Property Investor
QUEENSLAND landlords are facing mounting pressure from rising interest rates, soaring insurance premiums, increasing maintenance costs and a changing tenancy law landscape.
Yet property experts warn that selling an investment property now could prove a costly mistake in the long run.
According to George Kafantaris, many investors are questioning whether property ownership remains worthwhile amid growing financial and regulatory challenges. However, he believes Queensland’s underlying market fundamentals continue to favour landlords who can weather the current conditions.
The State’s population grew by more than 97,000 people in the year to September 2025, adding further pressure to an already undersupplied housing market. Property values across Queensland increased by almost 10 per cent over the past year, while rents climbed more than 8 per cent.
Vacancy rates remain exceptionally tight at around 0.9 per cent statewide, well below the level considered a balanced rental market. At the same time, housing supply continues to lag behind demand, with property listings significantly below long-term averages.
Mr Kafantaris said many investors focus on the immediate relief that selling can provide, but often overlook what comes next. While a sale may eliminate the challenges of property ownership, investors must decide where to reinvest their capital and whether alternative assets can deliver similar long-term growth and income potential.
Recent research from the Property Investment Professionals of Australia found that more than a third of Queensland investors sold at least one property during the past year. Significantly, most of those properties were purchased by owner-occupiers rather than other investors, further reducing the pool of available rental housing.
Mr Kafantaris also pointed to Victoria as a cautionary example. Higher taxes and extensive tenancy reforms contributed to a large-scale investor exodus in recent years, tightening rental supply and driving rents higher.
He argues Queensland remains a comparatively attractive market, particularly as the region prepares for major infrastructure investment and population growth in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic Games.
Rather than exiting the market, Mr Kafantaris believes investors should focus on understanding legislative changes, maintaining their properties and engaging experienced property managers to help navigate an increasingly complex environment.
While every investor’s circumstances differ, he says those considering a sale should weigh not only the pressures they face today, but also the long-term opportunities.
With demand continuing to outstrip supply and no quick solution to the housing shortage in sight, many analysts believe Queensland property remains well positioned.
