Choosing the best suburbs to invest in Queensland has become a top priority for property investors chasing value, growth, and strong rental returns. Whether you're new to the game or looking to expand your portfolio, Queensland's diverse market is filled with opportunity if you know where to look.
With consistent population growth, tight vacancy rates, and billions in infrastructure projects underway, it's easy to see why investors are heading north. But not all suburbs are created equal.
At Stryve Finance, we help clients match their lending strategy to the right location, because securing the right finance is just as important as selecting and inspecting the right property. In this guide, we'll explore the Queensland suburbs leading the pack in 2025 and what makes them stand out.
Why Queensland Is a Property Investment Hotspot
Before diving into the best suburbs to invest in Queensland, it's important to understand why the state is drawing so much attention from investors, both local and interstate.
Here's what's driving the demand:
- Incredible population growth
Queensland has become the top destination for interstate migration, with over 100,000 people relocating there in the past 12 months alone. Many are chasing affordability, lifestyle, and employment in high-growth areas. - Infrastructure-fueled momentum
Billions of dollars are being invested in roads, rail, hospitals, and housing, particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. That investment is sparking growth in key corridors and creating jobs that drive demand for housing. - Affordable entry points
Compared to Brisbane or Perth, many parts of Queensland offer better value and higher rental yields, making it an attractive option for both first-time and seasoned investors. - Tight rental markets
Vacancy rates remain under 1% in many regions. This supply squeeze is driving up rents and generating reliable cash flow for landlords. - Strong lifestyle appeal
From coastal cities to hinterland escapes, Queensland offers something for every type of tenant, families, retirees, students, and remote workers alike.
With these fundamentals in place, the focus now turns to where to invest. So let's dive into the 10 key regions and the standout suburbs within them.
10 Best Suburbs to Invest in Queensland (2025)
We've analysed market trends, infrastructure growth, and lending patterns across the state to bring you the top 10 suburbs in Queensland for wise property investment. Here's where the data and investor demand points this year.
1. Brisbane Inner City
Why Invest:
As the host city for the 2032 Olympics, Brisbane's inner-city precincts are undergoing one of the most significant infrastructure overhauls in the country. The Cross River Rail, Gabba Stadium redevelopment, and green bridges are transforming this area into a high-demand lifestyle and employment hub.
Brisbane's inner ring suburbs offer investors access to strong long-term capital growth, low vacancy rates, and premium rental markets. With young professionals and executives flocking to the area, well-located apartments and townhouses are in constant demand.
Median House Price: $1.3M
Rental Yield: 3.9%
Top Suburbs to Watch:
- Woolloongabba: $1.26M, Yield: 3.9%
Well-positioned near major transport and hospitals, with huge uplift expected from Olympic infrastructure. - Kangaroo Point: $1.52M, Yield: 4.1%
Iconic riverside suburb featuring high-end developments and a tight rental market driven by professionals.
2. Brisbane North
Why Invest:
Brisbane's northern suburbs combine accessibility, lifestyle, and growing infrastructure, all within reach of the CBD and airport. These areas are undergoing steady gentrification, with new cafés, shopping precincts, and transport upgrades making them attractive for both owner-occupiers and renters.
As a result, suburbs across Brisbane's North are experiencing strong buyer interest and solid long-term performance, particularly in well-connected areas close to train stations, hospitals, and major retail hubs.
Median House Price: $900,000
Rental Yield: 4.2%
Top Suburbs to Watch:
- Nundah: $880,000, Yield: 4.3%
A rising star just 8 km from the city, Nundah is attracting young professionals with its village feel, public transport, and value for money. - Chermside: $920,000, Yield: 4.2%
Home to Westfield Chermside, a major hospital, and high-density housing, this suburb offers excellent fundamentals for investors seeking both yield and growth.
3. Gold Coast
Why Invest:
The Gold Coast is more than just beaches, it's one of Australia's fastest-growing urban corridors, with consistent population growth, a booming tourism sector, and significant infrastructure upgrades, including light rail extensions and health precincts.
Its dual appeal to lifestyle seekers and long-term renters makes it ideal for investors chasing both capital growth and stable rental returns. New masterplanned communities and infill developments are adding to the housing stock, but in high-demand suburbs, supply remains tight.
Median House Price: $850,000
Rental Yield: 4.4%
Top Suburbs to Watch:
- Southport: $770,000, Yield: 4.7%
Gold Coast's CBD has strong rental demand from students, hospital workers, and business professionals. - Pimpama: $765,000, Yield: 4.5%
Part of the northern growth corridor, this family-friendly suburb is packed with schools, shopping, and new infrastructure. - Burleigh Heads: $1.57M, Yield: 3.8%
A lifestyle icon, Burleigh continues to show strong capital growth, making it a prime target for long-term investors.
4. Sunshine Coast
Why Invest:
The Sunshine Coast is quickly transforming from a holiday destination into a serious investment market. Massive infrastructure projects, including the Maroochydore CBD, Sunshine Coast University Hospital, and upgrades to the Bruce Highway, are boosting employment and housing demand.
The region's blend of beaches, jobs, and lifestyle appeal attracts both tenants and buyers. With vacancy rates hovering below 1%, properties in key pockets are delivering strong yields and long-term capital growth potential.
Median House Price: $910,000
Rental Yield: 4.0%
Top Suburbs to Watch:
- Birtinya: $870,000, Yield: 4.1%
Located in the health precinct, Birtinya draws steady demand from medical professionals and students. - Maroochydore: $960,000, Yield: 3.7%
Undergoing a major CBD transformation, Maroochydore offers long-term upside for growth-focused investors.
5. Ipswich Region
Why Invest:
Located west of Brisbane, the Ipswich region has emerged as a favourite among value-conscious investors. It offers affordable entry points, high rental yields, and a wave of residential and commercial development.
Masterplanned communities, population growth, and upgrades to schools, roads, and shopping centres are reshaping suburbs across Ipswich. Its strong employment base, particularly in logistics, health, and education, continues to fuel rental demand.
Median House Price: $570,000
Rental Yield: 5.2%
Top Suburbs to Watch:
- Ripley: $595,000, Yield: 5.2%
A rapidly growing masterplanned suburb with parks, retail, and a strong appeal to families and first-home buyers. - Redbank Plains: $540,000, Yield: 5.3%
Affordable housing and strong rental demand make this one of SEQ's most consistent performers in terms of cash flow.
6. Logan Corridor
Why Invest:
Strategically positioned between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Logan is one of South East Queensland's key growth corridors. Its affordability, expanding infrastructure, and young population are attracting first-home buyers, renters, and investors alike.
With significant developments like the Inland Rail, new schools, shopping centres, and town centres in the pipeline, Logan suburbs offer a blend of short-term rental returns and long-term growth potential.
Median House Price: $560,000
Rental Yield: 5.3%
Top Suburbs to Watch:
- Beenleigh: $535,000, Yield: 5.4%
A transit-oriented suburb with access to both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Beenleigh is undergoing steady revitalisation and gentrification. - Yarrabilba: $610,000, Yield: 5.0%
A fast-developing masterplanned community with new schools, parks, and retail, creating demand from young families and renters.
7. Toowoomba Region
Why Invest:
Toowoomba is one of Queensland's most underrated regional investment hubs. With a strong agricultural backbone, a growing logistics sector, and major infrastructure like the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, the city is attracting increasing interest from investors and developers.
The region offers affordable property, solid rental returns, and consistent demand from families and regional workers. Its schools, hospitals, and lifestyle appeal also make it a popular choice for long-term tenants.
Median House Price: $560,000
Rental Yield: 5.0%
Top Suburbs to Watch:
- Glenvale: $545,000, Yield: 5.1%
A family-focused suburb with new housing estates and proximity to schools and shopping. - Kearneys Spring: $595,000, Yield: 4.9%
A well-established suburb offering consistent growth, excellent rental stability, and appeal to owner-occupiers.
8. Cairns
Why Invest:
Cairns continues to outperform its weight in terms of rental yield, making it a favourite among cash-flow investors. The city's diverse economy, spanning tourism, education, healthcare, and defence, provides stability beyond the holiday season.
With tight rental markets, high yields, and low vacancy rates, well-located suburbs in Cairns offer solid returns for investors looking to maximise rental income. It's also seeing a slow but steady rise in buyer demand as infrastructure improves.
Median House Price: $520,000
Rental Yield: 5.8%
Top Suburbs to Watch:
- Manunda: $460,000, Yield: 6.0%
Affordable and in demand, this suburb offers strong yields and low vacancies, with a close proximity to the CBD and major amenities. - Edge Hill: $875,000, Yield: 4.7%
One of Cairns' most desirable blue-chip suburbs, offering capital growth potential with excellent tenant appeal.
9. Townsville
Why Invest:
Townsville is a key regional centre in North Queensland, underpinned by a strong government and education workforce. With a university, major hospital, and defence bases, the city maintains a steady population and reliable rental market.
Recent infrastructure upgrades and economic diversification, especially in renewables, defence, and logistics, are enhancing its appeal to long-term investors. Townsville offers a combination of affordability, strong rental yields, and future growth potential.
Median House Price: $540,000
Rental Yield: 5.5%
Top Suburbs to Watch:
- Douglas: $570,000, Yield: 5.4%
A high-demand suburb home to James Cook University and The Townsville Hospital, with stable tenant flow year-round. - Mount Louisa: $495,000, Yield: 5.5%
Family-friendly, affordable, and conveniently located near schools and shops, Mount Louisa is a solid choice for consistent rental income.
10. Mackay
Why Invest:
This mining and agricultural hub is on the upswing again, offering affordable homes and robust demand from FIFO workers and growing industries. With upgrades to the Mackay Ring Road and significant investment in the Port of Mackay, the region is becoming increasingly attractive for long-term investors chasing both yield and capital growth.
Mackay offers one of the highest rental returns in Queensland, making it a standout for investors looking to boost cash flow while entering the market at an affordable price point.
Median House Price: $560,000
Rental Yield: 5.7%
Top Suburbs to Watch:
- Andergrove: $500,000, Yield: 6.1%
A top performer in Mackay, combining high rental yield with good amenities and proximity to schools and employment hubs. - Eimeo: $570,000, Yield: 5.6%
A coastal suburb with strong family appeal and consistent rental demand.
Suburb Investment Comparison Table
To help you compare the best suburbs to invest in Queensland, here's a snapshot of key data across the top-performing locations. These figures combine median house prices, rental yields, and regional strength to support smart investment decisions.
| Suburb | Region | Median Price | Rental Yield | 12-Mo Growth | Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woolloongabba | Brisbane Inner City | $1.26M | 3.9% | +8.5% | 0.9% |
| Chermside | Brisbane North | $920k | 4.2% | +6.4% | 1.1% |
| Southport | Gold Coast | $770k | 4.7% | +7.9% | 1.0% |
| Maroochydore | Sunshine Coast | $960k | 3.7% | +6.2% | 1.3% |
| Ripley | Ipswich Region | $595k | 5.2% | +8.9% | 1.2% |
| Beenleigh | Logan Corridor | $535k | 5.4% | +9.5% | 0.8% |
| Glenvale | Toowoomba | $545k | 5.1% | +6.1% | 1.0% |
| Manunda | Cairns | $460k | 6.0% | +5.7% | 0.7% |
| Douglas | Townsville | $570k | 5.4% | +5.9% | 1.1% |
| Andergrove | Mackay (Central QLD) | $500k | 6.1% | +4.5% | 0.5% |
Note: Figures based on market reports available as of Q3 2025. Always check local updates and consult with a broker before making a purchase.
How to Choose the Right Suburb for Your Investment Strategy
Choosing the best suburbs to invest in Queensland starts with understanding your personal investment goals. Are you seeking substantial rental income, long-term capital growth, or a combination of both? Suburbs like Cairns and Ipswich may offer higher yields, while areas such as Brisbane's inner city or the Sunshine Coast may be better suited for long-term growth potential.
It also comes down to your budget and borrowing power. That's why it's essential to speak with a mortgage broker early on. Knowing what you can afford and how your finance is structured can help you target the right opportunities from the start.
Beyond the numbers, look at what's happening locally. Suburbs with new transport links, schools, hospitals, or major employment hubs often outperform over time. Just as importantly, low vacancy rates usually signal strong tenant demand, and that's good news for your cash flow.
The right suburb isn't just about location, it's about strategy. With the correct lending setup, you can make your investment work harder and grow faster.
Why Investors Trust Stryve Finance
At Stryve Finance, we don't just help you get a loan, we help you build a strategy.
We work with property investors across Australia to match the proper lending structure with the right suburb and property type. Whether you're buying your first investment or expanding an existing portfolio, we tailor solutions to support long-term growth, stable cash flow, and lending flexibility.
Our brokers stay on top of the latest policy changes, lender products, and market shifts, so you don't have to. We help you understand your borrowing power, unlock equity when needed, and access the most competitive investment loan options available.
More than that, we become your finance partner, working alongside you as you build wealth through smart property decisions.
FAQs: Best Suburbs to Invest in Queensland
What are the best suburbs to invest in Queensland for rental yield?
Suburbs like Andergrove, Manunda, and Redbank Plains consistently deliver rental yields exceeding 5.5%, making them ideal for investors seeking strong cash flow.
Which suburbs offer the best long-term capital growth in Queensland?
Locations such as Woolloongabba, Maroochydore, and Burleigh Heads are seeing significant infrastructure upgrades and demand growth, positioning them well for long-term price appreciation.
Is it better to invest in Brisbane or regional Queensland?
It depends on your goals. Brisbane tends to offer stronger capital growth, while regional areas like Cairns, Mackay, and Toowoomba often provide higher yields and lower entry prices. Many investors choose to diversify across both asset classes.
How can a mortgage broker help with my investment strategy?
A mortgage broker helps you understand your borrowing capacity, secure the right loan, and structure your finance to support your investment goals, whether that's growing your portfolio, unlocking equity, or improving cash flow. At Stryve, we take it a step further by helping you align your lending with the right suburb and property strategy.
Ready to Invest Smarter in Queensland Property?
Queensland is packed with opportunity, but finding the best suburbs to invest in Queensland is only part of the equation. To truly maximise your returns, you need the right finance strategy to match.
At Stryve Finance, we specialise in helping investors like you secure the right loan, in the proper structure, at the right time. Whether you're buying your first investment or scaling your portfolio, we'll help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Let's build your next move together.
👉 Book a free strategy session with a Stryve Finance mortgage broker today.
This article is intended to provide general information only. It does not take into account the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice. Please consider seeking financial advice before making any decision based on this information.
Dylan Bertovic is the Director and Senior Finance Broker at Stryve Finance, specialising in non-traditional lending solutions. He helps clients across Australia with tiny home loans, construction finance, equipment and asset lending, refinancing, and investor loans. With deep expertise in self-employed and renovation mortgages, Dylan is known for crafting tailored strategies that get results
