Brisbane Property Market Faces Rising Mortgage Costs and Office Investment Activity

First‑home buyers in Brisbane now account for just 28.4% of new mortgage demand, down from 48.6% in 2021, as the average loan size rose 46% to about AUD 720,600 over five years. The surge in borrowing highlights growing affordability challenges despite federal housing‑affordability initiatives and a 5% deposit scheme. Median age of first‑home buyers is now 36, and it takes roughly 12 years to save a 20% deposit.

At the same time, a prime freehold office building at 179 North Quay, redeveloped from the former Brisbane Central Courts, has been put on the market. Anchored by national law firm Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, the 8,331 sqm property is projected to generate around AUD 5 million in net passing income annually, with more than AUD 4.6 million invested in upgrades since 2019. Colliers Capital Markets expects strong national and international investor interest in the asset.