Queensland is shaping up as one of Australia’s most compelling property markets for 2026, with 17 suburbs across the state earning coveted spots on realestate.com hot 100 list. These locations are primed for growth thanks to a mix of affordability, lifestyle appeal, infrastructure developments and long-term economic drivers such as the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Senior economists and property experts have highlighted trends that go beyond short-term speculation: Queensland’s growth story continues to be supported by strong jobs growth, population movement, improved transport links and quality of life factors, particularly in Southeast Queensland and regional centres.
Queensland’s top suburbs to watch in 2026 include Herston, Yeronga, Bray Park, Griffin, Petrie, Ripley, Lowood, Plainland, Logan Central, Upper Coomera, and Baringa, spanning Greater Brisbane growth corridors, western and fringe urban markets, as well as the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast regions.
For business owners, developers and investors, these suburbs represent strategic locations for future-proofed commercial assets.
Why These Growth Suburbs Matter for Commercial Real Estate
Commercial markets do not grow in isolation. Residential expansion brings people, and people bring demand for:
- Retail and convenience services
- Medical, allied health and childcare facilities
- Office and professional suites
- Industrial and logistics space
The suburbs identified for 2026 growth benefit from several key commercial drivers:
Infrastructure-Led Economic Growth
Major projects such as Cross River Rail, hospital expansions, transport upgrades and Brisbane 2032 Olympic infrastructure are creating long-term employment nodes. Suburbs positioned near these projects typically experience increased demand for office, medical and mixed-use developments.
Improved Connectivity
Transport access is critical for commercial success. Suburbs with improved rail, road and arterial access become increasingly attractive for service-based businesses, trade operators and last-mile logistics.
Population & Workforce Growth
As residential density increases, so does demand for localised commercial services, particularly neighbourhood retail centres, healthcare uses and flexible office spaces close to where people live and work.
What This Means for Commercial Investors & Owner-Occupiers Investors
Suburbs flagged for 2026 growth often signal future tenant demand and rental pressure, particularly where supply is constrained. Assets aligned with essential services medical, food, logistics and professional services remain well positioned.
Business Owners
Securing premises in growth suburbs now can provide long-term operational stability, improved exposure and potential capital growth as surrounding infrastructure and population density increases.
Developers
Mixed-use, neighbourhood retail and purpose-built commercial facilities are increasingly sought after in emerging residential corridors where services lag population growth.
Queensland’s projected growth suburbs are not just residential success stories they represent strategic commercial markets in transition. Infrastructure investment, employment growth and population movement are laying the groundwork for sustained commercial demand well beyond 2026.