John McGrath has picked Recliffe as a suburb to watch in 2026.
Once called the poor cousin of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, a Queensland coastal retreat has made property guru John McGrath’s list of top destinations for 2026.
Redcliffe, in the booming Moreton Bay region, offers “strong investment potential” due to the appeal of its coastal lifestyle, ongoing infrastructure upgrades and proximity to Brisbane, according to the founder of McGrath Estate Agents.
“Buyers are attracted to the coastal lifestyle, improved infrastructure and affordability compared to inner-city suburbs, driving continued demand and capital growth,” McGrath said.
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This three-bedroom house at 73 Shields St, Redcliffe is for sale with offers over $1,279,000.
Redcliffe is one of John McGrath’s suburbs to watch for property in 2026.
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Belle Property Redcliffe agent Jonathan Koleszar said Redcliffe offered a relaxed lifestyle that appealed to downsizers, as well as younger families with the option of working remotely.
“The lifestyle is the biggest thing [reason] why people would move here,” Koleszar said.
This two-bedroom house at 3 Sutton St, Redcliffe is for sale with offers over $899,000.
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“Many people work from home these days, and they can afford to live more of a lifestyle than having to adapt to work.
“I guess downsizing has been the biggest reason for the growth… you have the beach within easy reach, and then you’re within walking distance of all the restaurants.”
Redcliffe has an average house price of $875,000, which is a whopping 98 percent more expensive than five years ago, but still affordable enough for first home buyers.
Mr McGrath said first home buyers are a vital segment of the Brisbane market, with strong uptake of the Federal Government’s home warranty scheme.
John McGrath, founder of McGrath Estate Agents.
The Queensland Government’s extension of the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant until June 2026 for those purchasing properties where the home and land value is less than $750,000 helped achieve that lower price point, along with the Boost to Buy home ownership scheme.
Another top pick of Mr McGrath’s is Brisbane’s inner suburb of Coorparoo, which he says has a “vibrant village atmosphere, excellent connectivity” and is close to the CBD.
Mr McGrath said Coorparoo showed strong potential for capital growth due to its classic charm and modern sophistication and mix of characterful Queenslanders and architectural homes, which attracted both families and professionals.
This four-bedroom home at 369 Chatsworth Rd, Coorparoo is for sale with offers in excess of $2.19 million.
“The area is well supported by quality schools and a vibrant cafe scene, all set against green, tree-lined streets,” he said.
“Commuters benefit from direct access to major highways, making travel north or south seamless.”
But according to PropTrack, the suburb is no longer considered affordable, with an average home price of about $1.7 million.
On the Gold Coast, Mr McGrath likes Clear Island Waters for its capital growth potential, driven by its proximity to elite schools, golf courses and beaches.
This four-bedroom house at 10 Sigatoka Plc, Clear Island Waters, is for sale with offers in excess of $1.65 million.
“Clear Island Waters is well positioned, with expansive homes and a median home value in fiscal year 2025 of $1.87 million, attracting high-income families seeking lifestyle, privacy and long-term investment security,” he said.
Noosa’s lesser-known neighbour, Peregian Beach, also makes the list for its natural beauty, pristine pristine beaches and cafe culture.
Mr McGrath said the area was attracting interest from families and lifestyle enthusiasts
to the “relaxed coastal character and close-knit community” of the suburb.
This five-bedroom home at 1 Pavonia St, Peregian Beach, is for sale with offers in excess of $2 million.
In the state’s north, the focus has been on Townsville as the place to invest of late, but McGrath predicts Mackay will be the city to watch in 2026.
“Mackay offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle, supported by a robust economy driven by mining, agriculture and tourism,” he said.
“When you add in the $9 billion Bruce Highway upgrade and a major project to revitalize Mackay’s waterfront, it’s easy to see why there is increased demand for property in the region.
This three-bedroom house at 82 Bannister St, South Mackay, is for sale at an offer of more than $529,000.
“Mackay is a modern regional city with a strong sense of community and boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, pristine beaches and world-class recreational fishing, making it increasingly attractive to homebuyers and investors alike.”
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