As State of Origin rivalry builds ahead of the July 9 decider, Queenslanders are celebrating another kind of win – interstate migration.
According to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ), New South Wales is losing more residents than any other state, and many are heading to the Sunshine State.
“It seems when it comes to Queensland’s lifestyle, the Blues are turning green with envy,” said REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella (pictured).
“Whether you bleed blue or maroon, the scoreboard doesn’t lie… people are voting with their feet, and they’re moving to Queensland.
“Queensland’s liveability, relative housing affordability, and economic momentum are hard to beat, and the migration figures reflect that – Queensland is the clear winner.”
Australian Bureau of Statistics data for the year to December 2024 showed Queensland gained 25,940 residents via interstate migration, while New South Wales lost 28,118 people. More than 60% of Queensland’s net interstate gain came from NSW, with 18,000 residents making the move.
Mercorella said the trend has accelerated since the pandemic as lifestyle preferences shift.
“Brisbane is no longer just the ‘up-and-comer’ capital city – it’s arrived,” she said. “With years of Olympic-led development ahead, infrastructure upgrades, and international attention, Queensland is absolutely in its prime.”
The migration isn’t limited to Brisbane. REIQ reported most interstate arrivals are heading to the regions.
“Queensland’s regional markets are firing, with property being snapped up in all corners of our state – from Brisbane to Bundaberg, and Cairns to Toowoomba,” Mercorella said.
“Recent data shows that more interstate movers are settling outside of Brisbane than within it, with the bulk destined for regional Queensland. In the final quarter of 2024 alone, regional Queensland welcomed 4,317 new residents from interstate, the strongest result in a year, while Brisbane recorded 3,285.”
ABS National Accounts data showed State Final Demand rose 0.7% in Queensland in the March quarter, while it declined 0.1% in New South Wales. Over the long run, Queensland’s economy has grown 3.6% annually on average since 1989-90, compared to 2.4% for New South Wales.
Mercorella said Queensland continues to attract both owner-occupiers and investors.
“Queensland continues to offer strong returns and great value, and investors are taking notice – everyone wants a slice of Sunshine State property,” she said. “No matter who you back on the field, the real victory is claiming Queensland turf.”
According to Westpac, nearly one in four investment properties in Queensland are now bought by NSW residents. By contrast, Queenslanders account for only 1% of NSW property purchases – with nearly 20% of those in Bondi.
ABS lending data confirms Queensland recorded the strongest annual investor loan growth in the country, well ahead of NSW and Victoria.
According to Money.com.au, the state now leads the nation with 24% annual growth in investor lending, overtaking WA for the first time in three years. The rise reflects growing confidence in long-term development and regional demand.
But Mercorella warned that rapid growth needs to be matched by infrastructure.
“We should be flinging open our doors to welcome the talent and energy that migration brings. But to do that responsibly, we need to plan better and build faster,” she said.
“Whether people are buying or renting, they’re adding to the demand queue – and that queue is already stretched. We risk turning a win into a loss if we don’t address our housing shortfall with urgency.”
