Maryanne Elliott knows a thing or two about the Queensland property markets. As founder, and mortgage and finance broker at Brisbane-based 360 Mortgage Solutions, Elliott brings decades of industry experience and a front-row view of the state’s evolving market dynamics.
After years working at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), she launched her brokerage in 2016. But that was a different time.
Today, the industry is faced with higher interest rates, inflationary pressures, global uncertainty and looming tax changes. Elliott has taken it all in stride.
In the latest edition of Australian Broker Spotlight Series — where we highlight standout professionals in Australia's finance and mortgage broking industries — we caught up with Elliott to discuss the state of the Queensland market, how she’s navigating today’s challenges and the trends she believes brokers and borrowers should be watching closely.
The following interview has been edited for grammar and clarity.
ME: Brisbane is still hot right now. I still have first-time homebuyers trying to get into the market, and investors still wanting to buy, which is great. I am seeing borrowing power is a struggle, which is a concern, especially in light of the [2026 to 2026 financial year federal] budget. I think this will get worse.
ME: For an owner-occupied home, no. And for an investor, I think you would need to be smart about what you purchased. For example, purchasing a positively-geared property, or a brand new one, I encourage my clients to not focus on the market prices, especially if they are looking for a long-term home or investment. They should buy when they are ready, as long as they hold they will get growth.
ME: I am doing a lot of refinances at the moment; probably 20% purchases, and the rest refinances to try to tidy up some debts and secure better rates in the current market. I thought I would see more fixed rates, but most clients are opting to stay variable and weather the rate rises.
ME: I think the most important thing is to remember there is no set strategy. My husband, in the lead up to [the federal budget reveal], was stressing about if negative gearing was going to be grandfathered. It wasn't until I reminded him that our properties are positively geared that he calmed down. I think that is the point: in all this noise and negativity, I like to think I am able to look at both sides and take the hype out.
ME: A common thing I am seeing is kids buying with Mum and Dad. Co-living is a great option for families, and I am seeing a lot of it. I am seeing a lot of Mum and Dad selling their home and buying a bigger home with a child and their partner. This helps the parents as they age. But also, it helps the kids get into the market; so it is a win-win. I obviously encourage my clients to speak to their lawyers before they do the pre approval so everyone is on the same page and everyone's interests are protected. But I think this is a great option for both the housing supply (or lack of) and family support. I currently dual live with my in-laws, so it is something that I can talk to.
