McGrath’s shock predictions: The QLD suburbs to watch in 2026

John McGrath has picked Recliffe as a suburb to watch in 2026.

Once dubbed the poor cousin of the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, a Queensland seaside haven has made property guru John McGrath’s list of top suburb picks for 2026.

Redcliffe, in the booming Moreton Bay region, offers “strong investment potential” because of its coastal lifestyle appeal, ongoing infrastructure upgrades and proximity to Brisbane, according to the McGrath Estate Agents founder.

“Buyers are drawn to its coastal lifestyle, upgraded infrastructure and affordability relative to inner-city suburbs, driving sustained demand and capital growth,” Mr McGrath said.

This three-bedroom house at 73 Shields St, Redcliffe, is on the market for offers over $1.279,000.

Redcliffe is one of John McGrath’s suburbs to watch for property in 2026.

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Belle Property Redcliffe agent Jonathan Koleszar said Redcliffe offered a laidback lifestyle that was appealing to downsizers, but also younger families with the ability to work remotely.

“The lifestyle is the biggest [reason] why people would gravitate towards here,” Mr Koleszar said.

This two-bedroom house at 3 Sutton St, Redcliffe, is on the market for offers over $899,000.

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“A lot of people are working from home nowadays, and they can afford to go more lifestyle than having to accomodate for their work.

“I suppose downsizers have been the biggest reason for the growth … you’ve got the beach at your fingertips, and then you’re walking distance from all the restaurants.”

Redcliffe has a median house price of $875,000, which is a staggering 98 per cent more expensive than it was five years ago, but still affordable enough for first homebuyers.

Mr McGrath said first home buyers were a vital segment of the market in Brisbane, with strong uptake of the Federal Government’s Home Guarantee Scheme.

John McGrath, McGrath Estate Agents founder.

The Queensland Government’s extension of the $30,000 First Home Owner Grant until June 2026 for those buying properties where the value of the home and land is less than $750,000 was helping to drive that lower price point, along with its Boost to Buy home ownership scheme.

Another top pick of Mr McGrath’s is the inner Brisbane suburb of Coorparoo, which he credits for having a “vibrant village atmosphere, excellent connectivity” and being close to the CBD.

Mr McGrath said Coorparoo showed strong potential for capital growth due to its classic charm and modern sophistication and its mix of character-filled Queenslanders and architectural homes, which were attracting both families and professionals.

This four-bedroom house at 369 Chatsworth Rd, Coorparoo, is on the market for offers over $2.19m.

“The area is well supported by quality schools and a buzzing café scene, all set against leafy, tree lined streets,” he said.

“Commuters benefit from direct access to major motorways, making travel north or south seamless.”

But the suburb is no longer considered affordable, with a median house price of about $1.7m, according to PropTrack.

On the Gold Coast, Mr McGrath likes Clear Island Waters for its capital growth potential, driven by proximity to elite schools, golf courses and beaches.

This four-bedroom house at 10 Sigatoka Plc, Clear Island Waters, is on the market for offers over $1.65m.

“Tightly-held, with expansive homes and a fiscal 2025 median dwelling value of $1.87 million, Clear Island Waters attracts high income families seeking lifestyle, privacy and long term investment security,” he said.

Noosa’s lesser-known neighbour, Peregian Beach, is also on the list due to its natural beauty, unspoilt pristine beaches and café culture.

Mr McGrath said the area was attracting interest from families and lifestyle lovers drawn

to the suburb’s “laidback coastal character and tight knit community”.

This five-bedroom house at 1 Pavonia St, Peregian Beach, is on the market for offers over $2m.

In the state’s north, while all the focus has been on Townsville lately as the place to invest, Mr McGrath predicts Mackay will be the city to watch in 2026.

“Mackay delivers a relaxed coastal lifestyle backed by a robust economy driven by mining, agriculture and tourism,” he said.

“When you add the $9bn Bruce Highway upgrade and a major project to revitalise Mackay’s waterfront, it’s easy to see why there is increased demand for property in the region.

This three-bedroom house at 82 Bannister St, South Mackay, is on the market for offers over $529,000.

“A modern regional city with a strong sense of community, Mackay boasts a buzzing arts and culture scene, pristine beaches and world class recreational fishing, making it increasingly attractive to both home buyers and investors.”

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