South East Queensland Property Market Update – What to Expect this April.

As we head into April 2025, the property market in South East Queensland (SEQ) continues to offer exciting opportunities for investors and property owners. The region remains a highly sought-after area for both residential and investment properties, with the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and surrounding suburbs continuing to show strong growth.

Market Trends in South East Queensland

Over the last year, the South East Queensland property market has demonstrated resilience and growth, despite broader economic uncertainties. As interest rates stabilise and the national economy adjusts, SEQ's property market is showing signs of continued strength.

• Population Growth: South East Queensland continues to experience significant population growth, driven by interstate migration. The affordability of SEQ compared to southern states like New South Wales and Victoria has attracted an influx of residents seeking better lifestyles and job opportunities. This growth is expected to maintain demand for both rental properties and homebuyers in the region.Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional Population Growth, 2023.
• Infrastructure Developments: Large-scale infrastructure projects, including the Brisbane Metro, the Gold Coast Light Rail extension, and the ongoing developments in the Moreton Bay region, are transforming the landscape of SEQ. These projects are driving urban renewal and making suburban areas more attractive to investors. As these infrastructure projects near completion, they are expected to further boost property values and rental demand.Source: Queensland Government, Infrastructure Plan 2024.
• Supply vs Demand: In some suburbs, there remains a tight supply of properties available for rent. While new housing developments are underway, the high demand from residents and investors continues to outpace the available stock. This results in competitive markets, especially in high-demand locations like Brisbane's inner-city suburbs and the coastal areas of the Gold Coast.Source: Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), Rental Vacancy Rates Report, December 2024.

Impact of Cyclone Alfred

One of the key factors influencing the SEQ property market in early 2025 has been the impact of Cyclone Alfred. The cyclone, which brought severe weather conditions to parts of Queensland, has affected property prices and demand in certain areas. Historically, property markets in cyclone-affected regions experience short-term dips in value due to damage, insurance concerns, and infrastructure disruptions. However, data suggests that these areas often see a significant rebound in property prices within three years as rebuilding efforts and improved infrastructure increase demand.

Areas directly impacted by Cyclone Alfred may experience temporary buyer hesitancy, particularly in regions prone to flooding or storm surges. Conversely, demand in less-affected areas, including Brisbane’s inner suburbs and elevated coastal properties, may rise as buyers seek homes with greater resilience to extreme weather events.

For investors and property owners, the long-term impact of Cyclone Alfred highlights the importance of considering flood and storm-proofing measures, as well as ensuring properties are adequately insured against natural disasters (See our article on future proofing your property)