Login
iscover
As AFL fans gear up for the Cats’ showdown, real estate agents face their own “grand final”, weighing a fast, high-growth market against a stable, long-term strategy – but which will lead in 2025?
As the AFL grand final heats up on the field between the Brisbane Lions and the Geelong Cats, a parallel contest has been playing out in Australia’s property market between the two cities.
Property experts have weighed in on which cities offer the best investment opportunities, with Brisbane emerging as the top choice for rapid capital gain, while Geelong provides a more stable and long-term investment play.
Brisbane
Fuelled by a mix of interstate migration, infrastructure spending, and the upcoming Olympics, Brisbane has been attracting investors from all across the country.
Since mid-2020, Brisbane’s property market has surged, with house prices rising over 80 per cent, pushing median values from $558,000 to $1,011,000.
In August, Brisbane’s median dwelling value hit $949,583, climbing 1.2 per cent month on month, 3 per cent quarterly, and 7.9 per cent annually, outpacing all other capital cities.
By contrast, Sydney grew by 1.7 per cent quarterly and 2.1 per cent annually, while Melbourne increased by 1 per cent quarterly and 1.4 per cent annually.
Additionally, the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games are expected to spark a wave of property price growth across key areas, amid a $7.1 billion infrastructure rollout and billions more in transport and precinct upgrades.
Founder and mortgage broker at Two Red Shoes, Rebecca Jarrett-Dalton, said that Brisbane will continue to see momentum.
“Brisbane is drawing a lot of attention from investors looking for that artificial boost,” Jarrett-Dalton said.
“They’re seeing the queues at open homes, particularly in the inner city, and they’re expecting a big uplift in price. It’s all about the prospect of quick growth.”
Currently, the city has been experiencing high demand, which Jarrett-Dalton said has been reflected in low vacancy rates and strong rental yields.
Brisbane’s rental market remained tight, with vacancy rates in August at 0.9 per cent.
Similarly, annual house rents have risen 5 per cent, while unit rents are up 6.2 per cent.
As the city’s gross yields hold at 3.4 per cent for houses and 4.4 per cent for units, Jarrett-Dalton said Brisbane has been an attractive market for investors prioritising cash flow.
“The market is currently riding high on a wave of confidence, with buyers accepting higher rates and moving quickly to secure properties,” she said.
However, she noted that rapid growth in dwelling, population shifts, and delayed developments are straining inner-ring markets, prompting investors to target more affordable suburbs.
Geelong
In the Victorian corner, Geelong has been playing a slower game.
Jarrett-Dalton said that with a surplus of properties following recent land tax changes, Geelong has given savvy investors the chance to “mark” a bargain and score on a buy-low opportunity.
“Victoria is on the bottom of the investor ‘property clock’ right now,” Jarrett-Dalton said.
“But because of the lower price point, it’s drawing first-time investors. They’re looking for yield and the potential for long-term, sustainable growth, even if that growth is slow to come.”
Currently, Geelong’s median house price has been at $875,000, reflecting a 11.7 per cent decline over the past 12 months, with a rental yield of 3.4 per cent.
On the other hand, Geelong’s unit market rose by 5.9 per cent over the past 12 months, reaching a median price of $650,000 in August 2025, with a rental yield of 4.7 per cent.
Jarrett-Dalton said that while Geelong isn’t at its peak, historically, the city’s property market growth has been consistent, similar to the Cats’ on-field dominance over the past two decades.
“While prices are currently below their peak, a return of buyer confidence and a market trough that is believed to have passed offers a counter-cyclical opportunity,” she said.
She said that once an industrial centre, Geelong has become a desirable lifestyle city, attracting tenants with its proximity to Melbourne, growing economy, upgraded infrastructure, and vibrant university community.
Additionally, Geelong has seen rapid development, offering new stock to investors but also putting them at risk of oversupply.
“The battle for an investor’s dollar here is often between the more established, inner-ring suburbs and the new growth corridors,” Jarrett-Dalton said.
Verdict: Which city takes the flag?
According to Jarrett-Dalton, it ends with a clash of strategy.
“The answer truly depends on the investor’s game plan,” she said.
She said that Brisbane caters to investors chasing a dynamic, high-energy market, driven by strong momentum and confidence, with opportunities for rapid capital growth amid a city poised for significant transformation.
On the other hand, Geelong offers a patient, long-term investment opportunity for investors who see value in a market gaining momentum but not yet reaching its full potential.
“Victoria has legs in the longer term. For a quick win and consistency, though, Brisbane is the winner,” Jarrett-Dalton said.
As the Lions and Cats battle it out on the MCG turf, property agents and investors will keep an eye on the Brisbane and Geelong markets, ready to make their next winning play.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
You are not authorised to post comments.
Comments will undergo moderation before they get published.