brisbane Metro development improving connectivity to the CBD.
One emerging Brisbane neighborhood that could surprise with higher-than-expected growth in 2026 is Albion, which is benefiting from rapid gentrification, proximity to the RNA Showgrounds precinct, and spillover demand from nearby Fortitude Valley and Newstead.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Brisbane.
What property types will appreciate the most in Brisbane in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property type expected to appreciate the most in Brisbane is units and apartments, particularly those in well-located inner and middle-ring suburbs with good transport access and lifestyle amenities.
The projected appreciation for Brisbane's top-performing property type, units, is approximately 6.5% to 7% for the 2026 calendar year, slightly outpacing detached houses which are forecast to grow around 5% to 5.5%.
The main demand trend driving unit appreciation in Brisbane is affordability migration, as buyers who can no longer afford the median house price of $1.13 million are actively competing for quality apartments and townhouses priced between $600,000 and $900,000.
The property type expected to underperform in Brisbane in 2026 is premium detached houses in blue-chip suburbs like Hamilton, Ascot, and New Farm, where prices are already stretched and borrowing capacity limits are creating a ceiling on further growth.
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.
How will interest rates affect property prices in Brisbane in 2026?
As of early 2026, the RBA cash rate target stands at 3.60%, and this relatively stable interest rate environment is supporting Brisbane property prices by maintaining borrower confidence without triggering the rapid price surges seen during ultra-low rate periods.
Most major banks expect the RBA to hold rates steady through the first half of 2026 or potentially deliver one or two small cuts of 0.25%, which would modestly improve borrowing capacity and likely add further upward pressure to Brisbane property prices.
A 1% change in interest rates typically affects Brisbane property affordability by shifting borrowing capacity by roughly 10% to 12%, meaning a rate cut could allow buyers to access properties approximately $80,000 to $100,000 higher than their current budget.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Australia.
What are the biggest risks for property prices in Brisbane in 2026?
As of early 2026, the top three biggest risks for Brisbane property prices are an unexpected rise in interest rates if inflation proves sticky, potential macroprudential lending restrictions from APRA, and a sharper-than-expected economic slowdown affecting employment and incomes.
The single risk with the highest probability of materializing in Brisbane in 2026 is affordability constraint, where prices simply bump up against the ceiling of what buyers can borrow, causing growth to slow naturally even without external shocks.
We actually cover all these risks and their likelihoods in our pack about the real estate market in Brisbane.
Is it a good time to buy a rental property in Brisbane in 2026?
As of early 2026, Brisbane presents a selectively attractive opportunity for rental property investment, particularly for well-located units and townhouses where strong rental demand and tight vacancy can support cash flow even at current interest rates.
The strongest argument in favor of buying a Brisbane rental property now is the extremely tight rental market, with vacancy rates around 1%, rents growing 6% to 7% annually, and structural supply shortages expected to persist well into 2026 and beyond.
The strongest argument for waiting before buying a Brisbane rental property is the uncertainty around interest rates, as the RBA has signaled it may not cut rates further if inflation remains elevated, meaning your mortgage costs could stay higher for longer than anticipated.
If you want to know our latest analysis (results may differ from what you just read), you can read our assessment on whether now is a good time to buy a property in Brisbane.
You'll also find a dedicated document about this specific question in our pack about real estate in Brisbane.
Buying real estate in Brisbane can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Where will property prices be in 5 years in Brisbane?
What is the 5-year property price forecast for Brisbane as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Brisbane property prices are expected to grow by approximately 25% to 28% cumulatively over the next five years, which would push the typical house price to around AUD $1.41 million and units to around AUD $1.05 million by early 2031.
The range of 5-year forecasts for Brisbane spans from a conservative scenario of around 18% total growth (assuming rates stay elevated and affordability bites hard) to an optimistic scenario of around 35% growth (if rates fall meaningfully and population growth accelerates).
The projected average annual appreciation rate for Brisbane property over the next 5 years is approximately 4.5% to 5.0%, which represents a moderation from the double-digit gains of recent years but still solid compounding growth.
The key assumption most forecasters rely on for their 5-year Brisbane property predictions is that population growth will continue to outpace new housing supply, maintaining the structural imbalance that has driven prices higher throughout the 2020s.
Which areas in Brisbane will have the best price growth over the next 5 years?
The Brisbane areas expected to deliver the best price growth over the next 5 years are transit-connected inner suburbs like Woolloongabba, Dutton Park, and Bowen Hills, along with gentrifying middle-ring family suburbs like Carina, Holland Park, and Nundah.
These top-performing Brisbane areas are projected to achieve 5-year cumulative price growth of approximately 30% to 40%, outperforming the city average due to their combination of infrastructure uplift, lifestyle appeal, and still-reasonable entry prices.
This 5-year outlook largely aligns with our shorter-term 2026 forecast, as the same infrastructure catalysts and affordability dynamics driving near-term growth will continue compounding over the longer period.
One currently undervalued Brisbane area with strong 5-year outperformance potential is Moorooka, which offers one of the most affordable inner-south entry points, improving transport connectivity, and genuine gentrification momentum as younger buyers discover its character housing stock.
What property type will give the best return in Brisbane over 5 years as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the property type expected to give the best total return over 5 years in Brisbane is well-located units and townhouses in inner and middle-ring suburbs, combining capital growth potential with strong rental income.
The projected 5-year total return for well-located Brisbane units, combining approximately 28% capital growth with rental yields averaging 4% to 4.5% annually, could deliver total returns in the range of 45% to 55% over the period.
The main structural trend favoring units and townhouses in Brisbane over the next 5 years is the persistent affordability squeeze, which will continue pushing buyers toward attached housing as detached house prices remain out of reach for a growing share of the market.
For investors seeking the best balance of return and lower risk over 5 years in Brisbane, townhouses in established middle-ring suburbs like Coorparoo, Greenslopes, or Chermside offer solid capital growth potential with broader buyer appeal than high-rise apartments if you need to sell.
How will new infrastructure projects affect property prices in Brisbane over 5 years?
The top three major infrastructure projects expected to impact Brisbane property prices over the next 5 years are Cross River Rail (opening new stations in 2026), Brisbane Metro (improving bus rapid transit across the city), and the Queen's Wharf entertainment precinct transforming the CBD riverfront.
Properties within walking distance of completed major infrastructure in Brisbane typically command a price premium of 10% to 15% compared to similar properties further away, based on patterns observed around previous transport upgrades.
The Brisbane neighborhoods that will benefit most from these infrastructure developments are Woolloongabba and Dutton Park (Cross River Rail stations), Herston and Kelvin Grove (Brisbane Metro and 2032 Olympics precinct), and South Brisbane (Queen's Wharf and cultural precinct expansion).
How will population growth and other factors impact property values in Brisbane in 5 years?
Brisbane's population is projected to grow at approximately 1.5% to 2% annually over the next 5 years, adding around 150,000 to 200,000 new residents to Greater Brisbane and creating sustained demand pressure on housing that will support property values.
The demographic shift with the strongest influence on Brisbane property demand will be the continued influx of young professionals and families aged 25 to 45 from Sydney and Melbourne, attracted by Queensland's relative affordability, lifestyle, and employment opportunities.
Interstate migration patterns are expected to continue favoring Brisbane over the next 5 years, with Queensland absorbing a disproportionate share of domestic movers seeking better value for money, which will maintain competition for established housing stock.
The property types and areas that will benefit most from Brisbane's demographic trends are family-friendly townhouses and houses in middle-ring suburbs with good schools and transport, as well as inner-city units appealing to young professionals and downsizers.
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.
What is the 10 year property price outlook in Brisbane?
What is the 10-year property price prediction for Brisbane as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Brisbane property prices are expected to grow by approximately 50% to 60% cumulatively over the next 10 years, which would push the typical house price to around AUD $1.7 million and units to around AUD $1.3 million by early 2036.
The range of 10-year forecasts for Brisbane spans from a conservative scenario of around 35% total growth (if affordability and economic headwinds persist) to an optimistic scenario of around 75% growth (if strong migration and infrastructure investment accelerate demand).
The projected average annual appreciation rate for Brisbane property over the next 10 years is approximately 4% to 4.75%, reflecting steady compounding growth rather than the exceptional gains seen in recent boom years.
The biggest uncertainty factor in making 10-year Brisbane property price predictions is the trajectory of interest rates and global economic conditions, as even small changes in borrowing costs compound significantly over a decade-long investment horizon.
What long-term economic factors will shape property prices in Brisbane?
The top three long-term economic factors that will shape Brisbane property prices over the next decade are population growth and household formation, housing supply constraints and construction capacity, and Queensland's economic diversification through infrastructure and the 2032 Olympics.
The single long-term economic factor with the most positive impact on Brisbane property values will be the 2032 Olympics, which is driving accelerated infrastructure investment, global visibility, and sustained economic development that will support property demand for years beyond the Games themselves.
The single long-term economic factor posing the greatest structural risk to Brisbane property values is climate-related insurance costs and flood exposure, as certain low-lying suburbs face rising premiums that could dampen demand and create suburb-by-suburb divergence in price performance.
You'll also find a much more detailed analysis in our pack about real estate in Brisbane.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| PropTrack Home Price Index | A major Australian housing index with published methodology and wide industry use. | We used it to track Brisbane's recent growth rate and compare house versus unit performance. We also referenced its methodology notes to explain why index-based trends are more reliable. |
| Cotality (CoreLogic) | One of Australia's most recognized property data providers with comprehensive dwelling value indices. | We used it to cross-check the key drivers shaping late-2025 conditions in Brisbane. We also used it to frame why 2026 growth is expected to be more measured. |
| NAB Housing Market Insights | A major bank providing detailed Brisbane-specific property data and forecasts. | We used it to triangulate Brisbane's median house and unit prices. We also used their forecasts as one anchor for our 2026 growth expectations. |
| CommBank Economists | A big-four bank publishing economist views and headline property forecasts. | We used it as one anchor for 2026 growth expectations. We also used it to support why Brisbane is expected to be a relative outperformer. |
| Westpac Housing Outlook | A big-four bank with detailed housing forecasts widely cited in industry analysis. | We used it as a second independent anchor for 2026 growth expectations. We also used it to stress-test our central-case forecast with an alternative view. |
| Domain Research FY26 Forecast | A long-running Australian housing research team publishing regular market reports. | We used it to cross-check directional calls on which cities may hit records. We also used it to build our 5-year infrastructure and supply narrative for Brisbane. |
| Domain Price Per Square Metre Report | A research-led dataset from a major portal providing space-value context. | We used it to ground price-per-sqm estimates for Brisbane suburbs. We also used its multi-year change commentary to explain inner-pocket re-rating dynamics. |
| RBA Cash Rate Target | Australia's central bank and the primary official source for interest rates. | We used it to set the January 2026 interest-rate backdrop. We also used it to ensure our rate-impact analysis is factually grounded. |
| SQM Research Weekly Rents | A widely cited Australian housing and rental data publisher with transparent methodology. | We used it to quantify Brisbane rent levels and recent rent growth. We then translated that into a view of rental yields and investor demand. |
| SQM Research Vacancy Rates | A long-running vacancy series used across media and industry analysis. | We used it to describe how tight Brisbane's rental market is heading into 2026. We also used it to explain why tight rentals support prices. |
| Reuters Analyst Poll | A global newswire reporting poll-based forecasts from multiple analysts. | We used it to sanity-check our longer-run multi-year growth assumptions. We also used it to avoid building a 10-year view from a single hot year. |
| Your Mortgage Median Prices | A consumer finance portal aggregating Cotality data with accessible suburb breakdowns. | We used it to verify Brisbane's January 2026 median house and unit prices. We also used their suburb-level growth data to identify fastest-growing areas. |
| Australian Bureau of Statistics | Australia's national statistical agency providing official population projections. | We used it to ground our population growth assumptions for Brisbane. We also used it to support our long-term demand forecasts. |
| Queensland Government Statistician's Office | Queensland's official statistical agency with detailed regional population projections. | We used it to project Greater Brisbane population growth to 2026 and beyond. We also used it to understand internal Queensland migration patterns. |
| Centre for Population | Australian Government body producing official national and state population projections. | We used it to validate Queensland and Brisbane migration forecasts. We also used it to understand how interstate flows affect housing demand. |
| Metropole Property Strategists | A well-known property advisory firm with detailed Brisbane market commentary. | We used it to identify suburb-level investment opportunities in Brisbane. We also used their expert analysis to validate our growth forecasts. |
| OpenAgent Brisbane Market Profile | A property platform aggregating data from multiple sources with bank forecast summaries. | We used it to compile big-four bank forecasts for Brisbane in 2026. We also used their suburb performance data to identify growth patterns. |
| Cross River Rail Official Site | Queensland Government official project page with verified infrastructure timelines. | We used it to confirm station locations and opening dates. We also used it to identify suburbs benefiting from improved transport connectivity. |
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If you want to go deeper, you can read the following: