Moreton Bay has become one of South East Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, quietly outpacing Brisbane in population growth over the past decade. With new communities taking shape and major infrastructure projects rolling out, the region is attracting strong interest from families, first home buyers, and long-term locals seeking more attainable housing options.

Here’s a closer look at what’s driving this growth and why so many buyers are paying attention.

‍

A Decade of Rapid Growth

‍

According to the PropTrack Stockland Regional Snapshot Moreton Bay North has grown by 56,411 people in the past decade, a 24% surge outpacing Greater Brisbane. Even in the year to June 2024, a further 8,160 people moved into the area. For a single year, this is a significant shift and it signals ongoing demand for homes, schools, transport networks and community hubs.

This is not a short-lived spike. It is a decade-long pattern that reflects how buyers are now looking beyond Brisbane’s inner and middle ring suburbs in search of value, space and a different pace of living.

‍

More Attainable Than Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast

‍

Affordability is a major driver behind the move north. In June 2024, Moreton Bay’s median house price reached $825,000, rising 8 per cent over the past year and 95 per cent in five years. Despite this growth, it remains well below Brisbane’s median of $1.067 million. It is also more affordable than key Sunshine Coast areas such as Caloundra, where the median is $971,250.

For many buyers, this difference is not just a number. It determines what they can realistically access. In Moreton Bay, a budget that might stretch only to an older home in Brisbane can often secure a larger block, a newer build or a home in a modern masterplanned community.

‍

Infrastructure That Is Unlocking New Homes

‍

The Queensland Government has recognised the pressure this growth is creating and has committed major funding to support new housing supply. In 2025, the state allocated $45.8 million for essential infrastructure in the City of Moreton Bay. This investment is expected to unlock 10,300 new homes across several key growth areas.

A large part of this planning centres on the Waraba Priority Development Area. It is one of the biggest residential projects in the region and is expected to deliver up to 30,000 homes for around 70,000 future residents.

Transport upgrades ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games are also improving links between Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast. Better connectivity is likely to support more local jobs and encourage continued residential growth.

‍

Masterplanned Communities Are Leading the Way

‍

Moreton Bay’s rise is closely linked to the growth of large masterplanned communities that offer modern homes, walkable neighbourhoods and generous green spaces. Developments such as Kinma Valley in Morayfield and Rivermont in Caboolture will eventually deliver thousands of new homes along with parks, open space and community facilities.

Buyer demand reinforces this trend. More than half of recent enquiries in the region are for four-bedroom homes and there is growing interest in homes with five bedrooms or more. This suggests that families are not only moving to the region but planning to stay and grow within it.

‍

‍

Lifestyle Is a Big Part of the Appeal

‍

While affordability matters, lifestyle is an equally important drawcard. Moreton Bay offers a balance of suburban living, outdoor space, established amenities and proximity to the coast. With 72 per cent of households being family households, the region has become a community-focused area designed around parks, schools, sports facilities and local centres.

For many people moving from Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay offers a mix they struggled to find elsewhere. It provides more space without sacrificing connection and a more relaxed pace of living without losing access to essential services.

‍

What This Means for Homebuilders

‍

Moreton Bay’s growth does not mean every buyer should build there. Instead, it highlights how South East Queensland is changing and how demand is shifting toward areas with more land, stronger long-term planning and better value.

If you are considering a new build, understanding how regions like Moreton Bay are evolving can help you make more confident and realistic decisions about where to live and what your budget can achieve.

‍

Exploring Where to Build? Nesta Can Help

‍

If you are comparing suburbs, looking at land or trying to understand which builders suit your budget and location, Nesta can guide you every step of the way.
Our support is independent and completely free for homebuilders in South East Queensland.

Start Your Build with Nesta

Want more tips? Check out our blog and start planning your dream build with Nesta today.