Why is Queensland the new epicentre for architectural specification?
Queensland is leading Australia’s construction growth due to record infrastructure investment, strong interstate migration, and long-term Olympic-led development. Unlike other states experiencing a slowdown, QLD is seeing sustained demand across multi-residential, commercial, healthcare, and education projects — creating a high-opportunity market for product suppliers.
What’s Driving Queensland’s Construction Growth? The QLD Growth Engine, Backed by Data
The investment landscape in Queensland is supported by record-breaking state and private funding. To understand the scale of the opportunity, consider these key drivers:
The Big Build Infrastructure Pipeline: The Queensland Government has committed $107 billion in infrastructure investment over the next four years, accelerating transport, civic, and urban development projects.
The "Olympic Effect": Direct investment in competition venues and the Athletes' Village is estimated at $7.1 billion, sparking massive urban renewal projects in Woolloongabba and North Quay.
Interstate Migration: Queensland leads Australia in net interstate migration, with over 31,000 people relocating in the past year, driving sustained demand for housing, workplaces, and services.
Dwelling Approvals: While other states have seen declines, Queensland has maintained momentum with a 10.5% increase in dwelling approvals year-on-year heading into 2026.
Image: Concept of the 63,000-seat Olympic Stadium planned for Victoria Park, set to host athletics and the opening and closing ceremonies.
Which building sectors are driving growth in Queensland in 2026?
If you are a product supplier, your specification efforts should be laser-focused on these four booming sectors:
1. Multi-Residential: The Build-to-Rent (BTR) Revolution
Queensland has emerged as the national leader in BTR incentives, turning the state into a magnet for institutional developers.
What is Build-to-Rent (BTR)?
Build-to-Rent refers to large-scale residential developments held under single ownership and designed for long-term rental, prioritising durability, lifecycle value, and operational efficiency.
- Why it matters: BTR developers prioritise lifecycle value and long-term durability to reduce maintenance costs.
- The Data: Over 16,000 multi-residential dwellings were approved in South East Queensland in the 2024-25 period alone.
Photo: The Smith Collective Build to Rent development, Gold Coast.
2. Commercial & Mixed-Use: The New Workplace
The Brisbane CBD and Gold Coast are seeing a renaissance in commercial office space. This shift is often referred to as a “flight to quality,” where tenants prioritise premium buildings that support wellbeing, sustainability, and productivity.
- Why it matters: New developments focus on wellness and sustainability to entice workers back to the office, requiring high-spec acoustic and lighting solutions.
- The Data: Private sector investment in Queensland commercial construction reached a record $7.4 billion in the past 12 months, signalling strong developer confidence.
3. Vertical Healthcare: Innovation in Limited Footprints
As urban density increases, Queensland is leading the charge in Vertical Healthcare and specialised biotech precincts. For suppliers, healthcare projects demand strict compliance, long product lifecycles, and proven performance under intensive use.
- The Opportunity: The State Government’s $14 billion Health Big Build is the largest health infrastructure investment in Australia’s history, funding new hospitals and specialised research labs.
4. Education: Future-Proofing Learning Spaces
With a growing population comes a massive demand for schools and university infrastructure. These projects favour products that balance durability, adaptability, and long-term value, particularly in government-funded environments.
- The Funding: Recent budget allocations earmarked over $2 billion specifically for new schools and major upgrades to existing facilities across the state.
- Why it matters: Education specifiers are prioritising flexible and durable materials that can withstand high traffic and adapt to evolving learning methods.
Understanding the "QLD Shift": What This Means for Product Suppliers
In a market this fast-paced, position your products as part of the solution to the state’s unique challenges.
Climate Resilience: QLD architects are looking for products that handle subtropical humidity. Lead with your superior moisture management performance.
Supply Chain Certainty: With the volume of work in the pipeline, "availability" is a feature. Suppliers with local stock are winning the confidence of project teams.
Future-Fit Performance: The conversation has shifted to "best performance over time"—a critical factor for BTR and government-funded healthcare and education projects.
Image: Design of a home that could cope with flood conditions
Source: Cox Rayner Architects
