Entering Brisbane’s property market as a first-time buyer in 2025 presents both exciting opportunities and unique challenges. According to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), Brisbane continues to show strong growth potential, with its property market benefiting from interstate migration, infrastructure development, and relatively affordable housing compared to other capital cities.
Current Market Overview
Brisbane Market Snapshot 2025
According to CoreLogic’s latest data:
Property Prices:
- Median house price: $950,000
- Median unit price: $545,000
- Annual growth rate: 5.8%
- Average rental yield: 4.2%
Market Performance by Region:
| Region | Median Price | Annual Growth |
| Inner City (0-5km) | $1.2M | 6.2% |
| Middle Ring (5-15km) | $890K | 5.7% |
| Outer Ring (15km+) | $675K | 4.9% |
Source: CoreLogic, February 2025
High-Growth Areas
Based on data from the Queensland Government’s Property and Development Report:
Established High-Performing Suburbs:
- New Farm: Median $1.85M, 7.2% growth
- Paddington: Median $1.45M, 6.8% growth
- West End: Median $1.25M, 6.5% growth
Emerging Growth Suburbs:
- Bowen Hills: Major urban renewal, new transport links
- Everton Park: Shopping precinct development, family-friendly
- Red Hill: Character homes, proximity to CBD
Essential Tips for Success
1. Financial Preparation
According to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) guidelines:
Deposit Requirements:
- Standard home loan: 20% deposit
- First Home Guarantee: Minimum 5% deposit
- Additional costs: 3-5% for buying expenses
Current Interest Rate Environment:
- Average variable rate: 5.91% (RBA, 2025)
- Average fixed-rate (3-year): 5.45%
- Comparison rate range: 5.85% – 6.25%
Hidden Costs Breakdown:
| Expense Type | Approximate Cost |
| Stamp Duty | $8,750 – $30,000 |
| Legal Fees | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Building/Pest Inspection | $600 – $1,000 |
| Mortgage Insurance (if applicable) | 2-3% of loan amount |
2. Location Strategy
Based on Brisbane City Council’s Development Plan:
Major Infrastructure Projects:
- Cross River Rail (completion 2025)
- Brisbane Metro
- Queens Wharf Development
- Victoria Park Vision
Growth Corridor Analysis:
- Northern Corridor
- Transport upgrades
- New employment hubs
- Educational facilities
- Southern Corridor
- Industrial development
- Residential estates
- Healthcare precincts
3. Property Research Essentials
Due Diligence Checklist:
- Legal Checks:
- Title Search
- Property zoning
- Development applications
- Flood mapping
- Physical Inspections:
- Building structure
- Pest inspection
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing
- Financial Analysis:
- Recent sales data
- Rental yields
- Capital growth history
- Market trends
4. Government Support Programs
According to the Queensland Government (2025):
First Home Owners Grant:
- Amount: $15,000
- Property cap: $750,000
- Eligibility: New homes only
- Citizenship requirement: Australian citizen/permanent resident
First Home Guarantee Scheme:
- Property price caps:
- Brisbane/Gold Coast/Sunshine Coast: $700,000
- Regional QLD: $550,000
- Income thresholds:
- Singles: $125,000 p.a.
- Couples: $200,000 p.a.
Stamp Duty Concessions:
- Full exemption: Properties under $500,000
- Partial concession: $500,000 – $550,000
- First home concession: Save up to $8,750
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Based on ASIC’s MoneySmart recommendations:
- Emotional Buying
- Impact: Overpaying by 5-10%
- Solution: Set strict budget limits
- Use data-driven decisions
- Skipping Due Diligence
- Average repair costs: $15,000-$30,000
- Legal issues cost: Up to $50,000
- Solution: Always conduct thorough inspections
- Financial Mistakes
- Not getting pre-approval
- Ignoring additional costs
- Choosing the wrong loan structure
Market Outlook 2025-2026
According to QBE’s Housing Outlook:
Growth Predictions:
- House prices: 5-7% growth
- Unit prices: 3-5% growth
- Rental growth: 4-6%
Market Drivers:
- Population growth: 2.1% p.a.
- Infrastructure investment: $15.4B
- Employment growth: 2.3%
Next Steps: Your Path to Homeownership
1. Assess Your Financial Position
Before diving into the property market, evaluate your financial situation thoroughly. This means reviewing your savings, understanding your spending patterns, and calculating your genuine savings history. The Queensland housing market requires careful financial planning – most lenders want to see at least three months of consistent savings behaviour. Create a detailed budget for your current expenses and potential mortgage repayments. This step is crucial as it helps you understand how much you can borrow while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.
2. Connect with a Mortgage Broker
Working with a qualified mortgage broker can significantly streamline your home-buying journey. They’ll help you understand your borrowing capacity, compare different lenders’ offerings, and navigate the pre-approval process. A good broker will also explain the various loan features available and help you choose the most suitable option for your circumstances. Brisbane’s property market moves quickly, so having pre-approval ready gives you the confidence to act when you find the right property.
3. Research Target Suburbs
Understanding Brisbane’s diverse suburbs is essential for making an informed decision. Start by identifying areas that match both your budget and lifestyle needs. Consider factors like:
- Commute times to work
- Local schools and childcare options
- Public transport accessibility
- Future development plans
- Flood history and environmental factors
Spend time visiting different neighbourhoods at various times of day to get a real feel for the community and lifestyle they offer.
4. Build Your Professional Support Team
Success in property purchase relies heavily on having the proper professional support. Beyond your mortgage broker, you’ll need:
- A reputable conveyancer or solicitor for legal matters
- A qualified building inspector for property assessments
- A trusted real estate agent who knows your target areas
- A pest inspector familiar with Brisbane’s specific challenges
Research and interview potential team members, checking their credentials and past client experiences.
5. Begin Property Inspections
Armed with your pre-approval and professional team, you can start actively inspecting properties. Develop a systematic approach to property viewings:
- Create a checklist of must-have features
- Take photos and detailed notes at each inspection
- Check council records for development applications
- Review body corporate records for apartments
- Consider engaging a buyer’s agent for additional support
Remember, inspecting multiple properties before finding the right one is normal. Don’t feel pressured to make an offer unless you’re completely confident in your decision.
Ready to begin your home-buying journey? Contact MC Mortgage Solutions for expert guidance and personalised support. Our experienced team will help you confidently navigate the process and find the right home loan solution for your needs.
