Selling in Brisbane City: What Apartment Owners Need to Know
Selling in Brisbane City: What Apartment Owners Need to Know in 2026
Introduction: Why Brisbane City Is Back in the Spotlight
As of 2026, Brisbane City’s residential apartment market is experiencing a renewed wave of buyer demand, fuelled by population growth, a revitalised CBD precinct, and major infrastructure completed ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
With commercial activity returning to pre-pandemic levels, more professionals and international buyers are looking to own property close to the city centre — not just rent. Combined with a tight rental market and limited new supply, this creates a compelling opportunity for apartment owners looking to sell in the inner city.
If you own a unit in Brisbane City, now may be the right time to explore your options and prepare your property for sale — especially if it's well-located, in good condition, and supported by strong building management.
Why Brisbane City Is Performing Strongly in 2026
Brisbane CBD has matured from a business-only core to a 24/7 live-work-play destination. Several factors now support its growth as a residential market:
1. Olympic Infrastructure and Investment
The 2032 Brisbane Olympics have brought billions of dollars in infrastructure, including:
Upgrades to Roma Street Station and Brisbane Metro
Green bridges and pedestrian access through the CBD
Renewed retail, dining, and riverfront precincts
These upgrades make CBD living more attractive to both young professionals and downsizers.
2. Tight Rental Conditions
Brisbane’s rental market has been stretched since 2022, with inner-city units now commanding higher yields and longer tenancy durations.
3. International Buyer Return
With borders open and demand from returning international students and investors, Brisbane’s CBD is back on the radar for overseas buyers — especially those from Singapore, China, and Hong Kong.
Brisbane City Apartment Market Snapshot – 2026
Property Type | Median Price | Annual Growth | Days on Market | Gross Rental Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1-bed apartment | $590,000 | +5.1% YoY | 20 days | 5.5% |
2-bed apartment | $785,000 | +4.7% YoY | 18 days | 5.2% |
3-bed apartment | $990,000+ | +5.9% YoY | 21 days | 4.6% |
Penthouse / Prestige | $1.95M+ | +6.3% YoY | 25–30 days | 3.8% |
Buildings with river views, balconies, and updated amenities are outperforming older stock. Towers with onsite management, pools, gyms, and proximity to Queen Street Mall or Eagle Street Pier consistently attract strong buyer interest.
What Buyers Are Looking for in 2026
Inner-city buyers are more focused than ever on liveability, convenience, and quality. Many are professionals working nearby or investors targeting stable, long-term leases to tenants like health workers, city office employees, or university students.
Key Features Buyers Prioritise:
Balconies or wintergardens with views or airflow
Upgraded kitchens and bathrooms
Open-plan layouts with natural light
Onsite facilities (gym, pool, concierge)
Pet-friendly by-laws
Secure parking (especially for 2-bed and above)
Buildings like Spire, Soleil, Aurora Tower, Brisbane Skytower, Festival Towers, and Riverplace Apartments continue to be highly sought after due to location, management, and rental performance.
Who’s Buying in Brisbane CBD?
Brisbane’s inner city attracts a wide range of buyer types. Knowing who your apartment appeals to helps guide your marketing and pricing strategy.
Buyer Profile Breakdown:
Buyer Type | What They Want | Typical Budget |
|---|---|---|
Young professionals | Modern 1–2 bed with balcony near train/ferry | $550K–$750K |
Downsizers | Prestige 2–3 bed with river views and storage | $950K–$1.6M |
Investors | 1-bed or 2-bed with high yield and low levies | $500K–$700K |
International buyers | Newer stock in managed buildings | $600K–$1M |
First-home buyers | Smaller units with lifestyle appeal | Up to $650K |
While Brisbane CBD’s buyer base is diverse, many purchasers are cash-ready or pre-approved, and are focused on lifestyle as much as return.
Pricing Strategy in 2026: Value and Competition
With more educated buyers and access to real-time data, pricing must be set with precision. In Brisbane City, slightly under-pricing can lead to strong multi-offer scenarios, while overpricing may result in long time-on-market and stale interest.
What Influences Price in the CBD:
Aspect (north-facing, river views, corner position)
Level (higher floors attract a premium)
Car park inclusion (adds $30K–$60K depending on location)
Body corporate fees (lower levies attract investors)
Building age and maintenance history
Renovation status and fit-out quality
Agents with experience in Brisbane CBD can provide comparisons per building, as some towers perform differently despite similar unit sizes.
Preparing Your Apartment for Sale
Presentation Tips for Brisbane City Sellers:
Declutter and simplify furnishings – space sells in apartments
Deep clean kitchens, bathrooms, and balconies
Style the apartment professionally (or virtually, for investors)
Highlight view lines and light – open blinds, use mirrors
Repair minor issues – fix lights, blinds, tapware, grout
Have strata and body corporate records ready – serious buyers request them
Presentation matters even more in Brisbane City, where buyers have multiple listings to compare. Well-styled, high-floor apartments with even minor upgrades consistently sell faster and at a premium.
Legal and Compliance Checklist
Before listing your apartment for sale in Brisbane City, ensure:
Your Disclosure Statement is complete (under Body Corporate and Community Management Act)
Body corporate levies and sinking fund status are updated and transparent
Any outstanding defects or disputes are declared
If tenanted, ensure you comply with notice periods and access rights
Working with an experienced local agent ensures your compliance paperwork is ready, giving buyers confidence and reducing contract delays.
Selling Off-Market vs On-Market
In Brisbane CBD, off-market sales are growing, especially among investors and owner-occupiers seeking privacy or discretion. However, going on-market often delivers more competition, better price tension, and broader exposure.
When Off-Market Works Well:
The apartment is tenanted and access is limited
You want to test buyer interest before full marketing
Your agent has a strong pre-qualified buyer network
When On-Market is Best:
The property is vacant, renovated, and presents well
You’re aiming for the maximum price within a set timeline
There is low competing stock in your building
Your agent should advise which strategy suits your goals and current market dynamics.
Why Work With a Brisbane City Specialist?
Selling an apartment in the CBD requires hyper-local knowledge, including:
Building-specific trends and past sales
Body corporate histories and insurance issues
Rental yield data per building/floor level
Marketing methods that connect with local and international buyers
Understanding of strata compliance, letting pools, and short-term letting restrictions
At Norton Real Estate, we specialise in selling inner-Brisbane apartments. We understand the buyer profile, investor expectations, and unique sales conditions in towers throughout the CBD and Spring Hill.
Why Sellers Choose Us:
Tailored marketing for owner-occupiers, downsizers, and investors
Access to off-market buyers and relocation professionals
Strategic campaigns that highlight lifestyle, views, and long-term value
📧 nortons.re@gmail.com
📞 Steven Norton: 0488 496 777
📞 Lawrence Norton: 0415 279 807
🌐 www.nortonsrealestate.com
Whether you’re looking to sell a 1-bedroom investment unit or a luxury sky-home, we have the tools and experience to ensure a smooth, profitable result.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or property advice. All market data is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of 2026, but is subject to change. Readers should seek professional guidance before making any real estate decisions. Norton Real Estate and its representatives accept no liability for actions taken based on this content.