Brisbane’s future hotspots have been revealed within the pressure to build and not outside
Fortitude Valley is highlighted as an investor location where one-bedroom units are selling for under $600,000.
Hot spots for future growth have been flagged amid fierce calls to build Brisbane, not to leave as the city falls far short of meeting demand for housing.
With just 14 per cent of the city zoned for low- to medium-density housing despite projections showing more than 210,000 new homes will be needed by 2046, Brisbane City Council has proposed planning changes that raise the current two- or three-storey limits to three storeys, and in some well-placed pockets, up to four storeys.
The managing director of Your Future Strategy, Gareth Croy, said this change could change where consumers and investors look next, as capacity has opened up around transport and services.
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This three-bedroom house on an 837 sqm block at 8 Alkoomie St, Wynnum is for sale for $2m.
Mr Croy highlighted the suburbs which are thought to benefit from future waterless development and the continued need for well-connected living spaces.
Greater Brisbane hotspot areas included Wynnum and Manly, where large blocks of flats and an attractive waterfront continue to draw families and downsizers.
Fortitude Valley has also been flagged as a high growth city center area benefiting from continued development and proximity to the CBD and major transport links.
On the Gold Coast, Mr Croy identified Broadbeach as a proven investment location with significant development activity and strong rental demand, alongside Burleigh Waters and Burleigh Heads, where limited stock development and infrastructure have helped drive competition.
Broadbeach was among the Gold Coast’s choices, though you’d need north of $1m to buy a unit with water views.
“These are the types of areas where there are significant opportunities,” he said.
Mr Croy said Brisbane was at a “crossroads”, warning that high-density housing was at risk of locking many residents out of good living spaces.
“The demand for housing and lifestyle in this city is amazing, but the availability of housing is not continuous, especially when it comes to living in well-connected cities,” he said.
“There are still many opportunities for buyers in Brisbane but we need to build smart and that may mean building, not just exiting.”
Council data shows that housing delivery in low to medium density areas is lagging behind demand, with 445 new homes built in those areas by 2023.
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Mr Croy said Brisbane’s rapid price growth had also changed the market landscape, with buyers increasingly thinking the city’s best value had passed.
“Brisbane prices are starting to approach and in some places surpass Sydney levels, and people think the opportunity has already passed,” he said.
“Brisbane still has a lot of juice left, especially for investors who know where to look. The key is understanding how the market is changing and having the right buying strategy.”
Bayside Manly is located approximately 30 minutes from the CBD
The pressure comes as Brisbane continues to add around 600 new residents each week, increasing pressure on housing supply and affordability.
32-year-old Bianca Skene has been saving for five years to get a deposit together to buy in her home town, racing to keep up with rising prices.
Since then he’s settled into a 30-minute commute, buying a three-bedroom townhouse in the Brisbane suburb for $840,000.
K&S Property Group consultant KC Yeung said investors are benefiting from a “very strong rental market” driven by an influx of interested expats and overseas residents.
KC Yeung of K&S Property Group. Photo provided.
“Brisbane is changing from a lifestyle city to an international destination, and that’s changing the property market dramatically,” Mr Yeung said.
“Having so many residents means that the demand for renting will remain high because people like to rent before they buy while studying the area.
“For consumers, this creates strong long-term fundamentals, while retailers see increased competition from domestic and middle-class buyers.”
The discussion will be part of the Thrive 2026 financial workshop, a one-day event on Saturday 21 February focusing on property, wealth, investment and personal financial strategies.
