Queensland continues to attract property buyers because demand remains strong across both South East Queensland and key regional centres. Compared to Sydney and Melbourne, many Queensland markets still offer more accessible price points alongside steady rental demand and ongoing infrastructure investment.
Where Are the Strongest Property Investment Locations in Queensland?
In 2026, the Queensland locations showing the most consistent performance include Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan, the Gold Coast, and high-yield regional centres such as Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay. These areas benefit from tight rental conditions, population growth, employment hubs, and infrastructure spending that supports long-term demand.
Brisbane
Why buyers are active here:
Brisbane remains the state’s strongest long-term market, supported by infrastructure upgrades, Olympic-related development, and continued interstate migration. Rental demand remains tight across inner and middle-ring suburbs, with vacancy rates staying low.
- Median house price: $1.15 million
- Average rental yield: 3.7%
Suburbs to watch:
- Woolloongabba – $1.55 M | 2.7%
- Kangaroo Point – $1.2 M | 2.78%
- Nundah – $1.15M - $1.38M | 2.0%
Gold Coast
Why buyers are active here:
Tourism, employment growth, and major transport upgrades continue to support demand. Ongoing Light Rail expansion and residential development have strengthened both rental pressure and long-term appeal.
- Median house price: $1.32M
- Average rental yield: 4.3%
Suburbs to watch:
- Southport – $1.1M - $1.2M | 3.6% to 3.9%
- Burleigh Heads – $1.7M - $1.8M | 3.8%
- Pimpama – $880,000 - $915,000 | 4.5%
Sunshine Coast
Why buyers are active here:
Lifestyle appeal combined with strong infrastructure investment continues to drive demand. Health precincts, transport upgrades, and the Maroochydore CBD development support long-term rental and owner-occupier interest.
- Median house price: $1.08 - $1.195 million
- Average rental yield: 3.5% to 4.5%
Suburbs to watch:
- Caloundra – $985,000 | 3% to 4.5%
- Birtinya – $975,000 - $1.17M | 3.5% - 4.2%
- Maroochydore – $1.07 M | 3.7%
Ipswich
Why buyers are active here:
Ipswich remains one of South East Queensland’s more affordable growth corridors. Population growth, master-planned communities, and transport upgrades continue to attract renters and buyers.
- Median house price: $730,000 - $797,500
- Average rental yield: 3.8% - 4.5%
Suburbs to watch:
- Springfield – $790,000 - $827,000 | 5.0%
- Ripley – $785,000 - $800,000 | 4.1% to 4.2%
- Redbank Plains – $741,050 | 3.7%
Toowoomba
Why buyers are active here:
As a logistics, education, and regional employment hub, Toowoomba offers solid rental demand with lower entry prices. Infrastructure projects linked to Inland Rail and industrial development support future demand.
- Median house price: $600,000 - $800,000
- Average rental yield: 4% to over 4.8%
Suburbs to watch:
- Glenvale – $670,000 - $710,000 | 4.4% to 4.8%
- Kearneys Spring – $778,000 | 3.3%
Cairns
Why buyers are active here:
Cairns continues to deliver some of Queensland’s strongest rental yields. Demand is supported by healthcare expansion, education, tourism, and migration from southern states.
- Median house price: $700,000 - $750,000
- Average rental yield: 4.7% to 5%
Suburbs to watch:
- Edge Hill – $900,000 | 4.7%
- Manunda – $605,000 | 6.9%
- Redlynch – $730,250 | 3.5-4.2%
Townsville
Why buyers are active here:
Townsville remains attractive for cash-flow-focused buyers, supported by defence, education, and major industrial projects. Employment growth continues to underpin rental demand.
- Median house price: $579,000
- Average rental yield: 5.9%
Suburbs to watch:
- Douglas – $640,000 | 4.5%
- Mount Louisa – $642,500 - $647,000 | 4.6%
Logan
Why buyers are active here:
Located between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Logan continues to attract renters due to affordability and access to employment hubs. Infrastructure investment and residential development support long-term demand.
- Median house price: $705,000
- Average rental yield: 5.3%
Suburbs to watch:
- Yarrabilba – $735,000 | 3.9%
- Beenleigh – $535,000 | 5.0%
- Logan Reserve – $730,000 - $732,000 | 4.10%
Mackay
Why buyers are active here:
Mining, agriculture, and infrastructure investment have strengthened Mackay’s local economy. Affordable prices and steady rental demand continue to support strong yields.
- Median house price: $560,000
- Average rental yield: 5.7%
Suburbs to watch:
- Andergrove –$625,000 | 4.8%
- Eimeo – $585,000 - $655,000 | 5.6%
Hervey Bay
Why buyers are active here:
Lifestyle migration, retirees, and remote workers continue to drive demand. New housing estates and community infrastructure support stable long-term growth.
- Median house price: $760,000
- Average rental yield: 3.8% to 4.0%
Suburbs to watch:
- Urangan – $715,000 | 4.5%
- Pialba – $700,000 | 4.1%
Sources: Realestate.com.au, SQM Research, Property.com.au
Disclaimer: All figures shown are current average estimates and may change over time. Buyers should confirm real-time figures with local real estate agents before making any investment decisions.
Key Considerations Before Buying Property in Queensland
- Confirm borrowing capacity before searching
- Balance rental yield with long-term demand
- Focus on infrastructure, employment, and population growth
- Diversify locations to manage risk
- Factor in holding costs and loan structure
- Secure pre-approval to act quickly when opportunities arise
Chat with Zest Mortgage Solutions
Whether you're buying your first investment or expanding your portfolio, Zest Mortgage Solutions is here to guide Queensland property investment buyers every step of the way. With over 20 years of experience, our mortgage specialists can help you find the right home loan structure to maximise your returns. Call us today at (07) 3461 6499 to get started.
FAQs
Where is the best place to buy investment property in Queensland?
The best location depends on your goals. Brisbane and the Gold Coast suit buyers focused on long-term growth, while Ipswich, Logan, Townsville, and Cairns continue to attract buyers seeking higher rental yields.
Which Queensland areas have the highest rental yields?
Regional centres such as Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay consistently record some of Queensland’s highest rental yields, often above 5%. Parts of Logan and Ipswich in South East Queensland also attract yield-focused buyers due to lower entry prices and strong rental demand.
Can interstate buyers invest in Queensland property?
Yes. Many buyers purchase Queensland property from interstate by working with a buyer’s agent and a mortgage broker to manage finance and settlement remotely.
What types of loans are available for Queensland investment buyers?
Common options include principal and interest loans, interest-only loans, fixed or variable rates, and tailored investment lending depending on income, deposit, and portfolio structure.
Final Thoughts
Queensland continues to offer a wide range of opportunities for buyers seeking rental income, affordability, and long-term demand. From Brisbane’s inner and middle-ring suburbs to high-yield regional centres, the state remains one of Australia’s most active property markets.
If you are purchasing your first property, expanding a portfolio, or reviewing your existing loan structure, our expert brokers at Zest Mortgage Solutions can help align your finances with your long-term goals. With more than 20 years of experience and offices in Springfield, Ipswich, and Flagstone, our team supports buyers across Brisbane and Queensland.
📞 Call (07) 3461 6499 to arrange a free personalised consultation.
