Higher Than Sydney: Queensland Rental Market Sets New Records

The Queensland rental landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation, with new data revealing record-breaking increases that are reshaping how residents across the state approach housing affordability.

The Numbers Tell a Stark Story

Statewide, Queensland's median rent has climbed to $670 per week – translating to nearly $35,000 annually. This figure now consumes more than a third of many household incomes, pushing families firmly into what experts classify as rental stress territory. Perhaps most surprisingly, Brisbane and regional Queensland now share identical median rents, eliminating what was once a clear cost advantage for those living outside the capital.

The Gold Coast has emerged as Queensland's most expensive rental market at $850 per week, surpassing even Sydney's median of $760. This represents an annual housing cost exceeding $44,000 – a figure that would have seemed unthinkable just a few years ago.

Brisbane and Regional Centres Feel the Pressure

Brisbane's rental market tightened further through the December quarter, with median rents for all dwellings climbing 3.1 per cent quarterly and 6.3 per cent over the past year. REA Group senior economist Anne Flaherty points to a fundamental disconnect between wage growth and housing costs.

The rate at which we've seen home prices and rents increase in Brisbane has far outstripped the pace at which people's salaries have increased, The end result is that people are forking out a much higher percentage of their take-home salary in housing costs compared to a few years ago.

Regional markets that once offered affordable alternatives are experiencing similar pressures. Cairns saw rents jump 8.7 per cent annually to $625 per week, while Townsville recorded a striking 10 per cent year-on-year increase to approximately $550 weekly.

What This Means for Bundaberg

Here in Bundaberg, we're witnessing these same trends firsthand. Our local median rent is rapidly approaching $600 per week – a milestone that reflects the broader market forces reshaping housing accessibility across Queensland. The regional insulation from housing market pressures that communities like ours once enjoyed has largely evaporated.

Market Snapshot: 2025 Rental Increases

• Brisbane: All dwellings up 6.3% to $670/week (houses $690, units $650)
• Regional Queensland: All dwellings up 6.3% to $670/week (houses $680, units $650)
• Gold Coast: All dwellings up 6.3% to $850/week
• Townsville: All dwellings up 10% to $550/week
• Cairns: All dwellings up 8.7% to $625/week

Looking Ahead

With little relief forecast in the near term, renters and property investors alike are adjusting to this new reality. Understanding these market dynamics is essential for making informed housing decisions in 2025 and beyond.

Whether you're currently renting, considering entering the market, or exploring investment opportunities, the team at First National Real Estate Bundaberg is here to help you navigate these challenging conditions with local expertise and market knowledge.