Best Regional QLD Areas To Invest In 2025

Property markets in Regional Queensland have shown steady growth compared to many other parts of Australia. Looking ahead to 2025, experts expect Regional Queensland to be among the strongest performers in the country, just behind Brisbane, the state capital.

This growth is supported by people moving from other states, as well as investors who are drawn to Queensland for its affordability, reliable rental returns, and potential for long-term value. A recent report from API Magazine listed Queensland as the top choice for investors in 2025.

Government investment in infrastructure, such as major upgrades to the Bruce Highway, is also strengthening the outlook for regional areas. In some cases, these projects are giving regional Queensland an advantage over Brisbane itself.

Below are several suburbs in Regional Queensland that experts believe will be key investment opportunities in 2025.

Kingaroy

This town is gaining importance as the main centre of the South Burnett region, an area well known for agriculture and its growing tourism sector. Significant investment is underway, including major energy projects and the development of a new hospital. In 2024, both rents and property prices rose by 10%. With homes typically priced in the $400,000 range and rental yields above 6%, the town is well positioned to appeal to both home buyers and investors.

Median House Price: $410,000
Median Rental Yield: 6.4%

Pimpama

The Gold Coast recorded some of the strongest property price growth in 2024, with many suburbs now reaching the million-dollar range. However, Pimpama, located in the northern growth corridor, remains comparatively affordable. While the area previously faced an oversupply of housing, it now has a shortage of new dwellings, with vacancy rates sitting well below 1%. Significant investment is also being directed into transport infrastructure, including multi-billion-dollar upgrades to rail and motorway connections.

The region’s lifestyle appeal, steady population growth, and tourism-driven economy continue to support rising property values. High rental demand, particularly for short-term holiday accommodation, contributes to solid rental yields and positions the area as attractive for both investors and long-term growth.

Median House Price: $750,000
Rental Yield: 4.5%

Ipswich

Ipswich, located southwest of Brisbane, is emerging as a key growth corridor, supported by its relative housing affordability and strong transport links to the Brisbane CBD.

As one of the fastest-growing regions in South East Queensland, Ipswich appeals to both first-home buyers and investors seeking long-term capital growth and reliable rental yields.

Population growth remains robust, particularly in master-planned communities such as Springfield and Ripley, which are being further strengthened by significant residential and commercial development.

Median House Price: $590,000
Rental Yield: 5.2%

Southport

Southport has emerged as one of the Gold Coast’s most active apartment markets, supported by major health and education facilities as well as strong transport connections. Despite outperforming many areas, with an average annual growth rate of 13% over the past decade and a 17% increase in 2024, apartments in Southport remain more affordable than those in Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, and Broadbeach. More than 700 apartments were sold in the past year, with the market further strengthened by low vacancy rates and rental yields in the 5–6% range.

Median House Price: $750,000
Rental Yield: 4.8%

Townsville

Townsville, the largest city in North Queensland, has a resilient economy supported by mining, defence, and education, making it an attractive destination for investors seeking both rental income and long-term growth.

Major developments, including the Port of Townsville expansion and the Townsville Stadium, are further strengthening the city’s profile. With comparatively affordable housing and a diverse economic base, Townsville offers stable market conditions and consistently strong rental demand.

The property market has recorded significant gains in recent years. As of March 2025, the median house price reached $595,500, representing strong annual and long-term growth. The unit market has also performed well, with steady increases over both one-year and five-year periods.

Median House Price: $430,000
Rental Yield: 5.9%

Mackay

Mackay’s economy, underpinned by the mining and agriculture sectors, has recovered strongly after a period of slower growth, presenting renewed opportunities for investors seeking affordable housing and competitive rental yields.

Ongoing infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the Port of Mackay, are supporting the city’s transformation into a key regional hub. With a diverse economic base and comparatively accessible housing, particularly in outer suburbs with convenient city access, Mackay is well positioned for future growth and attractive investment returns.

The property market has demonstrated consistent strength, with both houses and units recording notable increases in value over the past year and across five-year periods. This momentum is being driven by continued regional development and the growing appeal of lifestyle-focused living.

Median House Price: $550,000
Rental Yield: 5.8%

birtinya

Birtinya is a master-planned community centred around the waterways of Lake Kawana. The suburb is anchored by the $5 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital precinct and a substantial bulky goods retail hub. With a strong track record of growth, averaging 10% annually over the past decade. Birtinya is well positioned to build on this performance in the years ahead.

Median House Price: $975,000
Rental Yield: 4.10%

moreton bay region

Situated 40 minutes north of Brisbane and 40 minutes south of the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay is a dynamic region that combines suburban convenience with coastal amenity. Home to a population of approximately 510,000, it is recognised for its coastal landscapes, vibrant communities, and proximity to the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

The region’s economy is supported by key sectors including tourism, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture, alongside substantial infrastructure investment that continues to underpin population growth.

Median House Price: $860,000
Rental Yield: 3.3%

Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is recognised for its more relaxed lifestyle compared to the Gold Coast, making it a highly sought-after location for families and retirees, while continuing to demonstrate strong market growth.

Significant investment is underway, including the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport, and the development of a new CBD in Maroochydore. These projects are driving demand for both residential and commercial property, further enhancing the region’s appeal and long-term growth prospects.

Median House Price: $940,000
Rental Yield: 4.1%

Cairns

Cairns, regarded as Queensland’s tropical centrepiece, is well known for its tourism appeal and relaxed lifestyle. While tourism remains a key economic driver, the expanding education and healthcare sectors are contributing to rising demand for residential property.

With comparatively affordable housing and strong rental yields, Cairns presents a balanced investment option. Its lifestyle advantages, combined with consistent visitor demand, continue to underpin rental strength.

The property market has maintained solid momentum, recording notable gains across both houses and units between March 2024 and March 2025. The median house price rose to $668,500, supported by steady annual and long-term growth, while the unit market recorded even stronger performance over both one- and five-year periods.

Median House Price: $560,000
Rental Yield: 5.7%

gold coast

The Gold Coast is a leading investment destination, combining strong lifestyle appeal with a robust tourism industry and significant infrastructure investment, including the Light Rail extension.

Consistent population growth and sustained demand for the region’s renowned lifestyle continue to drive property values higher. At the same time, the tourism-based economy supports strong rental yields, particularly in the short-term holiday rental market, positioning the Gold Coast as an attractive option for both rental income and long-term capital growth.

Median House Price: $1,050,000
Rental Yield: 4.4%

Logan

Logan, positioned between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, is a rapidly expanding area supported by a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial development. Offering some of the most affordable housing in South East Queensland, it is particularly appealing to first-home buyers and entry-level investors.

Strong population growth, combined with ongoing development and infrastructure investment, is driving property values upward while sustaining high rental demand. These factors position Logan as an attractive market for investors seeking both affordability and growth potential.

Median House Price: $580,000
Rental Yield: 5.4%

Toowoomba

Toowoomba, located west of Brisbane, has established itself as a key regional hub, supported by its strong agricultural base and expanding logistics sector. The opening of Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport has further enhanced the city’s economic outlook and growth potential.

Recognised for its comparatively affordable housing and solid rental yields, Toowoomba presents an appealing long-term option for investors. Demand continues to be driven by the region’s agricultural strength and the expansion of logistics infrastructure.

The property market has recorded strong gains, with the median house price reaching $683,500 in March 2025, reflecting notable annual and five-year growth. The unit market has also shown significant improvement, with prices rising steadily over both short- and longer-term periods.

Median House Price: $580,000
Rental Yield: 5.5%

Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay, renowned for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, is increasingly appealing to retirees and lifestyle seekers, contributing to rising property demand and values. The local economy is supported by tourism, particularly whale watching, alongside infrastructure investment to accommodate a growing population.

With comparatively affordable housing, a strong rental market, and consistent growth, Hervey Bay combines lifestyle appeal with solid investment potential, making it an attractive option for those seeking a coastal location.

Median House Price: $620,000
Rental Yield: 4.9%

Gladstone

As of March 2025, Gladstone’s median house price reached $545,000, reflecting strong annual and long-term growth. Unit prices also recorded significant gains, with the median rising to $350,000 over the same period.

This momentum has been underpinned by the city’s relative affordability, robust rental demand, steady population growth, and major infrastructure projects, all of which continue to drive confidence in Gladstone’s property market.

Median House Price: $545,000
Rental Yield: 4.5%

Rockhampton

Rockhampton’s property market has continued to strengthen, with the median house price reaching $530,000, reflecting notable annual and long-term growth. The unit market has also recorded solid gains, with the median price rising to $435,000 over the same period.

These results highlight the city’s ongoing market momentum, supported by steady demand and competitive rental returns.

Median House Price: $530,000
Rental Yield: 5.9%

Bundaberg

Bundaberg has experienced substantial growth across both houses and units in recent years. The median house price now stands at $605,000, reflecting strong annual gains and a doubling in value over the past five years. The unit market has also recorded significant increases, with the median price reaching $465,000, supported by both annual and long-term growth.

These results highlight Bundaberg’s rising profile as a regional market offering both affordability and consistent demand.

Median House Price: $605,000
Rental Yield: 5.3%

What Are Some Of The Factors That Are Impacting The Regional Market?

Regional Queensland’s property market maintained strong performance through 2024. However, growth moderated in the second half of the year as affordability pressures and higher interest rates tempered activity.

Despite this easing, values remain at record highs, now 68.1% above pre-pandemic levels in 2020 and 88.2% higher over the past decade, highlighting the region’s sustained long-term market strength.

Sales Volumes

Buyer activity remains strong across Regional Queensland, positioning it just behind Regional New South Wales on this measure. Sustained momentum in key markets indicates that property values are likely to continue rising in many parts of the state.

Quarterly Price Growth

More than 60% of locations across Regional Queensland have recorded quarterly price growth above the benchmark, reflecting the steady sales activity observed in recent periods.

Vacancy Rates

This is the measure showing the greatest improvement for Regional Queensland, with approximately two-thirds of suburbs and towns recording vacancy rates below 1%, positioning it as the strongest of all Australian regional markets.

Rental Growth suburbs

Regional Queensland has strengthened its position on this measure, with more than three-quarters of locations recording annual rental growth above 5%.

Infrastructure Spending For greater brisbane

Infrastructure investment across Regional Queensland has continued to build in recent years, with numerous major rail, road, hospital, and energy projects underway. In 2024, projects completed or in progress exceeded $100 billion in value, with a further $85 billion in planning. The region’s role in the 2032 Olympics, along with significant upgrades to the Bruce Highway, is expected to sustain this momentum.

Conclusion

Queensland presents a wide range of investment opportunities, with locations offering strong rental yields, long-term capital growth, and comparatively affordable entry points.

Whether building an investment portfolio or purchasing a first property, selecting the right location is essential to achieving financial objectives.

For tailored guidance in identifying the most suitable opportunities across Queensland’s high-growth regions, the team at Precision Property Buyers is available to assist. Call us today or visit our website to take the next step in your property investment journey.

FAQs

What Are The Best Places In regional qLD For Rental Yield?

Logan, Ipswich, Townsville, and Cairns rank among the strongest locations in Queensland for rental yields, with returns often exceeding 5%. This performance is supported by sustained rental demand and comparatively affordable property prices.

What Type Of growth corridors Should I Invest In?

Our team at Precision Property Buyers can help guide you through the borrowing process and show you the best options for your financial situation.

How Much Can I Borrow For An Investment Property?

The choice depends on individual financial objectives. Units in inner-city locations often deliver stronger rental yields, while houses in outer suburbs may provide greater long-term capital growth.

What’s The Process For Buying An Investment Property In Queensland?

The process involves establishing a budget, identifying suitable properties, securing finance, and finalising the purchase with the assistance of a real estate agent.

What Is The Best Place To Buy Investment Property In Australia?

Brisbane is currently regarded as one of Australia’s strongest investment markets, supported by sustained capital growth, low vacancy rates, and significant infrastructure investment.

How Much Can I Borrow For An Investment Property?

This will depend on individual financial capacity and borrowing costs. For personalised guidance, we recommend speaking with our team.