Olympic boom: Queensland suburbs set for major growth ahead of 2032

With the Olympics set to take place in Brisbane, Queensland in 2032, there are several suburbs in the region—particularly in the southeast—that are about to experience a rapid surge in property prices. Dubbed the Olympic boom, this growth is driven by factors such as strong rental demand, new infrastructure upgrades, rising migration, and proximity to landmarks such as Brisbane Stadium. As a result, this has piqued investor interest while homeowners are on a selling spree to capitalise on the price surge. Whether you’re looking to buy or invest, here’s everything you need to know about the Olympic boom Queensland suburbs are experiencing, along with the top growing suburbs in Queensland that are bound to become hotspots in the next decade.

Disclaimer: This information is for research purposes only and does not constitute financial advice*. However, based on current market trends, these are the top growing suburbs in Queensland driven by the Olympic boom.

Key takeaways

• Queensland’s Olympic boom is already underway, with strong price growth, low supply, and sustained interstate migration driving competition statewide.
• Infrastructure investment is the biggest catalyst, as stadium upgrades, transport improvements, and urban renewal projects lift demand in well-connected areas.
• Inner-Brisbane suburbs near Olympic venues are leading the growth, including Herston, Kelvin Grove, Spring Hill, Bowen Hills, and the Brisbane CBD, alongside coastal hubs like Maroochydore and Upper Coomera.
• The strongest long-term opportunities lie beyond 2032, particularly in suburbs that balance accessibility, affordability, and constrained supply.

Current state of Queensland’s housing market

Queensland’s housing market is entering the Olympic decade with strong momentum, and this is fuelled by not just rapid price growth but also population inflows and scarce supply. For instance, across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, median house prices have risen drastically by 56–66%, climbing from under $750,000 to well over $1 million in many suburbs. The jump is even higher when it comes to unit prices, which have soared by up to 68% from approximately $455,000 to $650,000. This sustained Queensland suburbs increase in house prices reflects demand consistently outpacing new supply.

Despite the steep rise in house prices, migration remains a major driver. This is especially evident in southeast Queensland, which continues to attract movers from Sydney, Melbourne, and surrounding smaller cities. By 2032, which is when Brisbane will host the 35th Olympic Games, the region’s population is estimated to reach 4.5 million. That said, it’s important to note that growth isn’t limited to just Brisbane, as many new residents have relocated to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Based on these forecasts, coupled with low vacancy rates and steady capital growth, it’s safe to say that investors would be keeping Queensland on their radars in 2026.

Understanding the Olympic effect on property markets

Historically, major sporting events like the Olympics tend to trigger and reshape property markets in a predictable way. For example, the strongest demand usually occurs during the pre-Games preparation phase. This is when prices tend to peak thanks to infrastructure spending, employment growth, and increased buyer interest. Upon entering the post-Games phase, prices typically stabilise for a bit and may even see a longer-term uplift in cities where upgrades deliver lasting benefits that attract more people and businesses.

One useful benchmark is when Sydney hosted the 2000 Summer Olympics. In the late ‘90s, a decade before the official Games kickstarted, Sydney’s property market saw a huge uptick, with median house prices rising by a whopping 80%. This massive surge is driven by infrastructure upgrades worth billions of dollars, alongside strong buyer interest and demand. While no two cities are identical, Brisbane’s Olympic pipeline suggests a similar trajectory, positioning several Olympic boom Queensland suburbs for sustained growth rather than a short-lived spike.

Infrastructure driving Queensland’s Olympic boom

At the heart of the Olympic boom Queensland suburbs are experiencing a once-in-a-generation infrastructure pipeline. Major stadium upgrades, new sporting precincts, and transport improvements are not only supporting the Games themselves, but also changing how people move, live, and work across affected cities. This concentration of investment is already influencing buyer behaviour, especially in suburbs located closest to key Olympic venues.

Brisbane suburbs that are closest to the planned Olympic venues

Suburbs located near Brisbane’s main Olympic sites are already seeing heightened buyer interest due to improved accessibility. For example, Milton and Paddington sit closest to Brisbane Stadium, offering immediate access to event infrastructure and upgraded transport links. Near the National Aquatic Centre at Centenary Pool, Spring Hill and Herston are positioned to gain from enhanced connectivity and public transport upgrades. Meanwhile, Bowen Hills sits adjacent to the RNA Showgrounds, where major urban renewal and mixed-use development are planned, whereas Woolloongabba remains a central location due to its proximity to multiple venues and transport links.

Top Queensland suburbs primed for growth

Whether you’re seeking proximity or lifestyle appeal as an owner-occupier or investor, here are some of the top growing suburbs in Queensland to watch.

Herston

Median house price: ~$1.76 million

Herston is emerging as a high-potential inner-Brisbane suburb due to its proximity to major hospitals, universities, and more importantly, the new Olympic stadium at Victoria Park as well as the National Aquatic Centre. Strong rental demand from healthcare workers and students supports low vacancy rates, while limited housing stock provides scope for further price growth as infrastructure activity intensifies.

Bowen Hills

Median house price: ~$725,000

Bowen Hills is transforming into a mixed-use urban hub, supported by its location that’s just a stone’s throw away from the RNA Showgrounds plus strong transport connectivity. Ongoing redevelopment, apartment demand, and proximity to Olympic venues make it attractive to both investors and owner-occupiers seeking long-term capital growth.

Kelvin Grove

Median house price: ~$1.5 million

Another key location that will be close to the Olympic Stadium is Kelvin Grove, which also benefits from its creative precinct, university presence, and steady influx of renters. As infrastructure spending lifts surrounding connectivity and amenities, the suburb is well placed to see continued price appreciation driven by demand for inner-city living.

Spring Hill

Median house price: ~$1.78 million

Spring Hill continues to attract attention for its heritage streetscapes and immediate CBD access, positioning it as a tightly held inner-city suburb with limited new supply. A key catalyst is also the development of the National Aquatic Centre at the existing Centenary Pool site, alongside broader transport and connectivity upgrades, which would support higher demand and steady growth as the area evolves.

Brisbane CBD

Median house price: ~$2.7 million

The Brisbane CBD is undergoing significant transformation ahead of 2032, with commercial, residential, and transport upgrades reshaping the city core. Rising demand for inner-city apartments and improved liveability are expected to support long-term price growth beyond the Games.

Maroochydore

Median house price: ~$1.2 million

On the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore stands out as one of the major suburbs in Queensland for its growing employment hub, coastal lifestyle, and expanding infrastructure. Continued interstate migration and limited coastal supply position it as a strong long-term growth suburb outside Brisbane.

Upper Coomera

Median house price: ~$1.1 million

Upper Coomera offers relative affordability within the Gold Coast growth corridor, making it attractive to families and first-home buyers. Infrastructure upgrades and the rising population are supporting steady price growth, with room for further appreciation as demand spreads outward.

What to look for in a potential Olympic boom suburb

Not every suburb benefits equally from an Olympic cycle, which is why buyers should focus on fundamentals that support sustained growth beyond 2032. Here are five things worth looking out for in a potential Olympic boom suburb:

• High sales activity: Besides providing statistical certainty, strong turnover combined with low rental vacancy often indicate rising demand and pricing momentum.
• Lifestyle amenities: Access to dining, green spaces, schools, and healthcare supports long-term owner-occupier demand.
• Infrastructure & transport: New rail, road, and active transport projects improve accessibility and future desirability.
• Location & jobs: Proximity to venues, employment hubs, and education precincts drives consistent demand.
• Affordability & supply: Suburbs with constrained supply but still-accessible price points offer more room for upside.

Who will benefit most from Queensland’s Olympic boom?

Long-term investors, owner-occupiers planning to hold through 2032, and developers situated close to infrastructure corridors are in the best position to profit from the Olympic boom in Queensland suburbs. First-home buyers may also benefit from this market boom, provided that they enter earlier into developing suburbs before prices peak. Meanwhile, as demand intensifies, those who adopt real estate investment strategies, such as buy-and-hold approaches, would be able to capture both capital growth and rental returns.

Queensland property forecasts: short-term & long-term

In the short term, Queensland’s market is expected to remain competitive, with continued upward pressure on prices through 2026–28 as infrastructure projects accelerate. Over the longer term, improved connectivity, population growth, and global exposure are likely to support sustained demand across multiple regions. This outlook reinforces why many Olympic boom Queensland suburbs are being viewed as decade-long growth plays rather than short-term trades.

Is the Olympic boom expected to last beyond the 2032 Games?

Yes, most indicators suggest the Olympic boom is likely to extend well beyond 2032 rather than fade immediately after the Games. Infrastructure legacies, emerging employment hubs, and sustained population growth tend to deliver long-term benefits and lasting demand, particularly once precincts shift from construction into full operation. Historical precedent supports this outlook, as seen five years after the Sydney Olympics, when both house and apartment median prices grew by 7.6% and 12.8% per annum respectively.

Key takeaways

Based on all the forecasts we’ve gathered, one thing seems clear: Queensland’s Olympic boom is already heavily influencing the housing market with demand growing stronger by the day. What’s more, rising prices, strong migration, and major infrastructure within inner-Brisbane regions, coastal hubs, and growth corridors are further intensifying competition. Hence, the strongest prospects for steady and sustainable growth are likely to come from suburbs that strike the right balance between accessibility, affordability, and constrained supply. With that in mind, buyers should start by understanding their own financial position—including fundamentals such as “How much do you need for a house deposit?”—before taking the next step into this rapidly evolving market.

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