Brisbane’s future property hotspots revealed as the push to build is on – realestate.com.au

Future growth hotspots have been highlighted amid intensified calls for Brisbane to build up, not disappear, as the city lags far behind in meeting housing demand.

With only 14 per cent of the city earmarked for low to medium density housing, despite forecasts that more than 210,000 new homes will be needed by 2046, Brisbane City Council has proposed planning changes to lift the current limit of two or three storeys to three storeys, and up to four storeys in some well-located areas.

Gareth Croy, director of Your Future Strategy, said the shift could reshape what buyers and investors focus on next, as capacity is unlocked closer to transport and services.

This three-bedroom house on an 837 sqm block at 8 Alkoomie St, Wynnum sold for $2 million

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Mr Croy highlighted the suburbs that can benefit from future infill developments and the continued demand for well-connected lifestyle locations.

Brisbane’s bigger hotspots included Wynnum and Manly, where large blocks and waterfront appeal continued to attract families and downsizers.

Fortitude Valley was also identified as a fast-growing inner-city fringe suburb benefiting from continued development and proximity to the CBD and major transport links.

On the Gold Coast, Mr Croy cited Broadbeach as a proven investment hotspot with major development activity and strong rental demand, alongside Burleigh Waters and Burleigh Heads, where limited stock and infrastructure improvements had helped support competition.

Broadbeach was one of the Gold Coast choices, although you’ll need more than $1 million to buy a unit with a water view

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“These are the kinds of areas where there are significant opportunities,” he said.

Mr Croy said Brisbane was “at a crossroads”, warning that the city’s low density risked excluding more residents from well-located neighbourhoods.

“The demand for housing and lifestyle in this city is extraordinary, but supply has not kept up, especially when it comes to well-connected urban living,” he said.

“There are still many opportunities for buyers in Brisbane, but we need to build smart and that may mean building up, not just building out.”

Council data shows that housing supply in low to medium density areas is lagging behind demand, with just 445 new homes built in those zones by 2023.

Gareth Croy of your future strategy

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Mr Croy said Brisbane’s rapid price growth had also changed market sentiment, with buyers increasingly assuming the city’s best value had already passed.

“Brisbane prices are starting to close in, exceeding Sydney levels in some places, and people are assuming the window of opportunity has already passed,” he said.

“Brisbane still has plenty of energy left, especially for investors who know where to look. The key is understanding how the market is changing and having the right strategy behind the purchase.”

Bayside Manly is approximately a 30 minute commute from the CBD

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The boost comes as Brisbane continues to add around 600 new residents every week, increasing pressure on housing supply and affordability.

Thirty-two-year-old Bianca Skene saved for five years to come up with a down payment to buy into her hometown, racing to keep up with rising values.

She has since settled for a 30-minute drive and bought a three-bedroom mansion in Brisbane’s Bay Area for $840,000.

K&S Property Group consultant KC Yeung said investors were benefiting from an “extremely tight rental market” driven by the influx of both interested and foreign migration.

KC Yeung of K&S Property Group. Image supplied.

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“Brisbane is transforming from a domestic lifestyle city to an international destination city, and that is fundamentally changing the real estate market,” Yeung said.

“The fact that we are receiving so many new residents means that demand for rental properties will remain high as people almost always prefer to rent before buying while they get to know the area.

“For buyers, this creates strong long-term fundamentals, while sellers see increased competition from both local and interstate buyers.”

The discussion will be part of the Thrive 2026 financial workshop, a one-day event on Saturday, February 21 focused on real estate, wealth, investment and personal finance strategies.