Brisbane’s property market has recorded another month of steady gains, reinforcing its position as one of Australia’s most resilient capital city markets. According to the latest Home Value Index from Cotality, dwelling values in Brisbane rose 1.6% in February, pushing annual growth to 17.3%. The median dwelling value now sits at $1,080,538, reflecting sustained buyer demand despite higher borrowing costs.
Over the past five years, Brisbane dwelling values have increased more than 86%, highlighting a long-term structural shift in housing demand across southeast Queensland. While Sydney and Melbourne have experienced softer conditions, Brisbane continues to deliver consistent monthly growth that compounds meaningfully over time.
A key driver of this resilience is constrained housing supply. Data from SQM Research shows new listings are significantly lower than a year ago, with total stock levels sitting well below the five-year average. This shortage of available properties continues to support strong competition, with auction clearance rates remaining above 70% through February, even after the Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate to 3.85%.
Buyer composition is also evolving. First-home buyers are re-entering the market, supported by government initiatives that reduce deposit barriers. Demand is particularly concentrated below the $1 million price point, leading to stronger growth in Brisbane’s lower and middle market segments. This has intensified competition in more affordable suburbs and reinforced upward pressure on values.
The unit sector is currently outperforming houses on an annual basis, with unit values rising more than 20% over the past year. Affordability constraints, solid rental yields and investor demand are supporting this momentum. Meanwhile, Brisbane’s rental market remains extremely tight, with vacancy rates holding at around 1%, well below balanced levels. Annual rental growth continues to strengthen overall investment returns.
Although some headwinds remain — including interest rate uncertainty and broader economic conditions — Brisbane’s fundamentals remain firmly in place. Limited housing supply, population growth and steady buyer demand are expected to maintain gradual upward pressure on property values throughout 2026.
In a fragmented national market, Brisbane’s appeal lies not in short-term spikes, but in its consistent and structurally supported growth trajectory.