Brisbane Real Estate Market Overview (2025)

Heading into 2026, the Brisbane real estate market continues to maintain its strong growth and doesn’t look like stopping anytime soon! Strong population growth, new infrastructure projects and tight housing supply continue to shape both the buying and rental markets in Brisbane.

Some key trends across the industry include:

• Rising property prices: Moderate but steady annual price growth has been seen across most suburbs.
• Low listing volumes: Competition among Brisbane buyers remains high, especially for family homes and units.
• Record-low rental vacancies: Vacancy rates sit below 1%, driving intense rental competition. 
• Rising rents: Average weekly rents have increased by more than 10% year-on-year in many areas.
• Stable interest rates: While rates have stabilised, affordability pressures remain a challenge for first-home buyers.

These conditions mean both renters and buyers face unique advantages and risks depending on their financial goals and lifestyle needs in Brisbane’s real estate market. Understanding how this affects you is imperative in determining whether you should buy or rent.

The Pros and Cons of Renting in Brisbane

Advantages of Renting

1. Flexibility and mobility – Ideal for those who want the freedom to relocate for work, study, or lifestyle changes.
2. Lower upfront costs – No need for a large deposit, stamp duty, or property maintenance expenses.
3. Less responsibility – Major repairs and maintenance are handled by the landlord.
4. Opportunity to invest elsewhere – Renters can invest savings in shares or other assets while avoiding large property-related costs.

Disadvantages of Renting

1. No equity growth – Monthly rent payments don’t contribute to ownership or long-term wealth.
2. Limited stability – Lease renewals, rental increases, or landlords selling the property can affect your housing security.
3. Rising rental costs – With vacancy rates under 1%, tenants face rising rents and stiff competition.
4. Less personalisation – Tenants often can’t make significant modifications or improvements to the property

The Pros and Cons of Buying in Brisbane

Advantages of Buying

1. Equity and wealth building – Property ownership lets you build long-term financial security as property values rise.
2. Stability and control – You get to decide on any renovations, design choices, and how long you live at property.
3. Capital growth potential – Brisbane’s outlook remains strong thanks to population growth and the upcoming 2032 Olympics infrastructure boom.
4. Tax benefits for investors – Investment property owners can access deductions for mortgage interest, maintenance, and depreciation. For more information on tax with property investment, check out this link.
5. Predictable long-term costs – Having a fixed-home loan rate can help create stability with your repayments long term, offering more predictability over a long-term period than renting.

Disadvantages of Buying

1. High entry costs – Having to pay a deposit, stamp duty, and any legal fees can total tens of thousands of dollars, posing a strong cost to entering the home ownership market.
2. Interest rate risk – A rise in rates can significantly impact monthly repayments if you are on a variable interest rate with your home loan.
3. Maintenance and repair costs – Homeowners must budget for ongoing upkeep.
4. Reduced flexibility – Selling can be time-consuming and costly if your situation changes.

Are you a first home owner? Check out some more tips here!

Renting vs Buying: Quick Comparison Table

Examples of Entry-Level Homes and Recently Leased Rentals

Whether you are buying or renting, entry level homes exist across the market. The list below outlines some examples of entry-level homes Matthews Real Estate has sold and some of our recently leased properties over the past 12 months!

Sold Entry-Level Homes
9/15 Waverley Street, Annerley $550,000, August 2025
5/79 Waldheim Street, Annerley $565,000, March 2025
1/35 Cracknell Road, Annerley $610,000, January 2025

Recently Leased Homes with Matthews
20 Mayfield Road, Moorooka  $750 Per Week, September 2025
12/75 Waverley Street, Annerley $530 Per Week, August 2025
6/30 Shrapnel Road, Cannon Hill  $575 Per Week, July 2025

Final Thoughts: Should You Rent or Buy in Brisbane in 2025?

In Brisbane’s current real estate market:

• Renting offers greater flexibility, lower upfront costs, or offers short-term living opportunities if you are unsure about your long-term plans.
• Buying however is better suited to people who are looking for long-term stability, in both their living and financial positions.

This decision however is determined by your financial position, alongside your lifestyle priorities. Before making a decision on this, be sure to speak to a qualified mortgage broker or a financial advisor to assess your options and determine which option if better for you in the long-term. Regardless of if you are trying to buy and rent in Brisbane real estate, Matthews is here to help. Check out our current list of properties for sale and for rent!