Adam Empringham,
Director of Sales at Image Property.
How the 2032 Olympics will shape the Brisbane property market
Brisbane’s successful bid to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games marked a major milestone for the city and for the Brisbane property market. While the global event itself is still several years away, its influence on property prices, buyer demand and long-term confidence is already being felt across Brisbane and South East Queensland.
For homeowners, investors and buyers considering Brisbane real estate, the Olympics represent more than a single moment in time. They signal long-term investment, infrastructure growth and a city entering its next phase of development.
Infrastructure investment is reshaping Brisbane real estate
One of the most significant impacts of the 2032 Olympics on the Brisbane property market is the scale of infrastructure investment underway. Major projects such as Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro, stadium upgrades and urban renewal precincts are designed to improve connectivity, accessibility and liveability across the city.
Infrastructure has long been a key driver of Brisbane property prices. Improved transport options reduce commute times, expand employment access and make surrounding suburbs more attractive to owner-occupiers and investors alike. Suburbs connected to new transport hubs and Olympic-related precincts are expected to benefit from stronger long-term demand.
Importantly, these upgrades are not temporary. They form part of Brisbane’s long-term growth strategy and are intended to support the city well beyond 2032.
Buyer demand in Brisbane is building well before 2032
The Brisbane property market is already seeing increased attention from buyers who are factoring the Olympics into long-term decisions. Interstate migration, relative affordability and future infrastructure are all contributing to rising interest in Brisbane real estate.
Historically, Olympic host cities have experienced property market momentum in the years leading up to the Games rather than only during the event itself. Brisbane is following this pattern, with buyers looking to secure property ahead of anticipated population growth and infrastructure completion.
This early demand can place upward pressure on Brisbane house prices and unit prices over time, particularly in suburbs where housing supply is limited.
Brisbane suburbs will be impacted differently
While the 2032 Olympics will influence the broader Brisbane property market, not every suburb will experience the same level of growth. Areas closest to transport upgrades, Olympic venues and major redevelopment zones are expected to see stronger performance than suburbs without direct infrastructure benefits.
Established Brisbane suburbs with good schools, lifestyle amenities and access to employment hubs are also well positioned to attract sustained buyer demand. However, local factors such as housing supply, dwelling type and affordability will continue to play a critical role in determining price growth at a suburb level.
Understanding these nuances is essential when assessing Brisbane real estate opportunities tied to the Olympics.
Rental market pressure is likely to remain a key theme
Brisbane’s rental market has experienced significant pressure in recent years, with low vacancy rates and rising rents across many suburbs. The Olympics are expected to add to this pressure over time as population growth continues and housing supply struggles to keep pace with demand.
For Brisbane property investors, this may support stronger rental returns in well-located areas, particularly near transport and employment centres. At the same time, rental affordability remains an important consideration, reinforcing the need for balanced and sustainable investment decisions.
The Olympics strengthen confidence in Brisbane property
Beyond infrastructure and short-term demand, the 2032 Olympics reinforce Brisbane’s position as a growing global city. Hosting an event of this scale brings international attention, economic investment and long-term confidence that often flows through to the property market.
For owner-occupiers, this confidence can support decisions to buy and hold property in Brisbane for the long term. For investors, it strengthens Brisbane’s appeal as a market with clear population growth, improving infrastructure and ongoing demand fundamentals.
Brisbane’s relative affordability compared to Sydney and Melbourne further enhances its position as a long-term property destination.
Timing and strategy matter more than hype
While the Olympics provide a compelling headline, successful Brisbane property decisions are driven by timing, research and local insight rather than hype alone. The strongest outcomes typically come from understanding where infrastructure, lifestyle appeal and long-term demand intersect.
The Brisbane property market is expected to evolve steadily in the lead-up to 2032, influenced by broader economic conditions, interest rates and population trends. The Olympics act as a catalyst, not a guarantee of growth.
What this means for Brisbane buyers and property owners
For buyers, the 2032 Olympics highlight the importance of focusing on quality Brisbane suburbs with strong fundamentals and future infrastructure benefits. For property owners, the Games support the case for holding well-located assets as Brisbane continues to grow and mature.
Navigating these opportunities successfully relies on local market knowledge and a clear understanding of how city-wide trends translate at a suburb level. A conversation with a local property expert can help turn broader market insights into practical, location-specific guidance.
