Why South-East Queensland Should Be on Every Investor’s Radar in 2025

Why South-East Queensland Should Be on Every Investor’s Radar in 2025

South-East Queensland (SEQ) has long been admired for its sunshine and surf, yet today it is equally celebrated for robust economic fundamentals and sustained population growth. For investors seeking the next decade’s high-performance markets, the region spanning Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, and the Somerset Valley offers a compelling mix of affordability, infrastructure investment, and lifestyle appeal.

  1. Population Momentum = Built-in Demand

SEQ is absorbing 1,600 new residents every week, and will welcome an additional 2.2 million people by 2046—pushing the population to 5.9 million and accounting for almost four out of five Queenslanders. To house this influx, planners forecast 34,500 new dwellings every year, creating an enduring demand pipeline for both rental and owner-occupied property.

Drilling deeper, Ipswich—just 40 minutes west of Brisbane—illustrates the growth story. Already Queensland’s fastest-growing city, Ipswich is on track to more than double its population from 254,000 to 533,000 by 2046. That equates to an estimated 143,000 new homes in a single local government area.

  1. Record Infrastructure Spend Fuels Economic Expansion

The Queensland Government’s “Big Build” program is allocating $107.262 billion over the next four years to roads, rail, energy, schools, and health facilities across the state, with SEQ receiving the lion’s share. Flagship projects such as:

  • Cross River Rail and Brisbane Metro—slashing commute times across the capital,
  • Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line and Gold Coast Faster Rail—unlocking new residential corridors, and
  • 2032 Brisbane Olympic venue upgrades—accelerating precinct revitalisation,

are projected to generate 973,000 new jobs and underpin local spending power.

  1. Diverse, Future-Proofed Economy

Beyond construction, SEQ boasts strength in finance, technology, advanced manufacturing, education, health, tourism, and agribusiness—a diversity that shields the region from single-sector shocks. World-class universities (UQ, Griffith, QUT) and major R&D hubs continually feed skilled talent into the workforce, while the area’s strategic position as a gateway to Asia-Pacific trade routes attracts multinational investment.

  1. Affordability Meets Lifestyle

Investors priced out of Sydney and Melbourne are finding value in SEQ’s emerging corridors. Take Lowood in the Somerset Region: a charming country town just 31 km from Ipswich whose median house price jumped 16.9 % in the past 12 months, yet still offers large blocks at accessible entry points. Somerset itself is the fastest-growing local government area in SEQ, but retains an enviable rural-lifestyle feel with lakes, trails, and mountain vistas.

For families and professionals, the value proposition is clear:

  • Commuter convenience—electric rail into Brisbane and the Gold Coast plus upgraded highways.
  • Top-tier education and health—from primary through to university, plus new hospitals and mental-health facilities.
  • Outdoor amenity—over 8,500 ha of parks in Ipswich alone and world-class recreation from surf beaches to hinterland waterfalls.
  1. Government Incentives & Cost-of-Living Relief

Queensland’s 2024–25 budget extends multiple incentives that directly support housing demand: first-home concessions up to $800,000, electricity rebates worth $1,300 per household, and 50-cent flat-fare public transport for six months. These measures boost residents’ disposable income—positive news for rental stability and property price resilience.

  1. Rental Yields & Capital Growth

High migration and limited supply translate to tight vacancy rates across SEQ’s growth corridors. In markets such as Ipswich and Somerset, investors benefit from yields that often exceed those in Australia’s southern capitals, while still enjoying the upside of capital appreciation driven by population inflows and infrastructure uplift.

Key Takeaways for Investors

  1. Demand is structural, not cyclical. Population projections and dwelling targets confirm a multi-decade housing requirement.
  2. Infrastructure leads value. Billions in rail, road, and Olympic-led development will open new hotspots and lift property prices region-wide.
  3. Affordability fuels migration. Relative value compared with Sydney/Melbourne is attracting both owner-occupiers and renters.
  4. Economy is diversified. Multiple growth sectors and a skilled workforce reduce risk and drive long-term employment.
  5. Lifestyle completes the equation. Sunshine, world-class recreation, and modern amenities make tenants stay and buyers commit.

Ready to Explore SEQ Opportunities?

At Aaron Real Estate, we specialise in uncovering high-performance property across Australia’s most promising corridors. If South-East Queensland’s growth narrative resonates with your investment goals, contact our team today to discuss tailored house-and-land packages, new-build townhomes, or established assets that align with your strategy.

Call 0448 385 823 or visit AaronRealEstate.com.au—where your investment future meets #refreshedrealestate.