Queensland 10-Year Property Price Trends: Two Growth Models

Queensland has been leading the nation in property price growth over the past few years. From Greater Brisbane to coastal tourist hubs and regional centres, many local government areas (LGAs) have outperformed the national average.

• Between 2020 and 2025, Brisbane’s house prices rose over 60%, well ahead of Sydney (23%) and Melbourne (19%).
• Townsville was the best-performing market in Australia in 2024, with over 30% growth in a single year.

Affordability Has Shifted

Rapid growth has pushed many South East QLD markets beyond traditional affordability thresholds. Median prices in LGAs such as Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Redland, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast have now exceeded $1 million.

However, regional cities like Rockhampton, Gladstone, and Townsville remain relatively affordable, with median house prices around $600,000 — presenting attractive entry points for investors.

Two Distinct Growth Patterns in QLD

Looking beyond the headlines, a deeper analysis of 10-year growth reveals two very different market behaviors:

1️⃣ Southeast QLD: Boom & Cool-Down

This group includes: Brisbane (LGA) , Gold Coast , Sunshine Coast , Gympie

These markets surged post-COVID (2021), followed by a sharp but brief correction in 2022 due to interest rate hikes. Growth returned in 2023–2024 but at a slower pace.

• Brisbane (LGA): 108% growth over 10 years
• Gold Coast: 140%
• Sunshine Coast: 137%
• Gympie: a standout at 172%

These high-growth markets have seen significant value gains, but now carry lower affordability and potential saturation risk. For investors, entering these markets today requires caution and selectivity.

2️⃣ Northern QLD: Late Cycle Upswing

Cities like Townsville, Mackay, and other northern hubs tell a different story. These areas experienced price declines post-2014, due to falling resource prices. Unlike Brisbane, they didn’t see a COVID boom — and were less impacted by rate hikes. The real rebound started only in early 2024, and momentum is still building. 10-year growth in these regions ranges from 60% to 90%.

• Mackay: ~74%
• Townsville: ~74%

Importantly, affordability remains strong, and their current upswing appears sustainable in the short-to-mid term.

🧭What This Means for Investors

Understanding where a market sits in its growth cycle is key to risk-adjusted investing. While parts of SEQ have already seen their steep rise, regional QLD still offers room to grow — particularly for yield-conscious buyers seeking balanced fundamentals.

At Foresight, we track these shifts closely and help clients time their market entry based on data, affordability, and forward indicators — not just headlines.

📩 Thinking of investing in Queensland? Let’s talk: Info@ForesightProperty.com.au We’re here to guide you with research-backed confidence.