Brisbane’s housing market hit a major milestone in May 2025 when the median house value officially surpassed $1 million for the first time. With a current median of $1,011,000 as of June, the city now joins Sydney in the exclusive “million-dollar club.” While this news has made national headlines, it is what’s happening just north of the city, in Redcliffe and the Moreton Bay region, that is catching the attention of savvy buyers, investors, and long-time locals alike.
The upward trend in property values has pushed Moreton Bay into the spotlight as a desirable lifestyle destination that still offers relative affordability, strong capital growth, and a sense of community. At Crown Properties, we have seen this growth firsthand, with heightened activity across the Peninsula and demand consistently outpacing supply.
The Ripple Effect from Brisbane
Over the past five years, Brisbane has experienced remarkable growth, with house values increasing 76.1 percent from June 2020 to June 2025, according to Cotality’s Home Value Index. This rise has been driven by a combination of factors including interstate migration, lifestyle shifts post-COVID, and a long-standing undersupply of housing.
As prices in Brisbane’s inner and middle rings climbed rapidly, many buyers began looking outward to lifestyle regions that offer more space, better value, and a high quality of living. Redcliffe and the broader Moreton Bay corridor have been clear beneficiaries of this shift.
Just 35 minutes from the CBD, Redcliffe offers coastal living without the coastal price tag found in Sydney or Melbourne. The area’s blend of heritage charm, beachside ambience, and ongoing infrastructure development has made it a magnet for buyers priced out of Brisbane proper.
Redcliffe: From Sleepy Seaside to Serious Contender
Once known as a quiet coastal community, Redcliffe is undergoing a significant transformation. In recent years, we have witnessed a steady shift in buyer demographics. Retirees are still drawn to the region, but they are now joined by young families, professionals working remotely, and investors who recognise the long-term potential of the Peninsula.
Suburbs like Scarborough, Woody Point, Newport, and Margate are now commanding consistent seven-figure sales, a trend that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. In fact, many properties are achieving record-breaking results after just one open home, with multiple offers and short days on market now the norm.
The Data Behind the Demand
Moreton Bay’s growth is not just anecdotal. It is backed by hard numbers. Between June 2020 and June 2024, Greater Brisbane’s population grew by 9.2 percent, adding approximately 235,000 new residents. With an average household size of 2.5 people, this equates to housing demand for about 94,000 new dwellings in just four years.
This surge in population coincided with constrained housing supply. While Queensland saw 139,000 dwelling completions during this time, Brisbane and by extension, Moreton Bay, did not keep pace with demand. This shortfall has been felt acutely in Redcliffe, where limited stock, high buyer competition, and minimal land release options have created the perfect storm for rising values.
Lifestyle Leads the Way
Moreton Bay is not just benefiting from affordability. It is benefiting from appeal. The region offers a unique blend of lifestyle and liveability that is increasingly hard to find in capital city markets. Wide streets, walkable foreshore precincts, community parks, and family-friendly beaches are just the beginning.
In Redcliffe, it is not unusual to find a café on every corner, a market every weekend, and a community that is both welcoming and proud of its heritage. The foreshore walkway from Woody Point to Scarborough is one of the best coastal stretches in Queensland. As more professionals embrace remote and hybrid work, the draw of seaside living within commuting distance of the city becomes even more attractive.
Infrastructure is also improving. The Redcliffe Peninsula Line now connects the region to the Brisbane rail network, making daily commutes more feasible. Continued investment in the Bruce Highway, local school upgrades, and commercial precincts including the nearby Petrie university campus all contribute to the long-term outlook for the area.
What Buyers, Sellers, and Investors Should Know
For Sellers
Now is one of the strongest markets we have seen in recent memory. The combination of high buyer demand, low days on market, and rising median values means homeowners in Redcliffe and Moreton Bay are in a strong position. Well-maintained and well-marketed properties are attracting premium prices and in many cases, multiple offers.
For Buyers
The window for affordable coastal property in South East Queensland is closing. While Redcliffe still offers better value than Brisbane’s inner suburbs or beachside areas like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, prices are rising fast. For buyers, especially first-home buyers or those relocating from interstate, having finance pre-approved and working with a local agent who knows the market is essential.
For Investors
The fundamentals are strong. Redcliffe offers solid rental yields, low vacancy rates, and the kind of lifestyle drawcard that attracts long-term tenants. With continued population growth and a restricted supply pipeline, the long-term capital growth outlook remains positive. Whether you are looking for a low-maintenance unit close to the water or a freestanding home with value-adding potential, there are still strategic opportunities in this region.
What’s Next for the Region?
While the pace of growth across South East Queensland has moderated slightly compared to the post-COVID boom, the fundamentals remain strong. Moreton Bay is positioned to continue its upward trajectory in both population and property values.
Affordability pressures in Brisbane will continue to send buyers further north. Infrastructure investment will continue to unlock new areas for development. Lifestyle seekers from across Australia will keep arriving, drawn to the region’s unique balance of urban convenience and coastal calm.
At Crown Properties, we believe Redcliffe and Moreton Bay are not just following Brisbane’s lead. They are helping define the next phase of Queensland’s growth story.
