Australia’s housing market is under immense pressure, and Southeast Queensland (SEQ) is ground zero for both the challenge and the opportunity.
We are in the midst of a significant housing undersupply, driven by a combination of rapid population growth, insufficient new builds, and shifting housing preferences. More than 70,000 people are relocating to SEQ every year, with forecasts projecting over 700,000 new residents by 2036. This sustained migration is placing extraordinary demand on the region’s housing stock, and the current pace of development simply can’t keep up.
What does this mean for property investors? It means opportunity, but only for those who act strategically and early.
Rising Prices, Shrinking Entry Points
Let’s start with the numbers. Entry-level house prices in Brisbane have surged past $800,000, a jaw-dropping 60% rise since 2021. This is locking out a significant number of first-home buyers and upgraders, creating a larger pool of long-term renters. For investors, this shift means stronger rental demand, lower vacancy rates, and rising rental yields.
However, it also means that the traditional investment areas closer to Brisbane’s CBD are becoming increasingly unaffordable for those just starting or trying to scale. That’s where outer-metro areas come into play.
Why Ipswich, Logan, and Moreton Bay Are Stealing the Spotlight
If you’re looking for growth corridors with lower entry prices and higher yield potential, focus your attention on the Ipswich, Logan, and parts of Moreton Bay regions. These areas are not only more affordable, but they’re also being proactive, leading the way in planning reforms, infill zoning approvals, and higher-density housing developments.
Take Ipswich City Council, for example. According to projections by Michael Read and Matusik, the council will need to deliver around 6,100 new dwellings every year between 2026 and 2036. But it’s not just about the volume of homes needed—it’s about the type of homes in demand.
Check out this forecast on future housing demand by product type in Ipswich:
The data tells a clear story:
- 21% of demand will come from small lot homes (under 350m²)
- 20% from traditional townhouse projects
- 18% from terraces, dual occupancy, and backyard housing
- Only 16% of traditional detached homes
This shift reflects changing lifestyle preferences, affordability constraints, and a growing appetite for low-maintenance, well-located housing options. Investors who align with this demand now will be best positioned to benefit from capital growth and sustained rental returns over the next decade.
Timing Matters – Get Ahead of the Curve
What’s happening in SEQ is not a short-term trend—it’s a structural transformation. The region is growing:
- Demographically – younger families, interstate migrants, and downsizers are all contributing to a diverse demand profile.
- Economically – major infrastructure investments (transport, health, education) are fuelling job growth and economic resilience.
- Strategically – government planning is supporting infill development and increasing density in key growth corridors.
But timing is critical. As affordability tightens and demand accelerates, the best investment opportunities won’t last long. By working with a local, data-driven buyers’ agent who understands SEQ’s growth dynamics and can secure high-performing assets, including off-market properties, you give yourself a competitive edge.
The Window Is Open—But It Won’t Stay Open Forever
If you’ve been watching the market and waiting for the “right time,” this is it. SEQ offers a unique combination of affordability, growth potential, and infrastructure momentum that’s rare in today’s national property landscape.
Whether you’re after a high-yield dual occupancy, a small-lot townhouse, or a turnkey property in an emerging suburb, the opportunity lies in knowing where the demand is headed and buying ahead of the curve.
Don’t wait for the market to price you out. Make your move while the fundamentals are this strong.
Need Help Building Your Property Strategy in SEQ?
At Ash Buyers Agency, we specialise in helping investors capitalise on high-growth opportunities in Southeast Queensland. With deep local knowledge, exclusive off-market access, and a data-first approach, we help you invest with confidence, not guesswork.
Let’s talk about your investment goals and how we can help you get ahead in SEQ’s evolving property landscape.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Ash Buyers Agency today on +61 434 111 200 to speak with Southeast Queensland’s Best Buyers Agent. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting, we’ll help you secure high-performing property in the right location at the right time.
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