The Garden City

    Toowoomba market report

    A thriving regional hub with strong rental demand and growing infrastructure.

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    Toowoomba property market
    Median house rent
    $630/wk
    Median unit rent
    $450/wk
    Vacancy rate
    1.2%
    Typical gross yield
    4.5–5.5%

    Indicative figures from CoreLogic, Domain, SQM Research and the Queensland RTA, as at mid-2026.

    The Toowoomba property market continues to strengthen as one of Queensland's most important regional housing markets. Strong population growth, significant infrastructure investment, and a structural shortage of housing supply are driving both property values and rental demand across the region.

    As the economic hub of the Darling Downs and the fourth largest city in Queensland, Toowoomba plays a critical role in supporting regional employment, education, healthcare and agricultural industries.

    For investors and property owners, the region currently offers a combination of relative affordability, population growth and strong infrastructure investment, making it one of the most closely watched regional markets in Queensland.

    Key Market Indicators

    Current market data shows strong growth across both housing and land markets.

    $815,000

    Median House Price

    +21.6% annually

    $390,000

    Median Land Price

    +18.6% annually

    $1,150,000

    Greater Brisbane Median

    +16.2% annually

    Despite strong price growth, Toowoomba remains significantly more affordable than Brisbane. Over the past decade, house prices have averaged approximately 33% lower than Brisbane, continuing to attract investors and buyers seeking affordability.

    Rental Market Conditions

    Rental demand across Toowoomba remains strong, supported by population growth and limited housing supply.

    $630/wk

    Median House Rent

    1.2%

    Vacancy Rate

    A vacancy rate at this level indicates that rental properties are being absorbed quickly by the market, creating a favourable environment for property investors seeking stable tenancy demand. Strong population growth is expected to continue placing upward pressure on rental prices over the medium term.

    Population Growth & Housing Demand

    Population growth across the Toowoomba region is currently exceeding official forecasts.

    Forecast Growth (2021–2026)

    1,395 residents/yr

    Actual Growth (2021–2024)

    3,041 residents/yr

    118% higher growth than forecast

    The region is expected to require more than 4,000 additional dwellings by 2031 to meet housing demand.

    Housing Supply & Development Pipeline

    Dwelling approvals have increased in response to demand, however supply remains limited relative to population growth.

    1,190

    Approvals (2025 YTD)

    new dwellings

    937

    Long-term Average

    dwellings per year

    This structural imbalance between supply and demand is a key driver supporting long-term housing price growth.

    Housing Market Structure

    The Toowoomba housing market remains dominated by traditional detached homes, aligning with the region's family-oriented demographic profile.

    Detached Houses82%
    Townhouses14%
    Units & Apartments4%

    The limited presence of high-density housing means the region continues to attract families seeking larger homes and outdoor space.

    Demographic Profile

    Toowoomba's demographic structure contributes to stable housing demand.

    37 yrs

    Median Resident Age

    Slightly younger than QLD average

    Household Composition

    Family Households69%
    Single Person27%
    Single Parent12%

    $78,104/yr

    Median Household Income

    $1,502 per week

    Housing Tenure

    Owned with Mortgage34%
    Rented34%
    Owned Outright32%

    Economic Growth & Development

    Toowoomba is one of Australia's largest inland cities and serves as the economic centre of the Darling Downs region.

    Agriculture

    Food Manufacturing

    Education

    Healthcare

    Construction

    Energy & Renewables

    Professional Services

    Transport & Logistics

    ~$21 Billion Development Pipeline

    $3.2B

    Completed

    $2.6B

    Approved

    $3.6B

    Underway

    $11.3B

    Proposed

    Infrastructure Investment

    Major infrastructure projects are strengthening Toowoomba's economic position and connectivity.

    Inland Rail Project

    A major national freight corridor linking Melbourne to Brisbane via Toowoomba. Expected to significantly reduce freight costs and improve supply chain access.

    Toowoomba Hospital Redevelopment

    A new $1.3 billion hospital project adding 118 beds and expanding healthcare capacity across the region.

    Charlton Sport Precinct

    A new regional sporting hub featuring athletics facilities, sports fields and supporting infrastructure.

    Renewable Energy Development

    Toowoomba is emerging as a major centre for renewable energy infrastructure, currently hosting approximately 40% of Queensland's renewable energy transition.

    Macintyre Wind Farm

    180 turbines generating power for approximately 700,000 homes.

    Herries Range Wind Farm

    Proposed wind farm with 180 turbines.

    Bulli Creek Solar Farm

    A 2GW solar and battery project covering approximately 13,000 hectares.

    Land Market Conditions

    Land values across the Toowoomba region have increased significantly in recent years.

    $390,000

    Median Land Price

    +35% annually

    602 m²

    Median Lot Size

    $614

    Price per m²

    ~39 lots

    Available Stock

    Tight supply

    Market Tailwinds

    • Strong interstate migration into Queensland
    • High population growth in regional centres
    • Low rental vacancy rates
    • Strong loan activity from owner-occupiers
    • Large infrastructure investment pipeline

    Market Risks

    • Rising construction costs
    • Trade shortages in the building industry
    • Housing affordability pressures due to price growth outpacing wage growth

    Lifestyle & Liveability

    Toowoomba is often referred to as The Garden City due to its tree-lined streets and extensive public parklands.

    159 Public Parks

    Carnival of Flowers

    Strong Café Culture

    Family-Friendly Communities

    Education & Healthcare

    Education

    • University of Southern Queensland — ~21,000 students, 1,800 staff
    • TAFE Queensland South West
    • University of Queensland campus
    • Griffith University campus

    Healthcare

    • Toowoomba Base Hospital
    • Baillie Henderson Specialist Hospital
    • St Andrew's Hospital
    • St Vincent's Hospital

    Why Investors Are Watching Toowoomba

    Strong Population Growth

    Relative Affordability vs Brisbane

    Major Infrastructure Investment

    Low Vacancy Rates

    Balanced Housing Tenure

    Strong Regional Economy

    These factors have positioned Toowoomba as one of Queensland's most closely watched regional property markets.

    Suburb Yield Analysis — Toowoomba

    Click any column header to sort. Gross yield = (weekly rent × 52) ÷ median price.

    Wilsontonhouse$520k$5005.0%0.7%+23.2%
    Harristownhouse$560k$5204.8%0.8%+24.6%
    Glenvalehouse$610k$5504.7%1.0%+19.5%
    Kearneys Springhouse$640k$5604.5%0.9%+21.0%
    Darling Heightshouse$680k$5804.4%1.1%+22.4%
    Newtownhouse$750k$6004.2%0.9%+20.1%
    Highfieldshouse$780k$6204.1%1.4%+16.2%
    East Toowoombahouse$890k$6303.7%1.0%+18.5%
    Rangevillehouse$920k$6503.7%1.3%+17.8%

    Yields are indicative based on current median prices and rents. Actual returns may vary.

    Vacancy Rate Heat Map — Toowoomba

    Suburbs sorted by vacancy rate — lower vacancy means stronger tenant demand and less competition for landlords.

    ≤0.5% Critical
    0.5–1% Very Tight
    1–1.5% Tight
    1.5–2.5% Balanced
    2.5–3.5% Adequate

    Wilsonton

    0.7%

    Very Tight↓

    $500/wk

    Harristown

    0.8%

    Very Tight↓

    $520/wk

    Newtown

    0.9%

    Very Tight→

    $600/wk

    Kearneys Spring

    0.9%

    Very Tight→

    $560/wk

    East Toowoomba

    1.0%

    Very Tight→

    $630/wk

    Glenvale

    1.0%

    Very Tight↓

    $550/wk

    Darling Heights

    1.1%

    Tight→

    $580/wk

    Middle Ridge

    1.1%

    Tight↓

    $610/wk

    Centenary Heights

    1.2%

    Tight→

    $590/wk

    Rangeville

    1.3%

    Tight↑

    $650/wk

    Highfields

    1.4%

    Tight→

    $620/wk

    Mount Lofty

    1.5%

    Tight→

    $680/wk

    A vacancy rate below 2% is generally considered a landlord's market. Below 1% indicates critical rental shortage.

    Data Sources

    RPM Research and Data · Australian Bureau of Statistics · Pricefinder · REIA · ABS Lending Indicators

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