If you’re planning to buy property in Queensland 2026, whether in Hervey Bay, the Sunshine Coast or across the Queensland state, NOW is the time to begin.
Getting finance approved, finding the right property and negotiating terms all take time, often more than most people realise.
Want to get an unfair advantage?
Here’s:
- what I saw in the 2025 real estate market
- what’s shaping up for real estate in 2026 and
- why the smartest property buyers are already getting ready.
Here’s what 2025 taught me about the Queensland property market
This year proved that Queensland is still one of the most sought-after property markets in Australia.
From Hervey Bay property to Sunshine Coast real estate and Brisbane property, demand stayed strong while listings remained limited.
Even when the stock lifted mid-year, good properties sold quickly, often before reaching real estate websites.
Here’s what stood out:
- High competition for limited stock in lifestyle hubs like Hervey Bay and Peregian Springs
- Interstate buyers are increasing demand from Sydney and Melbourne for value and lifestyle
- Rising pressure on inspections and settlements as buyers and lenders competed for fewer opportunities
Timing caught many Australian property buyers out. Too often, people waited until the new year to start their search, only to discover the process could take months.
On average, my clients take three to six months to find and secure the right property. Sometimes it happens in one month, sometimes longer. The point is not to rush. The goal is to buy the right property, not the first one that appears.
Every property search goes through a 30-point due diligence checklist to eliminate the properties that are not up to our standard.
If a property shows a red flag, I walk away. That’s how my clients avoid costly mistakes later. Remember, this market rewards buyers who plan, stay patient and act strategically.
I’m watching Queensland house prices closely and here’s how to get ahead in 2026
Looking ahead, I don’t expect competition to slow. Population growth, infrastructure investment and ongoing demand for lifestyle relocations will keep pressure on supply.
If you want to buy next year, now is the time to prepare.
1. Get finance organised early
Finance approval can take several weeks, especially over the holiday period when lenders slow down. Having a pre-approval ready can make or break a deal. It shows sellers you’re serious and helps you move quickly when the right property appears.
2. Understand the holiday slowdown
From mid-December to mid-January, many solicitors, agents and building inspectors take time off. Some professionals only work with Buyers Agents or referral partners during this period, which means represented buyers often have an advantage. I can keep deals progressing while others wait for offices to reopen.
3. Know how school holidays affect listings
New listings usually drop while families are on holidays, yet relocations tied to the late-January school term start can create opportunities. Parents aiming to move before the school year often become motivated sellers. If you need a specific school catchment, aim to be under contract well before late January so enrolment and settlement timing do not put you on the back foot.
By planning and understanding how Queensland’s property cycle really works, you can turn seasonal challenges into opportunities and step into 2026 fully prepared to buy with confidence.
What every smart Queensland property buyer should do first
Successful Australian real estate buyers treat property as a plan, not a pastime. The ones who win are already doing the groundwork proactively.
Here’s where to start:
✅ Research early across suburbs in Hervey Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. Look at comparable sales, local amenities and school zones.
✅ Partner with a professional Queensland Buyers Agent who knows how to find genuine listings and identify risks.
✅ Tailor every offer to the seller’s situation. Some need a quick sale; others prefer a long settlement or rent-back arrangement.
✅ Avoid lowballing. Arrive prepared with true comparables and evidence of value. Unrealistic offers can close doors quickly.
✅Ask the right questions about why a property is being sold. Divorce, deceased estates or relocations can change how you negotiate.
Doing your homework now gives you an edge, especially because relying on AI and online valuations alone can leave critical insights and opportunities slipping through the cracks.
AI and online valuations don’t tell the full story of Queensland property market trends
Digital tools are handy for broad research but they can’t replace local knowledge.
Automated valuations often pull from broad data and miss crucial factors like flood zones, road changes or nearby infrastructure works. I’ve seen properties appear “cheap” online simply because they back onto a road that is about to be widened.
A proper Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) compares true equivalents. That means land size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, build quality and age. Anything less is guesswork.
As a Buyers Agent in Queensland, I handle everything so you don’t have to stress in 2026
At Worth Property Investing, we manage the entire process so you can make faster, better decisions. Our team coordinates lawyers, building inspectors, quantity surveyors and insurers.
We do not chase volume targets or rush deals. Every purchase is based on evidence and experience.
How Worth Property Investing helps you prepare for 2026
At Worth Property Investing, our mission is simple: to make buying in Queensland clearer, smarter and far less stressful.
With more than 20+ years of experience on the ground, I help clients cut through the noise and buy with clarity. Whether you’re a first-time investor or building a growing portfolio, my role as your professional Queensland Buyers Agent is to make every decision informed and every purchase strategic.
Here’s how we make it happen:
- We build a strategy before you buy. Every client gets a tailored plan, not just a list of listings. We align your goals with what’s happening across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and the Fraser Coast.
- We follow a proven Five-Step Method. This structured process keeps emotions in check and helps you act with confidence, not guesswork. From shortlisting to settlement, every step is smooth and secure.
- We negotiate more than just price. From flexible settlements to rent-back options, we tailor terms that give our buyers an advantage and help sellers move forward confidently.
This is not about hype or hard selling. It is about understanding the Queensland market, the timing, the trends and the traps, so you can move with confidence.
If 2026 is your year to buy, now is the time to prepare.
Simon Read – Worth Property Investing
Please note: This article is not to be considered financial advice and is not intended as financial advice as it does not take into account your specific circumstances. For specific financial advice, speak to your financial advisor.