If the last few years have taught us anything about Brisbane real estate, it’s that the Inner Southside continues to be one of the most resilient and sought-after pockets of the city. Suburbs like Annerley, Moorooka, Tarragindi, Yeronga and Greenslopes have moved from “good value alternatives” to firmly established lifestyle suburbs where demand consistently outpaces supply.

As we move through 2026, several trends are shaping how homes are selling, who is buying them, and what sellers should expect from the market.

Brisbane Has Officially Entered the $1M Era

One of the biggest shifts in the past 12 months is that Brisbane has now firmly joined the million-dollar club. Median property values across the city have passed the $1 million mark, reflecting strong growth over the past few years. (Mortgage Choice)

In fact, more than a third of Brisbane homes are now selling for over $1 million, highlighting how quickly the market has evolved. (Real Estate)

For Inner Southside suburbs specifically, this trend is even more pronounced. Areas with strong school catchments, leafy streets and proximity to the CBD have been attracting families and professionals willing to pay a premium for lifestyle and convenience.

Strong Price Growth Continues in 2026

Despite interest rate fluctuations and ongoing economic conversations, Brisbane is still expected to be one of Australia’s strongest performing property markets.

Current forecasts suggest house prices in Brisbane could grow by around 10–11% during 2026, with unit prices also increasing strongly. (ABC News)

This growth follows an already impressive 2025, where Brisbane home values rose roughly 14–15% in a single year, adding significant equity for homeowners. (Domain)

While the pace of growth may moderate slightly compared with the boom years, the overall direction remains positive.

Demand Still Outweighs Supply

One of the biggest drivers of Brisbane’s property performance is a simple equation: more buyers than homes available.

Population growth, interstate migration and lifestyle changes continue to attract people to Brisbane, particularly from Sydney and Melbourne. At the same time, new housing supply has struggled to keep up with demand. (Property Update)

For Inner Southside suburbs, the challenge is even greater because land is limited. Many streets are already fully established, which means new homes usually come from renovations, knock-downs or small developments.

The result is a market where well-presented homes still attract strong competition.

Units and Townhouses Are Surging

Another noticeable trend is the increasing popularity of units, townhouses and smaller homes.

As house prices continue to climb, many buyers are looking for alternatives that offer:

  • Inner-city lifestyle
  • Lower maintenance living
  • A more accessible price point

Across Brisbane, unit prices have been rising faster than houses in many areas as buyers compete for more affordable options. (Real Estate)

This is particularly relevant in suburbs like Moorooka and Annerley where boutique townhouse developments and character unit conversions are becoming very popular.

Presentation Matters More Than Ever

One trend that hasn’t changed in 2026 is the importance of presentation and preparation.

Buyers are extremely educated now. They have access to comparable sales data, suburb trends, and professional property photos online. When they walk into a home, they quickly decide whether it feels “ready to move into” or whether it feels like a project.

Homes that are:

  • Styled well
  • Professionally photographed
  • Clean and decluttered
  • Priced strategically

are still achieving the strongest results.

This is something we continue to see firsthand across the Inner Southside.

The Inner Southside Lifestyle Is a Major Drawcard

Beyond the numbers, one of the biggest reasons buyers continue to choose this area is lifestyle.

Suburbs like Tarragindi, Moorooka and Annerley offer a unique mix of:

  • Leafy parks and green spaces
  • Character homes and renovated Queenslanders
  • Proximity to the CBD (often 5–8km)
  • Excellent school catchments
  • Easy transport links including the V1 busway and Veloway

This combination makes the Inner Southside incredibly attractive to families, professionals and downsizers alike.

What This Means for Sellers in 2026

For homeowners thinking about selling this year, the market conditions remain favourable.

Buyers are still active, competition is strong, and well-presented homes are continuing to achieve excellent results. However, the strategy behind a successful sale has become more nuanced.

The best outcomes typically come from three key elements:

  1. Preparation – presentation and styling
  2. Pricing strategy – capturing the market’s attention
  3. Marketing – reaching the right buyers early

When those three elements come together, competition naturally follows.

Looking Ahead

While no market moves in a straight line forever, Brisbane’s long-term fundamentals remain extremely strong. Population growth, infrastructure investment leading up to the 2032 Olympics, and limited housing supply are all expected to support the market for years to come.

For the Inner Southside in particular, the future looks bright.

And if the start of 2026 is anything to go by, we’re in for another fascinating year in Brisbane real estate.

📞 Thinking about selling in 2026?
I’m always happy to talk through the current market and what your property might achieve.

Kath Chown
RE/MAX Elevate
0458 912 906
kathchown@remax.com.au