Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Invest in a Southeast Queensland Rooming House – with the 2032 Olympics on the Horizon

Southeast Queensland (SEQ) is in the midst of a housing transformation and savvy investors are beginning to recognise the unique opportunity that rooming houses provide. With rental yields consistently above 8% and demand for affordable accommodation growing rapidly, rooming houses stand out as one of the most resilient and profitable property types in today’s market. Unlike traditional rentals, where yields often hover between 4% and 7%, rooming houses offer investors steady cashflow with far less exposure to vacancy risk. Tenants are drawn to these smaller, more affordable living arrangements, making them a highly practical solution in an increasingly expensive housing environment.

The broader property market in SEQ is already on an upward trajectory. As of 2025, the Gold Coast has reached a median house price of $1.32 million, overtaking Brisbane’s $936,000 median. Brisbane itself has recorded growth of nearly 10% in the past year alone, with strong interstate migration continuing to push demand beyond available supply. Analysts suggest that housing values in suburbs near Olympic precincts could nearly double by 2032, mirroring the price surges seen in Sydney in the lead-up to the 2000 Olympics. Inner-city areas like Herston, Kelvin Grove and Spring Hill have already recorded significant gains, in some cases exceeding 100% since 2020.

The upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games add another powerful layer of momentum to this market. Far more than a two-week sporting spectacle, the Games will drive a decade of infrastructure investment, urban renewal and global attention. Billions are being poured into transport projects such as Cross River Rail, upgrades to stadiums and venues and the redevelopment of major precincts like Victoria Park. These projects are not only enhancing liveability but also increasing the long-term value of the surrounding suburbs. Historically, Olympic host cities have seen property prices within 5–10 kilometres of key venues rise by as much as 5% before the event and by more than 14% after the Games, as improved infrastructure and global exposure solidify demand.

Location will be critical to maximising these returns. Investors who target properties close to Olympic venues and transport upgrades are likely to see stronger capital appreciation compared to the broader market. With the main stadium precinct shifting to Victoria Park, suburbs like Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley and Spring Hill are fast emerging as key hotspots. At the same time, the affordability of SEQ compared to Sydney and Melbourne means that investors entering the market today can still secure strong value before the Olympic-driven wave of growth fully takes hold.

Timing has always been central to real estate success and in SEQ the window of opportunity is now. While prices have already been climbing since the pandemic, the real uplift associated with Olympic investment and infrastructure renewal is only beginning. Early movers who secure rooming house investments today will not only enjoy the immediate benefit of strong cashflow but also the long-term capital growth that will come as the region builds towards 2032. Waiting until closer to the Games risks entering the market after prices have surged, eroding both returns and affordability.

Rooming houses also deliver something more: a socially impactful investment. In a region grappling with rising rents and housing shortages, they provide high-quality, affordable accommodation that meets real community needs. For investors, this means a rare opportunity to align financial performance with positive social outcomes. At a time when housing insecurity is front of mind for governments, communities and individuals, rooming houses stand as a solution that benefits all stakeholders.

In summary, Southeast Queensland’s property market is set for a decade of growth, fuelled by strong migration, housing undersupply and the once-in-a-lifetime boost of hosting the 2032 Olympics. For investors, rooming houses offer the perfect balance of high yields today and significant capital growth tomorrow. Acting now means positioning yourself at the intersection of cashflow and capital appreciation, in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country.

by Greg Khan CPA FGIA

September 2025.