Property Market Update – May 2026

The South East Queensland property market has remained relatively resilient throughout May, however conditions are continuing to normalise across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast as buyers become more measured in their decision-making.

Open homes are still attracting solid enquiry levels in many areas, particularly for quality homes in tightly held locations, but the intensity and urgency seen earlier in the year has eased noticeably. With stock levels gradually improving across parts of the market, buyers are taking more time to compare options, conduct due diligence and negotiate more confidently before committing.

This shift is contributing to a more balanced environment across many segments of the market.

A number of broader economic and political factors are also influencing buyer sentiment. Ongoing discussion surrounding interest rates, cost-of-living pressures, lending affordability and Federal policy settings — including investor-related taxation debate — are all contributing to a degree of caution among both owner-occupiers and investors.

While market fundamentals across South East Queensland remain comparatively sound, confidence and perception often influence buyer behaviour just as much as the underlying data itself.

Across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, we are continuing to see a clear separation between properties that are strategically positioned for the market and those that are not.

Well-presented homes priced in line with current buyer expectations are generally continuing to attract strong enquiry and competitive interest. In contrast, properties launched with overly ambitious pricing or lacking proper preparation are often experiencing longer selling periods and reduced negotiating leverage as campaigns progress.

This is particularly important in a market where buyers now have more choice and are becoming increasingly selective.

Presentation, launch strategy, pricing discipline and campaign management are all playing a more significant role in determining outcomes than they did during the stronger momentum-driven conditions of previous years.

That said, balanced markets also create opportunities.

For homeowners who are both selling and purchasing within the same market — particularly those looking to upsize — softer conditions can often work in their favour. While sale prices may moderate slightly in some segments, the ability to negotiate more effectively on the purchase side can frequently offset any reduction achieved on the sale.

In the current environment, strategic decision-making, realistic pricing and disciplined execution are becoming increasingly important.

Markets do not need to be booming to achieve excellent results — but they do require sellers to adapt to changing buyer behaviour and approach the sales process with clarity, preparation and the right guidance.