Brisbane’s inner-city unit market has long been a focal point for investors, downsizers, and young professionals. With lifestyle amenities, strong infrastructure, and proximity to major employment hubs, demand for apartments in this region has remained resilient — even in the face of broader economic challenges. 

Steady Growth Amid Market Adjustments

Unit sales across Brisbane’s Inner North remain active, with strong turnover in key suburbs such as Newstead, Hamilton, and Fortitude Valley. Median prices across the inner ring are holding firm, reflecting the region’s long-term fundamentals: tight supply, rental demand, and buyer interest driven by lifestyle appeal.

While detached housing markets have seen larger swings in values over the past 12 months, unit markets have tracked more steadily. For instance, Newstead’s median unit price sits around $675,000, recording consistent annual growth of 3–4%. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s premium riverfront units continue to command higher values, with a median of $830,000 and growing popularity among downsizers who value convenience, prestige, and access to the river lifestyle.

This steadiness is what makes units particularly attractive. In a market where detached homes can surge or dip sharply depending on external conditions, units provide a more balanced growth story — one that appeals to buyers seeking both security and affordability.

Where Are the Strongest Results?
According to Murray’s June 2025 report, several suburbs are emerging as standouts for growth and demand:

* Albion: A rising hotspot where affordability is drawing in new buyers. Median unit prices around $520,000 remain below the Brisbane citywide average, yet demand is pushing values up by 6% annually. Investors are particularly active here, with yields among the best in the Inner North.

* Newstead: Lifestyle-driven demand continues to keep prices competitive. With its riverside dining precinct, transport connections, and proximity to the CBD, vacancy rates remain tight. Young professionals and interstate arrivals are sustaining demand, particularly for newer, high-amenity complexes. 

* Fortitude Valley: Known for its cultural and entertainment scene, the Valley remains one of the highest-turnover unit suburbs. Entry-level prices average $540,000, making it attractive to investors chasing yields of over 5% and buyers seeking an affordable CBD fringe lifestyle. 

* Hamilton: Prestige apartments remain sought after, particularly those along the river. While price growth has slowed slightly, stabilising at the top end of the market, strong downsizer activity ensures consistent turnover. 

These trends highlight a clear theme: whether it’s affordability in Albion, prestige in Hamilton, or lifestyle in Newstead, each precinct offers a unique value proposition.

The Impact of Infrastructure and Population Growth

One of the key forces underpinning inner-city unit demand is Brisbane’s infrastructure boom. The Cross River Rail project, upgrades to the RNA Showgrounds precinct, and new Olympic-related developments are reshaping how people live, commute, and invest in Brisbane. These projects not only improve connectivity but also enhance the liveability of suburbs surrounding the CBD.

Population growth is another major driver. Brisbane continues to attract interstate migration as affordability pressures mount in Sydney and Melbourne. At the same time, international arrivals are climbing again, adding to demand for rental properties and, in turn, for investor-owned units.

Vacancy rates in Brisbane’s Inner North are currently sitting around 1.5%, well below the balanced-market benchmark of 3%. This signals an ongoing shortage of rental stock and sustained upward pressure on rents, which is good news for investors seeking long-term returns. 

Are Units a Better Bet Than Houses?

With house prices in blue-chip Inner North suburbs like Wilston, Ascot, and Clayfield continuing to climb, many buyers are being priced out of detached homes. This has created a spillover effect, pushing demand into nearby unit markets in Bowen Hills, Newstead, and Albion.

For first-home buyers and investors alike, units provide a more accessible entry point while still delivering lifestyle and location benefits. Investors are also favouring units thanks to their comparatively strong rental yields. Murray’s report notes that yields in Albion and Fortitude Valley often exceed 5%, a level that many detached housing markets in Brisbane can’t match.

The value equation is clear: units provide a mix of affordability, rental performance, and access to growth corridors that houses increasingly struggle to deliver.

Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

The outlook for Brisbane’s inner-city unit market remains positive. Unlike the boom-bust cycles that sometimes characterise housing markets, units are tipped for steady, sustainable growth. A limited pipeline of new apartment projects — caused by high construction costs, developer financing challenges, and planning delays — means that demand is likely to outstrip supply for years to come.

For buyers, this creates urgency. Well-located modern apartments in growth suburbs like Newstead and Albion are already attracting multiple offers, and competition is only expected to intensify. For investors, rising rents and low vacancies point to ongoing strong yields, which will help offset higher borrowing costs.

Brisbane’s inner-city unit market is quietly outperforming expectations. While detached housing continues to grab headlines, units are proving to be one of the most resilient and opportunity-rich segments of the Brisbane property landscape. As Murray McCarthy’s June 2025 report emphasises, the combination of affordability, lifestyle appeal, and infrastructure-led growth makes Brisbane’s Inner North units a strategic choice for both investors and owner-occupiers.

For anyone considering entering the Brisbane unit market, the message is clear: act sooner rather than later. With supply tightening, demand building, and the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, the next decade is shaping up as a defining era for Brisbane’s apartment sector. 

Thinking of investing beyond Brisbane? Explore our insights into Best suburbs to buy on the Sunshine Coast 2025