The Queensland property market continues to thrive, with more buyers than ever seeking professional support to navigate its complexities. We’ve recently achieved a new milestone for the Cohen Handler Queensland group purchasing 116 properties for a total of $223 million in the last quarter of this year alone.
This record-breaking performance reflects both our extensive market insight and the increasing demand from clients looking for an expert “in their corner.” As a buyer, now is the ideal time to capitalise on our experience and exclusive off-market access to secure your dream home before the year’s end.
With more sellers motivated to close deals as the holidays approach, buyers have a unique opportunity to take advantage of competitive market conditions and off-market properties that Cohen Handler can provide access to. We can help you find and secure the right property in time for the holidays—allowing you to move into your new home before Christmas.
Queensland Market Insight + Current Trends
Even though we have now entered the traditionally busy spring season, stock levels in popular Brisbane suburbs remain low, as many sellers are hesitant to list their homes before securing a new one. With more buyers also being active at this time of year, properties are selling very quickly—especially those in the lower price brackets. This type of property, often appealing to first home buyers, tends to require renovation but remains an attractive proposition for those eager to get into their preferred suburb.
Off-market sales are playing an increasingly significant role in Brisbane’s high-value property sector, accounting for 25% of sales this year (CoreLogic). In the last few months, the Cohen Handler Queensland team has consistently purchased over 76% of its total properties off-market. Our access to exclusive off-market and unlisted properties allows us to help buyers explore a wider array of options, meaning less competition and greater opportunities to find your dream home.
In the unit market, where investor interest has traditionally been stronger, vacant, move-in-ready units are flying off the market, with inspections drawing huge numbers. Tenanted units, on the other hand, tend to fetch slightly lower prices and take longer to sell. However, for buyers prepared to wait, a tenanted property could present a valuable opportunity to secure a better deal.
Queensland’s property market remains robust, fuelled by factors such as interstate migration, lifestyle preferences, and strong demand for both investment and owner-occupied properties. As of August, Brisbane saw a 1.2% increase in property values month-on-month, with regional areas experiencing a 0.8% rise. This continued demand suggests that now is the ideal time to act—securing a home now could shield you from future price increases.
For those seeking both investment potential and liveability, buyers should prioritise properties on quiet streets, away from busy roads and flood-prone areas. Desirable factors include proximity to schools in sought-after catchments, a north-east orientation, elevated views, and easy access to transport, parks, shops, and cafes. These elements can greatly enhance the property’s appeal and value.
On the Sunshine Coast, high demand is evident, particularly at entry-level pricing, where competition has intensified as the median price continues to rise. This surge impacts the middle market, with more buyers seeking assistance to navigate the competitive landscape. Notably, the southern end of the coast—areas like Caloundra, Golden Beach, beachside Currimundi, and Wurtulla—are showing significant movement. Much like Buddina and Warana did in the past few years, these suburbs present enormous potential for both developers and renovators. With many of these areas still relatively undervalued, buyers should act quickly to capitalise on the opportunities available.
Heading south, the Gold Coast market remains strong, particularly in lifestyle-driven suburbs like Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, and Mermaid Beach. While beachfront properties continue to attract premium prices, there’s growing interest in hinterland areas such as Mudgeeraba and Tallebudgera, where buyers seek a balance between proximity to the coast and a more serene, rural lifestyle. Interstate migration, especially from Sydney and Melbourne, is a key driver of this demand, with many buyers attracted to the laid-back coastal lifestyle and relatively more affordable prices compared to major southern cities. Buyers are encouraged to act swiftly in securing these sought-after properties as supply remains limited.
A Success Story: Home for the Holidays
Consider the case of our clients, who recently purchased their property with us. Through our off-market connections, we matched them with a property that met their exact needs within a tight timeline. Their story highlights the power of having experienced agents working on your behalf.
They were looking to downsize and create a welcoming space for family gatherings over Christmas. By securing their home with a 60-day settlement, they will have ample time to personalise their new space before the festivities. This situation underscores a common trend: many sellers are also buyers, which can create timing challenges. However, with the right strategy, such as settling later, buyers can position themselves effectively in the market.
The process of buying a home, from finding the right property to completing settlement, typically takes around 6-8 weeks. Starting your search in October provides the best chance of moving in before Christmas. However, every buyer’s situation is unique, and we’re here to guide you at your own pace.
While buying a home at any time can feel daunting, the lead-up to Christmas may seem particularly hectic. This is where a buyer’s agent can provide invaluable support. At Cohen Handler Queensland, our team manages the entire process for you—from sourcing properties to negotiating and settling the deal. This allows you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying the journey to your new home.
Taking the Next Step
As Queensland’s property market continues to perform strongly, the results speak for themselves. Our team at Cohen Handler Queensland achieved a record-breaking quarter, helping 116 clients find their dream homes and navigating over $223 million in transactions. We’re not just purchasing properties—we’re making the process smoother, faster, and more rewarding for our clients.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, the next few months present an excellent window of opportunity to secure a property before the holiday season. With the average purchase time at 4-5 weeks from engagement and settlement periods typically ranging from 30 to 60 days, there’s still time to move into your new home by Christmas. Contact us today to explore how our expertise and off-market connections can help you turn that possibility into a reality.