Brett Warren , National Director – Metropole Group
Brisbane’s housing market maintained its robust upward trajectory in March, with dwelling values rising by 1.8% over the month. This follows a solid 1.7% gain in February, signaling that the Queensland capital remains one of Australia’s most resilient and fast-growing markets. On a quarterly basis, the market surged by 5.1%, adding approximately $54,000 to the median dwelling value.
Growth continues to be driven by the more affordable segments of the market. While premium properties are still recording healthy gains, the lower quartile is significantly outperforming the broader market. This intense competition at lower price points is being fueled by a combination of first-home buyer activity, investor participation, and buyers seeking entry-level housing in a high-interest-rate environment.
Brisbane Market Performance
The median house value in Brisbane has now surpassed the $1.2 million mark, while the median unit value has climbed to $865,000, reflecting the sustained pressure on residential inventory.
| Market Segment | Quarterly Change (Q1 2026) | Median Value (March 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Quartile (Affordable) | +6.4% | Varies by property type |
| House Sector (Median) | +5.1% (Overall) | $1,200,000+ |
| Unit Sector (Median) | +5.1% (Overall) | $865,000 |
| Upper Quartile (Premium) | +3.9% | Varies by property type |
Source: Cotality, April 2026
Affordability and Serviceability Constraints
Despite the strong growth, Brisbane is not immune to the national headwinds of record-low affordability and tightening credit conditions. With serviceability buffers requiring new borrowers to demonstrate an ability to repay loans at around 9%, demand is increasingly concentrating in the lower price brackets where debt levels are more manageable.
The 6.4% jump in lower-quartile values compared to the 3.9% rise in the upper quartile illustrates this “flight to affordability.” While government support programs like deposit guarantees assist some buyers, the rapid appreciation at the entry-level—combined with high cost-of-living expenses—is beginning to limit the effectiveness of these stimulus measures.
Supply Dynamics and Future Outlook
The primary factor underpinning Brisbane’s price resilience is a chronic shortage of housing stock. Advertised listing levels remain more than 20% below the five-year average, ensuring that sellers maintain the upper hand in negotiations despite broader economic uncertainty.
| Metric | Status / Trend |
|---|---|
| Advertised Stock Levels | 20%+ Below 5-Year Average |
| Quarterly Value Gain | +$54,000 (approx. median) |
| Market Outlook | Strongly favors sellers |
Source: Cotality, April 2026
Looking ahead, Brisbane is expected to remain a top-performing capital city through 2026. A resilient labor market and strong internal migration provide a solid floor for values. However, buyers and sellers should remain cautious as the market becomes more sensitive to interest rate fluctuations and cost-of-living shocks. While broad-based gains are expected to continue, they may be increasingly limited to segments where serviceability remains achievable for a shrinking pool of buyers.
