If you’re trying to buy your first home in Queensland in 2026, you’re not alone — and you’re not imagining how tough it feels. The market is moving fast, prices are high, and competition at open homes can be fierce. But there’s also more government support available than ever before, and for buyers who know where to look and how to prepare, opportunities do exist.
Here’s a clear-eyed look at what’s happening in the Queensland first home buyer market right now.
Prices are rising — especially for units
Brisbane’s entry-level unit market has become one of the most expensive in Australia. In early 2026, entry-level units in Brisbane are fetching around $660,000 — a figure that has, at times, exceeded comparable properties in Sydney. For the average buyer, saving a 20% deposit on a unit now takes close to five years. For a house, it’s more than six.
The competition to match those prices is equally intense. Open homes for affordable properties are regularly attracting over 150 people, with single-bedroom apartments in inner-city Brisbane drawing enormous crowds.
Buyers are changing their approach
Faced with these challenges, first home buyers are adapting. Many are moving away from the dream of a detached house and looking instead at townhouses and units — particularly in suburban areas like Greenbank, Morayfield, and Logan — where prices offer a more realistic entry point.
Others are embracing a strategy known as “rentvesting”: buying an investment property in a more affordable area while continuing to rent in their preferred suburb. It’s not the traditional path to homeownership, but for many Queensland buyers in 2026, it’s a pragmatic way to get a foothold in the market.
The bottom line
The Queensland property market is challenging, but it’s not impossible to navigate. Understanding the conditions you’re buying in is the first step — and the next step is knowing what help is available to you. Read on to find out about the government schemes that could make a real difference to your purchase.