Why Brisbane is key for Commercial Property Investment in 2025

Commercial investment in Brisbane is gaining serious momentum. Backed by population growth, infrastructure upgrades and high yields across multiple sectors, Brisbane’s property market is proving a smart play for investors in 2025.

Brisbane’s population is driving demand

Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities, and that growth is fuelling commercial activity across the board.

• Over 60,000 new residents in 2024 alone

• Forecast to reach 3.3 million people by 2032

• Increasing demand for logistics, health, retail and education

• Pressure on existing infrastructure creating space for private investment

• Steady population growth supporting long-term tenancy and asset stability

Industrial land is in short supply

Industrial property is leading Brisbane’s commercial performance, with record low vacancies and limited future land supply.

• Vacancy rates below 1% across all major industrial zones

• High demand from eCommerce, logistics, and trades

• Key corridors include TradeCoast, Brendale, Acacia Ridge, and Logan

• Rental rates climbing across all warehouse sizes

• Investors gaining from low competition and high tenant retention

Commercial yields remain strong

Brisbane’s market continues to outperform on yield, especially in fringe and industrial sectors.

• Higher yields than Sydney and Melbourne by 1–2%

• Affordable entry prices across mid-tier commercial assets

• Strong cashflow returns in suburban office and retail

• Industrial properties delivering consistent growth

• Attracting SMSFs and private investors looking for reliable returns

Major infrastructure upgrades underway

Infrastructure is reshaping Brisbane’s commercial landscape and unlocking major growth corridors.

• $6.3B Cross River Rail improving north-south connections

• Brisbane Metro reducing congestion and boosting inner-city access

• Gabba redevelopment triggering mixed-use activity in Woolloongabba

• Road upgrades enhancing freight movement through Logan and Ipswich

• Olympic Games acting as a catalyst for fast-tracked projects

Fringe office markets are bouncing back

Suburban and fringe offices are outperforming CBD stock, particularly where lifestyle and accessibility intersect.

• Fortitude Valley and South Brisbane seeing low vacancy

• Increased demand for boutique and flexible office space

• Flight to quality creating opportunities in B and A-grade stock

• Smaller, strata-titled office suites performing well

• Fringe areas benefiting from strong amenity and public transport

Mixed-use precincts are creating value

Urban renewal is driving up demand for commercial space in new mixed-use neighbourhoods.

• Albion and Woolloongabba targeted for dense redevelopment

• Medical, retail and office integrated with residential towers

• Council support for higher density and flexible zoning

• Ground-floor commercial tenancies gaining long-term value

• Smart investors securing positions early in planning cycle

Interstate investment is accelerating

Buyers from Sydney, Melbourne and overseas are moving fast to secure Brisbane assets.

• Lower prices than southern capitals

• Better return on investment in key sectors

• Increasing appetite from institutional and SMSF buyers

• Off-market transactions becoming more common

• National funds repositioning toward SEQ

The 2032 Olympics is more than hype

Hosting the Olympic Games is changing the shape — and speed — of Brisbane’s commercial property growth.

• Infrastructure being delivered years ahead of schedule

• Suburban areas receiving long-term upgrades

• Global exposure attracting new investors and developers

• Games acting as an economic and branding catalyst

• Planning policies already shifting to support Olympic legacy

Where to watch in 2025

Brisbane has multiple growth corridors with proven demand and ongoing investment.

• Pinkenba & Eagle Farm – port access and logistics

• Logan & Yatala – large-format warehousing and transport routes

• South Brisbane & Woolloongabba – mixed-use, medical, and retail

• Chermside & Upper Mount Gravatt – suburban hubs with transport and retail

• North Lakes & Brendale – industrial and bulky goods retail growth

In summary

Brisbane is hitting its stride. With high population growth, low vacancies, strong yields, and serious investment in infrastructure, commercial property in Brisbane is well-positioned for long-term gains in 2025 and beyond.

• High-growth city with strong fundamentals

• Undersupplied industrial market offering excellent returns

• Infrastructure-backed development unlocking new areas

• Strong yield and capital growth potential across key zones

• A proven commercial hotspot with national and international interest