BRISBANE’S extraordinary property run is expected to continue through 2026, but affordability pressures and higher interest rates could finally put the brakes on the rapid growth homeowners have enjoyed over the past five years.
Research forecasts Brisbane property prices will rise 9.7 per cent in 2026, placing the Queensland capital among the nation’s strongest-performing markets, before growth slows sharply to 1.4 per cent in 2027.
Brisbane’s median dwelling price has climbed above $1.1 million, while the median house price sits at more than $1.2 million.
Regional Queensland dwellings have also surged, reaching a median of more than $852,000.
Property commentator Michael Yardney argues the expected moderation should not be mistaken for a market downturn.
He said Brisbane remained supported by strong population growth, high employment and a chronic shortage of new housing, while the approaching 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games would add another major dimension to South East Queensland’s property story.
Since Brisbane was announced as the 2032 host in 2021, its house price index has risen 37 per cent above the national average, according to the analysis.
The Games are also expected to intensify an already difficult housing supply equation.
Billions of dollars will be spent on major infrastructure and Games-related projects in the years ahead, increasing competition for construction workers and resources at a time when Queensland building costs have already risen 44 per cent over five years.
The analysis cites CBRE forecasts suggesting just 3100 new inner-city dwellings will be built annually between 2026 and 2031, with vacancy rates expected to remain at or below one per cent during that period.
That could be welcome news for property owners and investors, but considerably less encouraging for renters.
