7 Best Regional QLD Investment Areas 2026

Looking to invest or live in regional Queensland?

The Regional Queensland housing market continues to grow year-on-year. In Cotality’s February 2026 Home Value Index, regional QLD had the second-highest 12-month growth (12.2%) across all regional markets and a total increase of 77.1% in dwelling values over the past five years since 2021.

We’ve made it simple to find the best investment opportunities and growth hotspots with a complete list of the seven best investment areas in regional QLD for both units and houses based on 12-month and 5-year growth insights.

1. Cairns

Cairns' property market continued its strong upward trajectory over the 12-month period between January 2025-2026 with strong gains across both houses and units. The median house price reached $773,598, marking an annual growth of 10.82% and a substantial 5-year increase of 69.03%. Units showed even stronger performance, with a median price of $371,250, reflecting an 12.09% year-over-year rise and an impressive 5-year growth of 73.86%.

House Data

• Median House Price January 2026: $773,598

• Median House Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +10.82%

• Median House Price – 5 Year Growth: +69.03%

Unit Data

• Median Unit Price January 2026: $594,093

• Median Unit Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +12.09%

• Median Unit Price – 5 Year Growth: +73.86%

2. Townsville

Townsville's real estate market has seen significant gains over the past year. As of January 2026, the median house price stands at $713,838, up 19.87% from 2025 and climbing an impressive 107.77% over five years. The unit market also performed strongly, with a median price of $692,803 – marking a 16.87% annual increase and 73.23% growth since 2021.

House Data

• Median House Price January 2026: $713,838

• Median House Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +19.87%

• Median House Price – 5 Year Growth: +107.77%

Unit Data

• Median Unit Price January 2026: $692,803

• Median Unit Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +16.87%

• Median Unit Price – 5 Year Growth: +73.23%

3. Mackay

Mackay's property market continues its strong growth, buoyed by ongoing regional development and investment. As of January 2026, the median house price reached $744,302 – an annual rise of 17.17% and a 5-year growth of 82.68%. Units in Mackay also saw sizable gains, with the median price of $455,434 in January 2026 reflecting a 17.03%% increase since 2025 and a 82.11% uplift over the past five years. The momentum is largely driven by infrastructure projects and growing demand for lifestyle-focused regional living.

House Data

• Median House Price January 2026: $744,302

• Median House Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +17.17%

• Median House Price – 5 Year Growth: +82.68%

Unit Data

• Median Unit Price January 2026: $455,434
• Median Unit Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +17.03%
• Median Unit Price – 5 Year Growth: +82.11%

4. Gladstone

As of January 2026, the median house price in Gladstone now sits at $733,062, representing a year-on-year increase of 14.09% and a 97.37% surge over the past five years. Unit prices also showed strong growth over the same period with the median now at $393,124 – up 17.93% annually and an impressive 117.78% over five years. This rapid growth is largely fuelled by the city's affordability, strong rental demand, population gains, and major infrastructure projects, all contributing to Gladstone's continued real estate growth.

House Data

• Median House Price January 2026: $733,062

• Median House Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +14.09%

• Median House Price – 5 Year Growth: +97.37%

Unit Data

• Median Unit Price January 2026: $393,124

• Median Unit Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +17.93%

• Median Unit Price – 5 Year Growth: +117.78%

5. Rockhampton

Rockhampton’s real estate market continues to go from strength to strength. The median house price has climbed to $623,922, marking a 19.59%% increase over the past year and a striking 106.25%% rise over five years. Unit prices have also surged, with the median reaching $460,367, up 15.79% annually and 49.39% since 2021.

House Data

• Median House Price January 2026: $623,922

• Median House Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +19.59%

• Median House Price – 5 Year Growth: +106.25%

Unit Data

• Median Unit Price January 2026: $460,367

• Median Unit Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +15.79%

• Median Unit Price – 5 Year Growth: +49.39%

6. Toowoomba

Toowoomba’s property market reached new highs in January 2026 with the median house price growing to $934,405, representing 14.04% annual growth and a substantial 91.48% increase over five years. Units have also seen significant gains, with the median price now at $600,421 – up 18.23% since last year and 105.56% since 2021.

House Data

• Median House Price January 2026: $934,405

• Median House Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +14.04%

• Median House Price – 5 Year Growth: +91.48%

Unit Data

• Median Unit Price January 2026: $600,421

• Median Unit Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +18.23%

• Median Unit Price – 5 Year Growth: +105.56%

7. Bundaberg

Bundaberg has recorded remarkable price growth in both houses and units. The median house price now sits at $736,283, up 13.21% on the year and a significant 114.63% higher than five years ago. Units have also surged, with a median price of $552,599, showing a 17.68% annual increase and 109.4% growth over five years.

House Data

• Median House Price January 2026: $736,283

• Median House Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +13.21%

• Median House Price – 5 Year Growth: +114.63%

Unit Data

• Median Unit Price January 2026: $552,599

• Median Unit Price – 2025 to 2026 Comparison: +17.68%

• Median Unit Price – 5 Year Growth: +109.40%

Summary – Houses

Summary – Units