Brisbane is on the brink of transformation. With the roadmap to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games unveiled, the city is set for a decade of growth.
While billion dollar stadiums and infrastructure grab headlines, smart buyers should focus on the ripple effect these investments will have on property values, liveability, and future opportunities. The Queensland Government’s $7.1 billion venue capital works program (The Guardian) is reshaping key precincts. A new 63,000 seat stadium is planned for Victoria Park, replacing the historic Gabba, and will serve as a central venue for the Games.
Additionally, a national aquatic centre is slated for development, further enhancing Brisbane’s sporting infrastructure. These developments will elevate Brisbane’s global status, creating demand for commercial and high-quality residential spaces. Senior Buyer’s Agent Anna Ellis highlights, “With Olympic infrastructure driving capital flow, job creation, and increased borrowing power, property prices are set to rise. Migration to support these projects will add demand to an already low supply market, while urban renewal will make surrounding suburbs highly attractive to owners and investors.”
Key Infrastructure Projects for Brisbane 2032:
- New 63,000 seat Stadium at Victoria Park: This state-of-the-art stadium will replace The Gabba and serve as the central venue for the Games, hosting ceremonies and athletics events.
- National Aquatic Centre: Development of a new aquatic facility to host swimming and other water-based events, enhancing Brisbane’s sporting infrastructure.
- Expansion of the Queensland Tennis Centre: Addition of 12 new courts and a 3,000 seat show court to accommodate tennis events during the Games.
- Cross River Rail Project: An underground railway project through central Brisbane, including a new rail line underneath the Brisbane River and redevelopment of several stations, aimed at improving public transport connectivity.
- Brisbane Metro Bus Rapid Transit Project: Implementation of two high-frequency bus routes with services every five minutes during peak times, scheduled for completion in late 2024.
- Maroochydore Railway Line: A proposed rail line to connect Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast, expected to be completed by 2032, enhancing regional connectivity.
- Athletes’ Village in Hamilton: Construction of the main accommodation hub for athletes and officials, which will later be repurposed for residential and commercial use.
- International Broadcast Centre: Redevelopment of a former glass factory in West End into a 57,000m² facility along the Brisbane River to serve as the media hub during the Games.
Buyers should take notice; Olympic host cities historically see long-term economic and property market gains. Sydney’s Homebush precinct saw house prices rise over 85% in the decade following the 2000 Games. London 2012 spurred regeneration in the East End, delivering strong capital growth. Brisbane is following suit. Suburbs near major Olympic projects, such as Woolloongabba, Kangaroo Point, and Spring Hill, are already in demand as investors and owner-occupiers secure property before prices rise.
The infrastructure projects associated with the 2032 Games are expected to generate significant employment opportunities. Estimates indicate that approximately 30,000 to 40,000 additional construction workers will be needed each year until 2032 to complete various projects across the sector (ABC News). Overall, the economic activity resulting from hosting the Games, including induced tourism, trade, event operations, and legacy infrastructure, is projected to create approximately 122,900 full-time equivalent job years nationally and about 91,600 job years in Queensland over a 20-year evaluation period (KPMG).
Cohen Handler Queensland Buyer’s Agent Brodie Stoker calls this a game-changer. “Major infrastructure upgrades, increased global attention, and long-term economic growth will enhance property values, particularly in key development zones. Buyers who position themselves now could benefit from both lifestyle and investment gains as SEQ transforms leading up to 2032.” Buyer’s Agent Nikki Carrodus has already seen investor gains, adding, “My clients with properties near Victoria Park are watching their investments surge in value. Suburbs like Herston, Lutwyche, and Windsor are quickly becoming blue-chip investment locations.”
For long-term investors, the Games offer more than a short-term boost. Buyer’s Agent Nic Comino explains, “Queensland’s Olympic plan balances infrastructure upgrades with long-term value. Unlike Athens and Rio, where underutilised venues became financial burdens, Queensland’s focus on lasting impact means better transport, amenities, and economic growth, making investment properties even more attractive.”
Want to know the key suburbs to watch?
- Woolloongabba & South Brisbane: Olympic epicentre with new entertainment precincts, transport links, and urban renewal.
- Spring Hill & Herston: Close to Victoria Park’s redevelopment and the CBD, ideal for families and professionals (GNB Energy)
- Albion & Hamilton: Brisbane’s northern gateway, set for transport and commercial expansion.
The Olympics isn’t just about sport; it’s a long-term value driver. Infrastructure projects will leave a legacy of enhanced transport, upgraded public spaces, and economic activity. Brisbane is evolving from a “big country town” to a world-class destination. Those who position themselves now will reap the rewards well beyond 2032.
With competition already heating up, now is the time to act. Whether buying a home or making a strategic investment, the future of Queensland has never looked brighter.