Downsizers are reshaping SEQ’s apartment market amid population growth.

Brisbane, Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast are set to add 887,000 new residents by 2046, placing mounting pressure on housing supply – particularly apartments. While the South East Queensland Regional Plan encourages higher density living (especially in Brisbane) developers face significant delivery challenges. 

Despite elevated prices and construction costs, new apartment projects across SEQ continue to sell well. Much of this demand is driven by downsizers – older Australians seeking low-maintenance living, particularly in premium and/or lifestyle locations like Brisbane, Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. This cohort is expected to be the region’s largest growth driver through to 2046 and is reshaping the type of apartment product being delivered.