Business · Economy · 6 hrs ago
Regional Queensland home prices fall as buyers pull back
Property prices have cooled across regional Queensland after months of growth.
Since a May peak, prices across the region have fallen 4 per cent, while some south-east Queensland areas have dropped by as much as 6 per cent.
The Reserve Bank's fifth interest rate rise this year has further weakened buyer confidence, especially among first-time buyers facing high deposit costs.
Homes now take an average of 43 days to sell in regional Queensland, twice as long as a year ago, giving buyers more choice and room to negotiate.
In Bundaberg, one family has been trying to sell its home for about two months, and local agents say price and presentation matter more as buyers watch what they can afford.
The luxury market is an exception: a Gold Coast penthouse sold for $32 million, setting a record for an apartment sale in Queensland.
Regional prices are expected to weaken further in the coming months, as reduced borrowing capacity outweighs the fall in home values.
Regional Queensland home prices have fallen 4 per cent since peaking in May, and the market is expected to weaken further.
A fifth interest rate rise this year has reduced buyer confidence, while homes are taking longer to sell.
In October, prices fell by up to 6 per cent in south-east Queensland, while Darling Downs-Maranoa recorded a decline of less than 1 per cent.
Homes across regional Queensland are spending an average of 43 days on the market, double the time a year earlier.
The broader slowdown contrasts with a record $32 million Gold Coast penthouse sale to a local buyer.
- Who
- Home buyers and sellers across regional Queensland, including sellers in Bundaberg.
- What
- Regional home prices have fallen as buyers pull back, and homes are taking longer to sell.
- When
- The report was published on November 5, 2026. Prices have fallen since a peak in May.
- Where
- Regional Queensland, including the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba, Bundaberg and Darling Downs-Maranoa.
- Why
- A fifth interest rate rise this year has hit buyer confidence. The sources also cite high required deposits and reduced borrowing capacity.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Regional Queensland property prices reached a peak.
Cotality data showed prices down by up to 6 per cent in south-east Queensland and by less than 1 per cent in Darling Downs-Maranoa.
The Reserve Bank announced its fifth interest rate hike of the year.
A Gold Coast penthouse sold for $32 million, a record for a Queensland apartment sale.
- Regional Queensland price change
- Down 4 per cent since the May peak
- South-east Queensland price change
- Down by up to 6 per cent in October
- Darling Downs-Maranoa price change
- Down by less than 1 per cent in October
- Average time on market
- 43 days across regional Queensland, double the figure 12 months earlier
- Gold Coast penthouse sale
- $32 million, a record Queensland apartment sale
What people are saying
But the missing ingredient of this buyers' market is simply buyers.
It's great news for buyers. They have more time, they've got more choice, they can negotiate harder.
People are being mindful of what they can and can't afford.
My advice to sellers would be that price and presentation are extremely important going forward. [They] just maybe need to be a little bit more patient.