2026: the year for SEQ landholders to realise their upside

Source: Bromley Real Estate

South-East Queensland’s ongoing appeal as a lifestyle destination and region of economic opportunity is placing increased focus on ready-to-develop land. As population and business activity continue to grow, there is heightened emphasis on activating land that can support this expansion in a practical and timely way.

The region’s population has been growing at 2.54% per annum, making SEQ one of Australia’s hotspots for domestic migration. Central to managing growth is the activation of land close to public transport nodes. The introduction of capped 50-cent public transport fares has further strengthened demand for suburbs with train, bus and ferry access, improving affordability and connectivity.

To open 2026, the sale of a 30.46-hectare site at 1 Rifle Range Road and 25 Hotham Creek Road, Pimpama, for $8 million. Positioned in the M1 corridor, the site holds an existing development approval, is adjacent to Pimpama State Primary School, and is less than a five-minute drive (or a 10-minute bike ride) to Pimpama Train Station, which opened in October 2025.

Developers look to move ahead of the Olympics-driven construction cycle
The next 12 months will be pivotal for landholders seeking to realise the upside of their holdings. With the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching, developers are increasingly focused on securing sites early to plan and stage projects ahead of the anticipated construction surge. Landowners who delay divestment may find their assets competing in a more crowded market in later years.

By 2032, the region is expected to be home to around 4.5 million residents. Population growth has been propelled by lifestyle factors – an unmatched climate, communities that suit the spectrum of interests and budgets, and access to some of the world's best beaches and national reserves – but the region’s economy has likewise diversified, supporting the spectrum of job opportunities.

SEQ was once known strictly for tourism and construction. Today, the five largest employing industries are:

• Health care and social assistance – more people requiring more services and an ageing demographic;
• Retail trade – expanding suburban centres with everything from neighbourhood centres through to Sub-Regional Centres to cater for increased household spending;
• Construction - driven by housing delivery, infrastructure and major projects;
• Education and training – state and private schools are opening regularly to address demand and international students seek-out the region’s university, TAFE and CRICOS;
• Professional, scientific and technical services, reflecting a maturing and more knowledge-based economy.

We’re predicting interest from developers across many SEQ suburbs over 2026. 

As evidenced by the aforementioned result, Pimpama, within the Gold Coast to Logan corridor, has evolved from tracts of dairy farmland into a well-established residential centre supported by rail, retail and community infrastructure. It will continue to attract attention for its position and amenities.

In Jimboomba, population growth and infrastructure upgrades are driving increased demand for infill and medium-density housing close to the town centre. Last year, a 4,000sqm parcel at Jimboomba for $1.5m with a DA.

Caboolture West (Waraba) is another area that represents one of the region’s largest planned growth areas, with staged residential development supported by future transport and employment nodes. 

The strength of amenities
Sites near rail corridors offer practical advantages. They appeal to a wide range of end users - commuters, downsizers and renters - and align with State and local planning objectives around transport-oriented development. That alignment can reduce approval risk and improve feasibility outcomes, particularly for medium-density projects.

Access to shopping centres, supermarkets and local services further strengthens demand. These amenities support daily convenience, improve liveability and typically translate to stronger absorption and more stable end values. Infill locations that combine transport access with retail amenities tend to outperform more isolated sites, particularly as household preferences continue to shift toward convenience.