For landlords, the rental market remains firmly undersupplied. REA Group data shows house rents rose in 57.6% of suburbs and unit rents in 61% of suburbs over the three months to July, and in Queensland 95.6% of the house and unit markets analysed recorded an increase over the year, with some rising by as much as $150 a week. SQM Research puts the national vacancy rate at 1.3% in July, with Brisbane still sitting below 1%. Managing director Louis Christopher says, “Overall, the rental market remains undersupplied. Until we see a more sustained increase in available rental stock, we expect affordability pressures to remain elevated.”

For owners thinking about selling, the supply picture is shifting. SQM Research recorded 278,984 dwellings advertised for sale nationally in July, up 12.4% on June, while Domain figures put Toowoomba listings up 83% year on year. Domain chief economist Nicola Powell notes affordability remains stretched despite the lift in stock. More competition heading into spring means accurate pricing, strong presentation and a well timed campaign carry more weight than they did six months ago.

Underlying demand is still building. Australian Bureau of Statistics lending figures show FY2026 delivered 55,290 new housing loans to owner-occupiers and 41,500 to investors, with owner-occupier lending for new homes up 3% and investor lending up 4.2% over the June quarter. HIA senior economist Tom Devitt says demand is recovering, though he expects the effect of three interest rate rises and recent Budget tax changes to become clearer in the second half of the year. That is worth watching for any owner weighing up their timing.

Johnson Real Estate covers sales and rentals across South East Queensland. Call 1800 SELL SMARTRE, or email sellsmartre@johnsonre.com.au.