Brisbane locals spark weekender boom

Homebuyers in Brisbane are heading west for a “weekender” property.

Homebuyers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life are heading to the Hinterland for a weekender escape, new research reveals.

Place Advisory data and on-the-ground agent insights show a trend reshaping southeast Queensland’s real estate market — city slickers buying in hinterland and coastal towns up to two hours away from Brisbane.

80 Starks Road, Tallegalla.

80 Starks Road, Tallegalla.

In lifestyle belts like the Scenic Rim and Somerset Region, agents say up to half of buyers inspecting acreage and lifestyle homes were Brisbane locals chasing a weekender escape.

“Around 50 per cent of the people we’re meeting at open homes are Brisbane locals,” said Paris Arthur, Place Graceville.

“They’re not looking to move permanently; they want a weekender.

“Somewhere green, private, and within a short drive of the city.”

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80 Starks Road, Tallegalla.

80 Starks Road, Tallegalla.

The PropTrack Home Price Index August 2025 revealed home prices in regional Queensland grew 0.3 per cent in August to hit a new peak, bringing them 9.9 per cent higher than a year ago.

Since August 2024, regional Queensland home prices have grown $75,000 – the most of all regional markets in the country.

Mr Arthur is marketing a showstopper home at Tallegalla, located between Brisbane, Toowoomba and Ipswich.

The three-bedder is a luxurious off-grid residence focused on passive design.

“Just a stone’s throw from the Brisbane-, Ipswich- and Toowoomba-bound Warrego Highway, this extraordinary property is also close to Minden and Marburg’s community-driven retail, dining and outdoor adventure scene, promising country living at its finest,” the listing states.

97-101 The Shelf Road, Tamborine Mountain is on the market via Kara Christensen of Kollosche at $2.7m.

Mr Arther said buyer motivation was about lifestyle, not relocation.

“The big drivers are flexibility and wellbeing,” Mr Arthur said.

“Many of these families work in the city during the week, but they want their kids to spend weekends outside, with space and fresh air.

“A weekender gives them both.”

Weekender hotspots include the Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Toowoomba.

“This isn’t just a post-Covid fad,” Mr Arthur said.

“Brisbane locals are re-evaluating their lifestyles.

“A second home is becoming as aspirational as a beach holiday; it’s the new symbol of

success.”

135 – 147 Alpine Terrace, Mount Tamborine.

135 – 147 Alpine Terrace, Mount Tamborine.

Ray White Rural’s Peter Douglas said there was a steady stream of buyers looking for a weekenders in the Scenic Rim.

“We are still seeing good strong sales right through the Scenic Rim on acreage,” he said.

“It’s about proximity — you’re within that hour radius of Brisbane and hour radius to the Gold Coast.

“With that in mind, that market is still pretty strong.”

He this week listed a stunning estate on Tamborine Mountain that he described as “extraordinary”.

135 – 147 Alpine Terrace, Mount Tamborine.

135 – 147 Alpine Terrace, Mount Tamborine.

The property, at 135-146 Alpine Terrace includes an contemporary home offering views across Guanaba Valley, Moreton Bay, and Stradbroke Island.

The house includes hand-cut porphyry stone, copper detailing, and natural timber.

“It’s probably the among the best, if not, the best house on the mountain,” he said.

Other features include a fully self-contained guest quarters and two additional cottages.

“This is a property that transcends conventional luxury,” the listing states.

“It is a residence of enduring quality, architectural integrity, and environmental harmony-crafted for those who seek excellence in both form and function.”

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