Key takeaways
Brisbane home values rose 1.6% in February, adding approximately $17,100 to the median value, despite a slight cooling in velocity from late 2025.
Units and townhouses are leading the market with a 6.0% quarterly increase, significantly outperforming houses as buyers pivot toward affordability.
Total property listings remain 30% below the five-year average, maintaining a severe supply-demand imbalance that continues to push prices higher.
Brisbane’s housing market maintained its strong upward momentum through February, with home values rising by 1.6% over the month.
This growth added approximately $17,100 to the median dwelling value in just 28 days.
While the pace of growth remains rapid, it has moderated slightly from the 2.0% monthly gains recorded in October last year, signaling a subtle shift in market velocity.
Leading Segment and Growth Drivers
The unit sector continues to be the standout performer in the Brisbane market.
Buyers are increasingly pivoting toward apartments and townhouses as a more affordable entry point, driving values in this sector higher than traditional houses.
Affordability remains a critical factor, with the lower price points of the market experiencing the most intense competition:
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| Market Segment | 3-Month Value Change | Growth Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Sector | +6.0% | Consistently leading the broader market. |
| House Sector | +4.6% | Solid growth but trailing units. |
| Lower Quartile (Affordable) | +6.4% | Highest demand from first home buyers and investors. |
| Upper Quartile (Premium) | +3.4% | Steady but limited by serviceability constraints. |
Source: Cotality, March 2026
Persistent Supply Shortage
Note: A primary driver of Brisbane's price resilience is the ongoing lack of available housing.
Inventory levels remain significantly lower than historical norms, creating a sense of urgency among active buyers:
| Supply Metric | Status (February 2026) |
|---|---|
| Total Listings (vs. 5-Year Average) | 30% Lower |
| Market Inventory | Critically Low |
Source: Cotality, March 2026
Outlook and Risks
Looking ahead through 2026, Brisbane is expected to remain one of the stronger-performing capital cities, though it will not be immune to national headwinds.
The combination of low supply and high employment levels continues to provide a solid floor for property values.
Key market factors to watch:
- Serviceability Constraints: The February rate hike has reduced borrowing power, which may further concentrate demand in the affordable unit sector.
- Migration Patterns: Strong internal migration to Queensland remains a key tailwind for housing demand across the Brisbane metropolitan area.
- Listing Flow: Any potential lift in new listings heading into the Easter season could provide some relief to buyers and moderate price growth.
Overall, Brisbane’s market balance currently favors sellers due to the extreme shortage of stock, particularly in the more affordable segments where competition remains most concentrated.
