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Momentum is continuing to build in the Queensland market with sales activity and house prices strengthening. The REIQ June quarter median house price report, found the numbers of sales have increased significantly compared to the previous quarter and compared to last year.
The preliminary numbers of house sales across Queensland increased 22% in the June quarter compared to the March quarter and the improvement in the market is even more pronounced when you contrast it to the same period last year with sales numbers up some 40% compared to the June quarter in 2012.
It is the fourth consecutive quarter of positive news. The September quarter last year was a particularly strong one for the Queensland market and that momentum has been sustained throughout the following three quarters of sales activity.
The June quarter historically yields the lowest numbers of residential sales activity during the year but this data shows house sales are notably much higher compared to the same three months in 2012.
The September quarter and the upcoming spring selling season is typically a great period for the Queensland real estate market and with such good price and sales results for the June quarter, as well as historically low interest rates, it’s shaping up to be another strong period as our market continues to build momentum.
Over the June quarter, REIQ data shows the median house price in Brisbane increased 1.6% to $527,250 and increased 3% over the year ending June. The numbers of house sales in Brisbane also increased significantly compared to the previous quarter and last year – up 32% and 44% respectively. The median house prices in Logan City, Moreton Bay and Redland City all also increased over the June quarter.
Quarterly median house prices can fluctuate depending on the types of properties that are selling over that three-month period and this latest REIQ data does show some median price variations.
Over the year ending June, however, the majority of regions posted positive median results which provide a better benchmark for price movements than quarterly data-sets.
Toowoomba posted yearly median house price growth of 4.5%, the Gold Coast increased by 3.1%, and the Sunshine Coast median price grew by 2.3%. No doubt the influence of historically low interest rates and increased perceptions of housing affordability have seen more people move off the sidelines and back into the property market of late.
REIQ estimates of Queensland investor activity also shows that the numbers of investment dwellings financed is tracking at about the historical average. No doubt, investors have recognised the strong rental market, including low vacancy rates, and are taking the plunge while first home buyers remain relatively absent.
The numbers of first home buyers in Queensland remain well below historical averages at just 11% of dwellings financed in June – a decrease of 35% compared to June last year.


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Anton Kardash is CEO of the <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reiq.com/">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>.
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Queensland property market momentum builds: Anton Kardash

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Within a matter of the weeks, a new legislative landscape for Queensland real estate will hopefully be unveiled by the State Government.
The announcement of the draft new legislation, the Property Occupations Bill and the Agents Financial Administration Bill 2013, has been a long time coming with the REIQ lobbying for many years to have the laborious and overly-complex legislative real estate environment addressed.
The REIQ was extensively consulted by the State Government during this legislative review process and we look forward to again working closely with the government as this new much-improved legislation takes shape.
I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Jarrod Bleijie, for the open and collaborative nature in which he and his department have so far handled the review.
It is also very pleasing to note that the State Government shares the REIQ’s long-held view that professionalism must remain the number one tenet for our sector.
The REIQ sent a detailed submission into the split and review of the current Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000 (PAMD Act) and made recommendations towards increasing the professionalism of the industry, reducing regulatory and administrative burden, and simplifying processes associated with real estate transactions.
Our recommendations included the proposed amendment to abolish the PAMD 30c warning statement to eliminate the administrative burden and risks associated with this document.
Multiple appointment PAMD appointment forms (regardless of the nature of the services to be performed) should also be abolished and replaced with a single simplified appointment form containing only key legislative criteria.
Also, appointment processes and procedures should be simplified. The current provisions about appointments are unreasonably onerous and put agents at risk of not being remunerated on the basis of technical and minor omissions.
The REIQ also recommended that a seller and landlord disclosure regime be implemented to establish required disclosures related to the sale and rental of property in Queensland. At minimum, we recommended the existing information and disclosure requirements relating to property sale contracts be incorporated into one single document.
Existing legislative provisions which apply to price representations and guides in relation to auction properties and properties to be sold without a price should be clarified in the new legislation. The REIQ expressed the view that no price guides or price representations should be permissible when marketing and/or promoting residential property that is to be sold by auction or with no price.
The Institute also recommended that the maximum 60 day statutory limit relating to sole and exclusive agency appointments be extended to 90 days.  The current limit is too short and reappointments are regularly required. This causes inconvenience for both the agent and consumer.  An extension of the limit to 90 days better reflects current market conditions.
 
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 Anton Kardash is CEO of the <a target="_blank" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.reiq.com/">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>.
 
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The REIQ's recommendations for the state's new real estate legislation: Anton Kardash

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The decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia to reduce the cash rate by 25 basis points to 2.5% on Tuesday is more good news for the Queensland market.
The rate announcement adds to positive data also released today which shows that the Queensland property market is on the road to recovery.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) house price index, the Brisbane index grew 1.9% in the three months to June.
ABS housing and lending finance data also shows that the numbers of owner-occupiers and investors in the market continues to increase.
Tuesday’s rate cut adds to a growing number of indicators that show our property market is well and truly heading into positive territory.
We have been witnessing improving sales activity and confidence levels for about six to 12 months now, so Tuesday’s rate cut will continue to provide more good news for our market.
All of the signs signal that this year’s spring selling season will be one of the best for quite some time especially once the Federal Election is behind us.
We all hope that the election produces a clear majority which will have a positive and stabilising effect on our economy and correspondingly on our property market.
Anton Kardash is CEO of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.reiq.com">Real Estate Institute of Queensland</a>.
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Rate cuts show property market heading to positive territory

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The Queensland property market recorded its strongest numbers of house sales in nearly two years, according to the latest Real Estate Institute of Queensland data.
The REIQ September quarter median house price report the numbers of house sales increased over the quarter. The numbers of sales were also up 5% compared with the same period last year.
Many buyers had been waiting on the sidelines for economic and buying conditions to improve.
We always expected a sharp increase in activity in the September quarter, as many of our REIQ members had reported that buyers were waiting for interest rates to reduce further and for the return of stamp duty concessions on July 1 this year.
Historically, of course, the September quarter is the spring selling season, so activity is usually higher than during winter, but it is very heartening to see that the numbers of sales is even up on the same period last year.
There was a mix of median price increases and some reductions for major regions over the September quarter, but this can partly be attributed to different compositions of sales occurring over the period. For example, if more affordable properties sell, the median house price will also be lower.
In Brisbane, the median house price increased 1.6% to $508,000. The numbers of house sales was also up more than 35% compared with the June quarter.
Brisbane’s market continues to improve as buyers turn their attention to our affordable capital city property prices, as well as the continued strong demand for rental properties, which is attracting investors.
The mining areas of Queensland appear to have come off the boil a little, perhaps due to sharp property price increases over the past 12 months in Gladstone and <a href="/news">Mackay </a>in particular, however sales in these regions remain strong.
The top performer of all major regions over the quarter was Mackay, which posted a median house price increase of 4.7% to $445,000. Over the year, its median house price increased 4.9%.
Next was Redland City, which recorded a median house price increase of 2.7% to $450,000.
Anton Kardash is CEO of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland. This article first appeared on the <a href="https://reiqblog.com/" target="_blank">REIQ blog.</a>
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Queensland property sales up, but mining towns off the boil

The importance of 10-year Latent Defects Insurance was not lost on first home buyers Mason Davis and his partner Chloe, who recently secured an apartment at Infinity Park in Norwest, which came with the sought-after insurance policy offered by Resilience Insurance.

The couple found it “hugely reassuring” compared to other new developments. It is the only project in the area offering a 10-year policy that protects purchasers from any structural or waterproofing defects for 10 years post-completion of the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94408 project_image_fid=360032]

Developer Haitchin Group is approaching completion of the 290-apartment development.

Robert Tasevski, General Manager at Haitchin Group, says they are seeing buyers place a high value on certainty, certainty of build quality, certainty of delivery timeframes and certainty around what they’re buying into.

“Being able to offer a 10-year Latent Defects Insurance policy, alongside a project that is nearing completion, provides a level of reassurance that’s increasingly important for first-time purchasers.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94408 project_image_fid=360040]

Another key driver in Mason and Chloe’s purchase was the proximity to Norwest Metro, which they called a “game-changer” for living in Norwest.

“The extended Sydney Metro Line is a game-changer for the area, providing greater and faster connectivity from Norwest to the CBD,” Davis said. “The reduced commute times to the CBD and other major business hubs have made Norwest highly attractive from an investment perspective. People can now get to Sydney’s CBD in just over 30 minutes, which for those who rent or live here is important for work-life balance.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94408 project_image_fid=360002]

PRD Norwest Director David Inkster noted that several buyer types, what he describes as ‘investor-occupiers’ like Mason and Chloe, those who invest now and plan to live in the apartment in later years, have been securing apartments based on forecasts of capital growth in properties surrounding Metro stations.

“We’re seeing a growing cohort of buyers who are happy to invest now with the intention of living in the apartment later,” Inkster said. “The Metro has fundamentally changed how people view Norwest, reduced commute times and improved connectivity are driving stronger long-term confidence in the area.”

Recent research supports this view, with data indicating that apartments located along the North West Metro Line have outperformed comparable suburbs over the past decade. Improved transport connectivity has been a key driver, alongside population growth and increasing demand for higher-density housing near stations.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94408 project_image_fid=360033]

Construction of the 290-unit development by Haitchin Group is approaching completion, and will welcome buyers in mid-2026.

When completed, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/infinity-park-residential-8-maitland-place-norwest-nsw-2153">Infinity Park</a> will comprise three residential buildings: the 25-storey Marque tower and two low-rise buildings, Alpha and Omega, delivering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94408 project_image_fid=360043]

The development also includes a seven-storey commercial building opposite the residential precinct, featuring strata commercial suites and a rooftop dining venue by chef Joshua Mason.

The residential precinct has been designed by Turner, with a focus on larger apartment formats and shared amenities intended to support long-term occupancy. A resort-style lagoon pool, extensive landscaping, rooftop gardens and communal spaces form the centre of the development, positioning Infinity Park as a lifestyle-led residential offering within Norwest’s evolving town centre.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=94408]

Joel Robinson

Latent Defects Insurance and Sydney Metro drives buyers to Infinity Park, Norwest

The first stage of Frasers Property Australia’s <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/bradmill-yarraville-355-359-francis-street-yarraville-vic-3013">Bradmill Yarraville</a> has reached completion, marking an early milestone in the long-term regeneration of the former Bradmill denim factory site in Melbourne’s inner west.

Stage one delivers 44 all-electric townhomes designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/rothelowman">Rothelowman</a>, forming the initial residential component of the 26-hectare masterplanned neighbourhood, which is set to eventually accommodate around 1,500 homes.

The completed homes comprise three and four-bedroom configurations across two and three levels, responding primarily to family and owner-occupier demand in a suburb where new housing supply has historically been limited.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134727 project_image_fid=356029]

Sustainability has been a defining feature of the first stage, with all residences delivered as fully electric and the broader project holding a 6 Star Green Star Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

Rather than being delivered in isolation, stage one has been designed to integrate with the wider Bradmill Yarraville vision, which places equal emphasis on housing, green space, and shared amenity.&nbsp;

A future landscaped linear park is planned to connect the completed townhomes with neighbouring McIvor Reserve, foreshadowing the open-space network that will ultimately extend across the precinct.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134727 project_image_fid=311282]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/frasers-property">Frasers Property Australia</a> has positioned Bradmill as a community-led regeneration project, drawing on the site’s industrial heritage while introducing new residential and social infrastructure.&nbsp;

Future stages will centre around Bradmill Quarter, a mixed-use precinct planned to include a full-line Woolworths Supermarket, childcare and medical services, specialty retail, and hospitality offerings arranged around a central public plaza known as The Arbory.

Adaptive reuse also plays a central role in the broader development, with the heritage-listed Proofing Building and Boiler House earmarked for transformation into resident-focused wellness, co-working, and social spaces under the Bradmill Social banner. These facilities are expected to be delivered progressively as later stages come online.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134727 project_image_fid=311277]

Located around 7.5 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, Bradmill Yarraville sits within an established residential catchment known for its village-scale retail, access to public transport, and proximity to education and open space.&nbsp;

The completion of the first stage signals the transition from planning to lived reality, providing early residents with a foothold in what will become one of the inner west’s largest urban renewal projects over the coming decade.

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Bradmill Yarraville’s first stage townhomes complete as inner-west regeneration takes shape

Bayside remains one of Melbourne’s most resilient residential markets, with its middle-ring suburbs, stretching from Brighton through to Beaumaris, continuing to see strong demand from long-time locals who do not want to leave the region.

While larger homes have long defined the streetscapes, the past few years have brought a clear shift towards smaller-scale, design-led developments tailored to the needs of the Bayside local. According to the latest ABS Census data, nearly 40 per cent of Bayside’s 110,000 residents are over 50. While there is no strictly defined age at which people downsize, 50 is often a point where those who had children in their 30s begin to see them leave the family home.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/noorden">Noorden</a> Real Estate director David Lamond says downsizers make up the majority of his enquiries, with buyers prioritising local amenity and low maintenance over sheer size.

“Those approaching 60 who have been in the property market for two to three decades do not need to wait any longer to downsize,” Lamond says. “They have been through several market cycles, and their homes have multiplied in value four or five times over that period. Good-quality new homes are coming to Bayside, allowing long-time locals to stay in the area while moving into something more manageable and at a small percentage? of the price of their now oversized and under-used family home.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140140 project_image_fid=219620]

All buyers at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-townhouses/marlu-hampton-29-service-street-hampton-vic-3188">Marlu Hampton</a>, a boutique development of just seven luxury townhomes by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/thomas-constructions">Thomas Constructions</a> and designed by David Dubois, are local downsizers. The substantial homes, offering more than 260 square metres of internal space and a lift servicing all three levels, are attracting multi-generational families as well as households with older children preparing to leave home.

The project’s success is also closely tied to its walkable setting. From Service Street, it is an eight-minute stroll to Hampton’s dog-friendly beach, passing cafés such as Merry Men and Brown Cow, with the Sandringham Yacht Club just beyond. The area is also well served by parks, public and private schools, and the retail amenity of Hampton Street.

Four of the seven townhomes are already spoken for, ahead of their early 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112854 project_image_fid=350992]

Elsewhere in Bayside, David Lamond is also seeing a different type of downsizer emerge. While many want something only slightly smaller than the family home, others are looking to significantly reduce their footprint.

“There is a cohort of downsizers who truly want to downsize,” David Lamond says. “They are seeking a lock-and-leave apartment where two or three bedrooms, space for entertaining, and a balcony are more than enough. They are redirecting the proceeds from their family home into superannuation, retirement planning or travel, rather than another large home.”

This trend is evident nearby at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/lumin-hampton-26-crisp-street-hampton-vic-3188">Luminè</a> on Crisp Street, a development of just 15 two and three-bedroom apartments. Located within walking distance of Hampton Beach and the everyday amenity of Hampton Street, it reflects the same underlying demand driving Marlu: highly liveable homes in familiar territory. Completion at Luminè is scheduled for early 2027, with prices starting from $1,175,000.

Why wait? Two paths to downsizing in Hampton

Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett is set to create a new landmark on the Brisbane River.

Adsett, a longtime architect who has more recently turned his attention to designing and developing his own buildings, has filed plans for his latest project to date: a 23-storey tower comprising 90 “large-format” apartments on the corner of Coronation Drive and Lang Parade in Auchenflower.

The project, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/355-coronation-drive-auchenflower-qld-4066">dubbed Bloom</a>, would deliver a mix of 36 two-bedroom and 54 three-bedroom apartments, arranged within a sculptural tower rising above a publicly accessible ground-level landscape and lobby. The site occupies approximately 1,430 square metres and is identified as a landmark site under the Toowong–Auchenflower Neighbourhood Plan.

<img alt="First look: Plans lodged for landmark riverfront apartment tower at Auchenflower’s Coronation Drive bend" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50ae7821-2c09-4f44-94d8-2185c5b968ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Auchenflower%20bdlg%20pers.png?VersionId=if5_VZhHJcMz7LvBS5sCfVkLNhVX9Dht" />

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/joe-adsett-architects">Joe Adsett Architects</a>&nbsp;describes the building as a "response to both the riverfront setting and Brisbane’s subtropical climate" in the planning documentation submitted to the Brisbane City Council.

“Through its sculptural architectural expression and carefully considered landscape integration, the proposed development responds thoughtfully to its prominent riverfront setting while reinforcing the evolving urban character of Brisbane’s inner west," the architectural statement read.

The tower form is articulated by soft, undulating balcony edges and layered façades intended to reduce perceived bulk while maximising outlook toward the Brisbane River, the CBD and Mt Coot-tha. Integrated planting is proposed throughout the building, including within balconies and communal areas, with a shared rooftop terrace positioned at the crown of the building.

At ground level, the proposal includes a publicly accessible landscaped garden and pedestrian-focused open space at the corner of Coronation Drive and Lang Parade. A triple-height lobby and a near-10-metre-high void are proposed to maintain visibility and permeability through the site, reinforcing its role as a prominent arrival point to the Dunmore residential precinct.

<img alt="First look: Plans lodged for landmark riverfront apartment tower at Auchenflower’s Coronation Drive bend" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9f1a055f-d6cd-424a-be35-a50a1e9b885d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Auchenflower%20bdlg%20podium.png?VersionId=H0ZbsFDwHKYDTa2yzGHoq8mIQqZQ9m2M" />

Mewing Planning Consultants, in their Town Planning Assessment, describe the ground plane as a key public benefit of the scheme, stating that “an activated lobby and landscaped publicly accessible open space / outdoor garden is provided on ground level, offering a pleasant pedestrian experience to the site and reinforcing a sense of arrival to the Dunmore residential precinct.”

For future residents, the Milton ferry terminal is less than 400 metres from the front door, while the Bicentennial Bikeway runs within 50 metres of the site.

Adsett has delivered several projects since branching out into property development. He recently completed Rockpool Rainbow Bay, one of the most architecturally striking buildings in the area, as well as a luxury apartment development in Moffat Beach.

In Brisbane, the team is preparing to launch Amari Toowong, 28 three-bedroom apartments on Glen Road.

Joe Adsett scales up, proposes riverside apartment tower in Auchenflower

Australia’s largest private builder, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a>, has locked into the commencement of construction on the fourth project being undertaken by seasoned Queensland developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a> in Rainbow Bay.

Hutchinson will start construction early next year on the $250m residential project <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/radia-rainbow-bay-271-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Radia</a> after S&amp;S privately funded its own early works, demonstrating the group’s confidence in the southern Gold Coast property market.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284544]

Radia is the fourth project undertaken by Paul Gedoun's S&amp;S Projects, following behind Flow Residences, Awaken Residences, and Esprit, which has helped transform the waterfront enclave into a premium lifestyle destination.

Situated on a 1,355 sqm site on Boundary Street, Radia will comprise just 38 two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom apartments across a 14-storey building. Prices start from $2.4 million.

“It’s fantastic to see Radia begin to take shape,” said Paul Gedoun, Founding Director of S&amp;S Projects.

“We chose to fund the early works because we are confident in the strength of the Gold Coast market and committed to delivering this project on time."

Gedoun described Rainbow as an "iconic location on the Gold Coast.

"There is such a high demand for residential projects, with buyers recognising the value and unrivalled lifestyle that’s on offer. To now have partnered with Hutchinson Builders, one of Australia’s most experienced contract builders, is an exceptional milestone for us, and signals the next stage of Radia.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284553]

Launched to the market in 2024, Radia has attracted strong interest from affluent, coastal mindned buyers, as well as downsizers and investors, looking for spacious apartment living in the Gold Coast’s premier coastal suburb.&nbsp;

Strategically located at 271 Boundary Street, Radia showcases panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding coastline across both sides of the Queensland-New South Wales border, a rare feature in today’s market.

Anchored by wellness and balance, Radia will feature a lap pool with a heated magnesium spa, ice bath, infrared sauna, thermal room, steam room, gymnasium, residents’ lounge and private dining room.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=140491 project_image_fid=284543]

“Each amenity is designed to capitalise on the lifestyle of Rainbow Bay, ensuring residents can enjoy the relaxed coastal experience, the enclave is famous for,” Gedoun added.

“As we edge closer to getting off the ground backed by one of the country’s biggest builders, we believe Radia will become one of the Gold Coast’s most compelling opportunities for buyers looking to live the ultimate coastal lifestyle."

Hutchies is forecasting a late 2027 completion date.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=140491]

Anton Kardash

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