Regional Queensland | Spring 2026 Property Market Report

Regional Queensland's property market enters Spring 2026 with strong underlying fundamentals despite softer sales activity. Property values continue to rise at a double-digit annual pace, homes are selling faster than a year ago and rental conditions remain exceptionally tight across many regional centres. Continued population growth, low unemployment and limited housing supply are helping to support market performance across the state.

Market snapshot

Regional Queensland recorded 66,250 residential property sales in the year to Q2 2026, representing a 6% decline compared to the previous year. Despite lower transaction volumes, homes are selling more quickly, with the average time on market falling to 28 days, three days faster than a year ago. New listings increased 2.4% year-on-year, while total listings rose 9.8%, providing buyers with more choice across many regional markets.

Property prices

Regional Queensland residential property values continued to record strong growth, rising 14.9% over the year to Q2 2026. The average residential property value reached $739,900, with prices increasing a further 1.4% during the most recent quarter. McGrath Research forecasts Regional Queensland residential property prices will rise by 8% by the end of 2026, followed by a further 4% increase in 2027 as demand continues to be supported by affordability advantages and ongoing population growth.

Rental market

Rental conditions remain undersupplied across Regional Queensland, with vacancy rates recorded at just 1.2% at the end of Q2 2026. Strong tenant demand and limited rental stock continue to place upward pressure on rents, with average weekly rents rising 10.0% over the past year to $660 per week. McGrath Research forecasts rents will increase by a further 6% by the end of 2026 and again in 2027.

Economic drivers

Regional Queensland continues to benefit from population growth, low unemployment and ongoing demand for housing. Population growth reached 1.4% in 2025, while unemployment remained low at 3.8%, below the national average. Housing supply remains constrained despite a 26.5% increase in building approvals, with new home completions across Queensland tracking 1.9% below year-ago levels. These factors continue to support both property values and rental growth across regional markets.

Outlook for Regional Queensland property

Regional Queensland's housing market is expected to remain one of Australia's strongest performing regional markets through the remainder of 2026. McGrath Research forecasts further growth in residential property values, supported by affordability relative to capital cities, ongoing migration trends and constrained housing supply. Tight rental conditions are also expected to persist, underpinning continued rental growth and investor demand across many parts of the state.

Explore the full Spring report for detailed insights into sales activity, housing supply, property values and rental market performance across Regional Queensland.