Brisbane: Infrastructure-Led Growth Poised to Outperform

Brisbane’s property market is shaping up for another strong year in 2026, driven by sustained population growth, infrastructure expansion and relative affordability compared with Australia’s larger capitals. Major projects set to complete through 2026 — including Cross River Rail’s new CBD stations, SEQ rail expansions, and Brisbane Airport’s Terminal 3 development — are reshaping connectivity and urban amenity across the region.

Demand continues to outpace supply, with CBRE forecasting a tightening vacancy rate that could push rents up significantly through the decade. Brisbane’s affordability relative to Sydney and Melbourne is also attracting interstate migration, underpinning strong buyer demand, particularly in Moreton Bay, Logan and Ipswich growth corridors. Median house price growth is forecast around 6–9% in 2026 as infrastructure unlocks new growth precincts.

Takeaway: Infrastructure expansion + affordability = sustained demand and above-average growth prospects in Brisbane for 2026.

Melbourne: Recovery and Value-Driven Demand

After a period of modest performance, Melbourne’s property market is expected to rebound into 2026, supported by strong population inflows and infrastructure spending on transport and urban renewal. Forecasts suggest Melbourne house prices could rise around 4–6% in 2026, with renewed demand for both inner-city apartments and outer growth corridors such as Melton, Wyndham and Donnybrook.

Infrastructure projects like Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel and suburban rail upgrades continue to enhance accessibility and support property demand near major transport nodes — a pattern reflected by elevated investor interest along established and emerging growth fronts. Improving affordability relative to Sydney is also attracting first-home buyers and downsizers back into the market.

Takeaway: Melbourne’s 2026 outlook is one of recovery + strategic demand, underpinned by infrastructure improvements and migration-fuelled population growth.

South Australia: Rising Demand Meets Strategic Planning

South Australia’s property sector is gaining momentum as both price growth and planning activity pick up ahead of 2026. Median home values have risen strongly, supported by housing demand outstripping supply and growing buyer interest in affordable markets. Over 190 SA suburbs are recording strong demand, and Adelaide’s broader market dynamics are attracting both local and interstate investors.

Strategic housing plans released for regional SA projects sustained medium-term demand, forecasting significant population growth and the need for tens of thousands of new homes by 2050 — a tailwind for adjacent property markets as infrastructure and population flows strengthen. Recent government road funding pledges are also aimed at improving connectivity, although some debate persists over the net new spending impact.

Takeaway: South Australia’s 2026 property story centers on strong demand, planning-led growth and affordability, positioning it as a steady performer with upside in suburbs aligned to strategic infrastructure and population growth corridors.