February Housing Data Shows a Resilient Market and Strong Momentum in Brisbane
By Leigh Martinuzzi | Martinuzzi Property Group – eXp Australia
After reviewing several housing market reports and February data releases, one thing that stands out is just how resilient the Australian property market remains.
Despite higher interest rates and affordability pressures, national home prices continue to rise. The pace of growth may be moderating compared with the rapid gains seen through 2025, but the market is still showing strong underlying demand.
According to the latest PropTrack Home Price Index, national home prices increased 0.5% in February, pushing the median home value to around $897,000. That places national prices roughly 9% higher than this time last year, meaning the typical Australian home has gained close to $90,000 in value over the past twelve months.
Another milestone worth noting is that the median home value across Australia’s capital cities has now moved above $1 million for the first time. Taken together, these figures show that despite rising borrowing costs, the housing market continues to be supported by strong employment, population growth and limited housing supply.
Australia’s housing market is moving at two different speeds
One of the clearest themes emerging from the latest data is what analysts describe as market divergence. Some cities are continuing to grow strongly while others are showing signs of stabilising.
Cities currently recording stronger growth include: Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Hobart. Meanwhile Sydney and Melbourne have seen flatter results in recent months.
Perth remains the standout performer, with dwelling values rising around 2.3% in February alone. By comparison, Sydney and Melbourne values have been largely flat or slightly softer over the past quarter.
In simple terms, the smaller capital cities are currently experiencing stronger price momentum, while the two largest markets appear to be pausing after several years of strong growth.
According to Tim Lawless, Research Director at Cotality, extremely low housing supply continues to support prices in many markets even as affordability pressures increase.
Brisbane continues to perform strongly
For Queensland property markets, Brisbane remains one of the most important indicators. Recent data shows Brisbane house prices increased about 1.1% in February, taking the median house price to approximately $1.18 million.
Annual growth remains strong at around 17.6%, placing Brisbane among the strongest performing capital cities over the past year. The unit market has been particularly active. Brisbane unit prices increased 3.7% in February, with annual growth approaching 28%.
Economists at PropTrack suggest this reflects a shift in buyer behaviour as affordability pressures push more buyers toward smaller and more accessible property types.
Affordability is reshaping buyer demand
Another trend emerging across the housing market is stronger demand in more affordable segments. With borrowing capacity tighter than it was a few years ago, many buyers are adjusting their expectations and focusing on properties that better match their budgets.
This often means increased competition for: entry level homes, smaller houses, and units and townhouses. Recent market analysis suggests the lower priced segments of many cities are currently outperforming the upper end of the market.
For example, recent data shows that in Sydney the lower quartile of properties increased by around 0.8%, while the top quartile declined slightly. This shift highlights how affordability and borrowing limits are reshaping buyer behaviour across Australia.
Housing supply remains a key driver
One of the most consistent themes across the housing reports is the ongoing shortage of housing supply. Listing levels in several cities remain well below long term averages. In Brisbane, for example, available listings are currently around 30% below the five year average.
When supply remains this tight, it does not take a significant increase in demand to push prices higher. This imbalance between supply and demand continues to provide strong support for property values across many parts of Australia.
What this means for the Sunshine Coast
Many of the national trends highlighted in the latest data are also playing out here on the Sunshine Coast. Brisbane remains one of the strongest performing capital cities in Australia, and that has a direct impact on property demand across the Sunshine Coast.
A significant number of buyers in our region come from Brisbane. As property prices rise there, affordability becomes tighter and many buyers begin looking north for greater value or lifestyle opportunities. The pattern we often see looks something like this:
- Brisbane prices rise
- Affordability tightens
- Buyers begin searching for value
- Demand increases in Sunshine Coast markets
- Local prices begin to lift
This trend has been occurring since the pandemic migration wave and it continues to influence buyer behaviour today.
Another factor supporting the Sunshine Coast market is the broader shift toward lifestyle and regional living. Many buyers are weighing up their options and asking a simple question: “Why buy a smaller home in Brisbane when you could buy near the beach or hinterland for a similar price?”
That thinking continues to attract buyers into Sunshine Coast communities including Palmwoods, Woombye, Nambour and several hinterland locations, where lifestyle appeal and relative value remain strong.
Just like many markets across Australia, the Sunshine Coast also faces ongoing housing supply challenges. Land availability is limited, development takes time and population growth across South East Queensland continues to increase housing demand. With fewer properties available and strong demand continuing, the local market remains very competitive.
Interest rates remain something to watch
Interest rates will continue to play an important role in shaping the market this year. The Reserve Bank has already lifted rates earlier in 2026 and there is still the possibility of another one or two increases depending on inflation and broader economic conditions.
Global events, energy prices and inflation pressures will influence these decisions. If additional rate rises occur they may temporarily slow borrowing capacity, but historically the property market tends to adjust relatively quickly as buyers adapt.
Overall, the housing market remains in a strong position. Demand continues to be supported by population growth, strong employment and a shortage of housing supply.
While price growth may moderate compared with the extraordinary gains seen in 2025, most analysts expect property values to continue rising through 2026.
For the Sunshine Coast, the combination of lifestyle appeal, population growth and limited housing supply continues to underpin demand.
If you are considering buying, selling or investing in property on the Sunshine Coast, understanding both the national and local market trends can help you make more confident decisions. At Martinuzzi Property Group, we’re here to deliver more than a sale. We guide you with radical honesty, exceptional communication, and a stress free experience, backed by calm confidence, local expertise and genuine care so you feel informed, supported and in control from day one to sold.
If you’d like a clear, no pressure view of what your home could achieve in today’s market and what you can do to maximise the outcome, I’m happy to help.
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Sources and Market Data
- https://propertyupdate.com.au/national-home-price-growth-picked-up-in-february-latest-proptrack-home-price-index/
- https://propertyupdate.com.au/housing-market-splits-perth-sprints-brisbane-and-adelaide-climb-as-sydney-and-melbourne-flatten-latest-cotality-home-value-index/
- https://propertyupdate.com.au/latest-my-housing-market-home-prices-update/