Brisbane’s Global Moment: Why Investors Should Look North

Brisbane is no longer the quiet achiever of Australia’s property market. It has emerged as the nation’s fastest growing capital city, outpacing Sydney, Melbourne and Perth on key economic and demographic fronts. For property investors, this is more than a local story, it is a global one.

A Population Boom with International Drivers

Brisbane’s population has grown faster than any other Australian capital over the past decade, fuelled by record internal migration and international arrivals. More than a quarter of residents were born overseas, with two-thirds coming from the Asia Pacific, the world’s fastest-growing economic region.

This migration wave is no accident. Brisbane is the closest major Australian capital to Asia, a region that accounts for 47% of global trade and 60% of the world’s population. The city’s cultural and economic ties to this growth engine are strengthening demand for housing, services and lifestyle precincts.

An Economy Beating the Capitals

Since 2021 Brisbane’s economy has expanded faster than Sydney and Melbourne, adding $28 billion in just four years. Exports are forecast to rise 3.5 per cent annually through to 2031, driven by Brisbane’s geographic advantage as a trade hub into Asia.

The city’s Gross Regional Product is projected to hit $275 billion by 2041, supported by a once in a generation $100.6 billion major projects pipeline. That means more jobs, more infrastructure, and more long term demand for both commercial and residential property.

The Olympic Effect and Global Visibility

Brisbane will host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a catalyst already unlocking new stadiums, transport corridors and lifestyle precincts. Global events like this deliver lasting benefits well beyond the fortnight of competition. Barcelona’s post-Olympics real estate boom in the 1990s is a prime example of how the global spotlight can accelerate urban transformation.

With 17 new or upgraded facilities underway and billions in transport upgrades, Brisbane is positioning itself not just as a national hub but as a globally competitive city on par with Vancouver or Barcelona.

Why Investors Should Pay Attention

Brisbane offers what few cities can. Strong population inflows, lower business and living costs, a booming pipeline of projects and a lifestyle that consistently attracts talent. For property investors, these conditions translate into rising rental demand, capital growth potential and long-term stability.

The international story matters too. As Asia continues to drive global economic momentum, Brisbane’s unique positioning as Australia’s northern gateway places it squarely in the path of future growth.

The bottom line is clear. Brisbane is not just keeping up, it is leading. For those looking to build wealth through property, now is the time to take notice.

Source: Brisbane Economic Development Agency, State of the City 2025