Brisbane House Prices: Insights for 2026

Last Updated 03/08/2026

Brisbane house prices have shown strong momentum in recent years, making the city an ongoing focus for buyers and investors alike. As the market continues to evolve, the Brisbane property market remains a compelling place to explore for those looking to buy, sell, or invest in property.

Here’s what prospective home buyers and investors need to know as they navigate the Brisbane housing market, including recent price movements, market conditions, and what the latest data may mean for future decisions.

Here’s what prospective home buyers and investors need to know as they navigate Brisbane’s housing market in 2026. While the city has delivered exceptionally strong growth over the past year, the latest Cotality Home Value Index shows the market is now cooling rather than accelerating, with buyers and sellers adjusting to a more balanced environment after a long run of gains.

Throughout 2025 and into 2026, Brisbane remained one of the country’s strongest major markets. As at the end of July 2026, Brisbane dwelling values were 14.8% higher over the past 12 months, compared with 5.3% nationally and 3.9% across the combined capitals. Brisbane’s median dwelling value sat at $1,104,094, with a total return of 18.6% over the same period.

That said, the pace of growth has clearly eased in recent months. Brisbane dwelling values fell 0.6% in July 2026 and were also 0.6% lower over the quarter, while the city is now 0.7% below its recent peak, which was reached in May 2026.

This softening in Brisbane is happening against a broader national downturn. In July, the national Home Value Index fell 0.7%, the largest monthly decline since December 2022, while combined capital city values fell 0.9% over the month and 2.5% over the quarter. Brisbane has therefore remained relatively resilient, but it is no longer immune to the pressure affecting the wider market.

The slowdown appears to reflect a combination of affordability constraints, reduced borrowing capacity after interest rate rises, and a shift in buyer sentiment. Cotality notes that the market downturn has been driven by demand-side pressures across the country, with weaker conditions becoming more visible in the mid-sized capitals after a period of outperformance.

The market’s longer-term outlook is supported by a combination of policy settings and major infrastructure momentum. The Australian Government’s expanded 5% Deposit Scheme began on 1 October 2025, allowing eligible first-home buyers to purchase with as little as a 5% deposit and removing income caps, which can support more buyer participation at the entry level.

Brisbane is also benefiting from the long lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which research from CBRE says is likely to act as a catalyst for long-term property market growth rather than a short-lived spike. The Games are helping sustain infrastructure investment and keeping Brisbane in the national spotlight, although the eventual market outcome will still depend on borrowing conditions, housing supply, construction costs, and overall economic performance.

In 2024, Brisbane’s property market demonstrated a robust surge, solidifying its status as one of Australia’s top-performing capital cities. The median house price reached $977,575, making Brisbane the second most expensive city in Australia and marking an 10.2% annual increase compared to the median house value of $870,526 in December 2023. All dwelling values saw a 11.2% rise, brought the median dwelling price to $890,746. This upward trajectory was driven by several key factors, including strong interstate migration, limited housing supply, and sustained demand from both investors and home buyers.

Brisbane’s growth was further supported by ongoing infrastructure projects and economic stability. The city’s appeal was enhanced by its relative affordability compared to other major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, drawing more buyers seeking better value for their investment. This trend underscored Brisbane’s strategic position in the national property market, attracting a diverse range of purchasers from first-home buyers to seasoned investors.

Despite the positive trend, there were signs of a moderating climb towards the end of the year. December recorded a 0.4% increase in house values, the smallest monthly gain since October, and a quarterly growth rate of 1.1%, the lowest since March 2023. This deceleration can be attributed to improved stock levels and affordability concerns, which began to temper the rapid price escalations experienced earlier in the year. Additionally, economic factors such as high interest rates played a role in slowing the market’s momentum.

Overall, while Brisbane’s property market remains strong, the moderated growth towards the end of 2024 suggests a more sustainable pace moving forward. This balance between growth and moderation indicates a healthy market, poised to continue attracting investment while maintaining affordability for a broader range of buyers.

This surge can be attributed to several factors. A notable increase in interstate migration to Queensland, coupled with a limited housing supply, intensified demand and drove up prices. Additionally, the city’s appeal, characterised by its lifestyle offerings and relative affordability compared to Sydney, attracted both investors and home buyers. In contrast, Melbourne’s property market faced challenges, including higher housing supply and the impact of new taxes targeting investment properties, which contributed to a slowdown in price growth.

Brisbane’s strong run of price growth has kept housing affordability and accessibility under pressure, particularly for first-home buyers and renters. Rental conditions remain tight, with vacancy rates still sitting below 1% in many reporting periods this year, which continues to support rents and keeps competition for well-located homes elevated.

The latest Cotality data shows Brisbane is still one of the stronger capital city markets, but the pace of growth has eased. Even with the recent softening, Brisbane continues to sit among the strongest-performing capital city markets, well above Sydney at -2.0%, Melbourne at -2.8%, and the combined capitals at 3.9%.

Looking ahead, Brisbane’s trajectory will depend on the same core drivers that have shaped the market over the past two years: interest rates, buyer confidence, housing supply, population growth, and new construction feasibility. That means the market still has supportive long-term fundamentals, but the next phase is more likely to be shaped by balance and selectivity rather than the rapid price gains seen earlier in the cycle.

Dive into Brisbane’s housing market with a visual guide to its latest trends. Using key graphs and charts, we break down property price movements, rental yields, and market surge patterns to provide a clear snapshot of where the market stands and where it’s heading. Whether you’re a buyer, investor, or simply curious, these insights will help you navigate the dynamic real estate landscape with confidence.

Source: Cotality (CoreLogic)

July 2026

The Australian property market is a race with no finish line, and Brisbane has made remarkable strides over the past three years. With property values increased in the early 2024 – rising 62 per cent in three and half year overall – Brisbane surged past Melbourne, then Canberra, solidifying its position as Australia’s 2nd most expensive capital city by August 2024. Our dynamic race chart visualizes these shifts, giving you everything you need to know about how local trends are shaping the property landscape. Dive into the data to see why Brisbane is becoming a top choice for homebuyers and investors alike!

Source: Cotality (CoreLogic)

Recent movement has been more mixed. Brisbane units were down 0.4% in July 2026, up 0.4% over the quarter, and up 6.8% year to date, showing that the unit market is still growing, but not at the same pace seen earlier in the cycle.

Relative affordability continues to be one of the main reasons units remain attractive to both owner-occupiers and investors. In a market where Brisbane house values have softened slightly, units still appeal to buyers looking for a lower entry point, a central location, and access to transport, lifestyle and employment hubs.

Rental conditions remain supportive as well. Brisbane unit gross rental yields were 4.0%, which is above the Brisbane house yield of 3.2%, while annual unit rental growth across Brisbane was 10.2% according to the Cotality tables. That combination of yield and rental demand continues to support interest in well-located unit stock.

Looking ahead, Brisbane units may continue to attract buyers who want a more affordable path into the market, especially if borrowing costs remain elevated. Even so, the latest data suggests the market is now more selective, with performance likely to vary significantly by suburb, building quality, and proximity to infrastructure.

Source: SQM Research

One of the key factors contributing to Brisbane’s property market strength is the ongoing under-supply of housing. This chronic shortage has kept property prices booming, even as other capital cities have experienced declines. Additionally, Brisbane’s affordability and lifestyle compared to other major cities like Sydney and Melbourne has made it an attractive option for buyers seeking more value for their money.

Another significant factor is the strong population growth, which has bolstered housing demand. Net migration to the Grater Brisbane area remains elevated, although it has slightly decreased from the record highs seen in 2023. This increase in population, combined with resilient labour market conditions and increasing wages, has created a robust environment for property investment. The demand for larger homes and bigger blocks has also increased, reflecting a shift in buyer preferences towards more spacious living arrangements.

In summary, Brisbane’s property market continues to thrive due to its resilient fundamentals, including limited housing supply, strong demographic expansion, and economic prosperity. These factors have positioned Brisbane as a key player in Australia’s property landscape, with promising uplift prospects for the future.

Brisbane’s property market is poised for continued growth beyond 2025, driven by several key factors. The city’s strong population growth, fueled by interstate migration and international arrivals, is expected to sustain demand for housing. Additionally, the city’s robust economy, supported by diverse industries such as finance, technology, and healthcare, will contribute to its long-term stability and attractiveness for property investment.

Infrastructure development is another critical component for the long-term outlook. Major projects like the Brisbane Metro, Cross River Rail, and the Queen’s Wharf development are set to enhance connectivity and boost the local economy. These developments will likely increase property values in surrounding areas, making Brisbane an even more appealing destination for both residential and commercial investments.

Moreover, Brisbane’s lifestyle appeal, with its subtropical climate, cultural attractions, and outdoor lifestyle, will continue to attract new residents and investors. The city’s vibrant art scene, numerous parks, and recreational areas make it an ideal location for families and young professionals. As Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games, the anticipated economic boost and increased global visibility will further solidify its position as a leading property market in Australia.

In summary, Brisbane’s long-term property outlook post-2025 looks promising, with sustained population surge, significant infrastructure projects, and a high quality of life driving its continued success.

At Buyers Scout, we leverage our deep market knowledge and expertise to help you navigate Brisbane’s property market effectively. Whether you are buying your first home or seeking lucrative investment opportunities, our tailored services ensure you make the best decisions in the Brisbane real estate market.

We understand that buying property is a significant decision. That’s why we are committed to providing you with up-to-date, comprehensive information on Brisbane’s property market, ensuring you have all the insights you need. With Buyers Scout, you gain a trusted partner who guides you through every step of the buying process, backed by data-driven insights and a deep understanding of market dynamics.

At Buyers Scout, we are more than just Buyer’s Agents; we are your strategic partners in unlocking the potential of the South-East Queensland property market. Contact us today to learn how we can help you capitalise on the opportunities in Brisbane real estate market and secure your future in one of Australia’s most promising markets.

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