IPSWICH continues to emerge as one of South East Queensland’s strongest-performing property corridors, as the region’s land market surges to record highs and continues to attract waves of new residents chasing affordability, lifestyle and opportunity.
New data from Oliver Hume Property Group shows median lot prices across South East Queensland jumped 9.9 per cent in the September quarter to a record $483,600 – now higher than Melbourne on both a median and per-square-metre basis. But while overall prices are soaring, Ipswich remains one of the last affordable frontiers, with a median land price of $445,900.
Real estate expert Suzie Tafolo said Ipswich had become one of South East Queensland’s most dynamic growth corridors – and while it was still the affordable alternative to Brisbane, that window was narrowing.
“Ipswich offers incredible value,” Ms Tafolo said. “Even with recent price rises, land here is still roughly half the cost of Brisbane. You’re looking at around $507 per square metre compared with about $970 in Brisbane’s local government area – that’s a huge affordability advantage.”
According to Ms Tafolo, the median new-lot price in Ipswich hit roughly $368,000 in the December quarter, up just over 10 per cent in 2024, while the broader SEQ region has climbed to around $437,900 with an 11 per cent annual rise.
Ms Tafolo points to the city’s Western Growth Corridor, which includes Rosewood, Walloon and Thagoona, now being formally structure-planned by council to coordinate housing and infrastructure.
In the Ripley Valley alone, there are more than 9000 new lots in the pipeline, supported by government and private investment.
While Ipswich still represents one of the best-value land markets in SEQ, Ms Tafolo cautions that growth is tightening the gap.
“The affordability story is still strong, but it’s evolving,” she said.
Oliver Hume Chief Economist Matt Bell said the region’s strong price growth and sustained buyer activity highlighted Ipswich’s growing importance as a destination for families and first-home buyers.
“These are new historical highs,” Mr Bell said.
Ipswich recorded a 6 per cent rise in land sales for the quarter, maintaining consistent demand of around 400 lots per quarter.
