RENTAL vacancy across mainland Redlands has held between 0.9 and 1.3 per cent through the first half of 2026.
A balanced market sits at 2.5 to 3.5 per cent.
For every home available to rent, two to three households are competing.
That scarcity explains the pressure across the region – rising prices, climbing rents, and a market squeezing both buyers and tenants.
A family renting in Alexandra Hills pays close to $700 a week.
Across Redlands Coast the median rent has risen from around $650 in late 2024 to $720 by the June 2026 quarter, an 11 per cent jump in 18 months.
Wages have not kept pace.
Queensland’s statewide median reached $675 in the same quarter with more than 95 per cent of 712 markets recording annual increases.
Redlands remains tighter still, and growth has split into two patterns.
Buyers chasing space and lifestyle pushed Redland Bay house prices up 21.6 per cent to a median of roughly $1.19 million.
Mount Cotton rose 21 to 22 per cent, while Capalaba’s unit market gained 21.4 per cent.
In the premium acreage belt, Sheldon leads with a $1.8 million median and rents near $1150.
Owners face higher mortgage repayments, insurance, rates and maintenance.
Tenants absorb rising rents on top of broader living costs.
Neither side finds relief.
Demand keeps growing while supply lags.
Redlands is attracting new residents and still needs to house younger locals, expanding families and older residents wanting to downsize without leaving.
The housing stock is not expanding fast enough.
The real test is whether enough housing and infrastructure can be delivered, in the right places, to meet the demand already here.
– This article provides general information only.
