Brisbane’s housing market has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a 64% increase in prices since the onset of COVID-19. This growth is expected to continue in 2025, making Brisbane one of Australia’s strongest capital city housing markets. The demand for detached houses in Brisbane’s inner and middle ring suburbs, as well as lifestyle areas, is particularly strong, leading to these locations outperforming cheaper properties in outer suburbs. While the demand for apartments may remain softer, townhouses in Brisbane’s inner suburbs are becoming a preferred style of accommodation for more Queenslanders.
The rental market in Brisbane is also facing challenges, with historically low vacancy rates and skyrocketing rents. The strong demand for rental properties, coupled with limited construction, has concentrated buyer demand on existing properties. Cheaper properties in Brisbane’s bottom quartile have recorded stronger price growth, with prices now 30% higher than their 2022 peak.
For investors, houses in established Brisbane suburbs with lifestyle appeal are expected to be the top performers. These properties offer capital growth potential and stable rental yields. Suburbs like Paddington, Ashgrove, and Red Hill in Brisbane’s inner-city, as well as suburbs like Indooroopilly, Chapel Hill, and Kenmore in the western suburbs, are likely to perform strongly. Townhouses in inner and middle-ring suburbs, such as South Brisbane, Greenslopes, Carina, and Camp Hill, are also gaining popularity among young families, professionals, and downsizers.
While the demand for apartments may be softer, boutique complexes in well-located suburbs are expected to perform well. Suburbs like New Farm, Teneriffe, West End, and Highgate Hill offer lifestyle-driven apartment living with strong rental demand and capital growth potential.
Brisbane’s property market is supported by strong population growth, migration from other states, and infrastructure projects such as the Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro, and preparations for the 2032 Olympics. These developments are expected to increase demand and drive capital growth in suburbs benefiting from the infrastructure improvements.
Overall, Brisbane’s property market fundamentals are strong, with a robust economy, job growth, and favourable affordability compared to other major cities. The forecast for Brisbane’s housing market in 2025 is positive, with continued price growth expected for houses and units.
