As Brisbane experiences exponential growth in the lead-up to hosting the 2032 Olympic
Games, public housing remains crucial to our city’s social fabric.
Yet many home buyers and investors find themselves hesitant to purchase anywhere near it.
Brisbane’s Lauren Jones Buyers Agency advocates that informed decisions—rooted in data
and real-world insight—are the key to successful buying. Not fear, and certainly not stigma.
Homely caught up with the LJBA team to discuss their hot take on public housing and its
relationship with capital growth, property values, and liveability in Brisbane.
Topics in this article:
What is public housing?
Commonly referred to as commission or social housing, public housing is government-
owned property provided to support individuals and families.
In Brisbane, this housing is managed by the Queensland Department of Housing and forms part of a broader strategy to ensure all residents have access to safe and secure accommodation. To learn the criteria for being eligible for social housing, you can head to the Queensland Government’s Guide to applying for housing assistance page.
From a buyer’s agent perspective, it’s important to note that these homes are typically not for sale on the open market and are managed separately from private housing stock. However, their presence in a suburb can influence buyer perceptions—often unfairly.
Where is public housing in Brisbane?
According to Luke Metcalfe, data scientist and founder of Microburbs, only 4.7% of Brisbane households come under the bracket of public housing. He identifies the top ten suburbs that accommodate for such households as:
1. Acacia Ridge
2. Dutton Park
3. Zillmere
4. Mount Gravatt
5. Keperra
6. Holland Park
7. Stafford
8. Gaythorne
9. Carina Heights
10. Coopers Plains
Despite higher concentrations of commission housing, suburbs like Zillmere, Keperra, Stafford and Holland Park have outperformed expectations and experienced significant capital growth over the past two decades.
LJBA’s Buyer’s Agent Associate Dario Rodrigues adds that, from his experience in property hunting, Kallangur, Springfield, Greenslopes, and Kippa Ring in the Deception Bay pocket also sport high concentrations of public housing.
However, Rodrigues says, “Because they are so close to booming coastal suburbs or Brisbane’s inner ring, there is a ripple effect [and an] increase in capital growth there, too.” If you’re unsure whether the suburb you are looking to buy in is a ‘good’ pocket for capital growth, contact local real estate professionals who can give you the green light.
What does the data say about public housing in Brisbane?
The verdict is clear: living near public housing does not inherently lower your property value.
And why should it? Factors such as maintenance, tenant behaviour, and community engagement play more significant roles. For instance, well-maintained public housing can actually coexist with rising property values in the surrounding area.
In the case of Inala, a suburb with a history of public housing, property values have seen substantial growth over the past two decades, reflecting broader market trends and community development. Conversely, an area with lower public housing concentration such as Bulimba has also experienced significant appreciation, influenced by factors such as location and amenities.
What’s more, the Salvation Army’s Social Justice Stocktake 2025 found that 73.8% of Brisbane residents identify the urgency of addressing housing affordability and homelessness a key community issue.
Not only that—the report indicates that 640,000 Australian households are not having their housing needs met. Now more than ever, with the cost-of-living crisis still a nationwide pandemic, integrating social housing is crucial in providing a backbone from our community.
How is the government responding to the housing crisis?
The Australian housing crisis is hitting everyone—from private market rents to those in social housing, to downsizing retirees and even first-time home buyers.
The Queensland Government has acknowledged the community’s struggles and announced their aim to deliver 1 million new homes by 2044. 53,500 of which will become social and community homes, with the hopes of alleviating pressure for people on all ends of the property-seeking spectrum.
Even ‘richlist’ suburb Northshore Hamilton is being including in the government’s plans for social housing integration. Queensland state development minister Grace Grace confirms the potential of 201 social and affordable homes being developed in the affluent suburb.
This shift of commission housing developments towards mixed-income communities reflects a broader strategy to reduce stigma and promote inclusivity.
See, as Brisbane broadens its socio-economic horizons, the government is gradually modernising and integrating housing initiatives more thoughtfully. These homes aren’t just clustered anymore—they’re being spread out, better maintained, and mixed in with owner-occupied neighbourhoods.
Should you buy property near public housing in Brisbane?
Property professionals like LJBA understands the hesitation some buyers may feel toward government housing. But with the right due diligence, living near or investing close to government housing doesn’t have to be a deterrent—it can be an opportunity.
Instead of fearing public housing, we should understand it as part of a balanced ecosystem. To provide housing options for all income levels ensures that our communities remain connected, liveable, and sustainable.
“As a Qualified Property Investment Advisor, I look at the full picture—not just perceptions.
Government housing is something we need to thrive,” Jones says.
Lauren Jones’ top tips for buying near public housing in Brisbane
- Inspect – Don’t Assume
Evaluate the upkeep of nearby public housing properties. Well-maintained homes
often indicate responsible tenancy and management. - Ask Around – Talk to neighbours and housing service centres for insights on tenant
stability in the area. Public housing tenants may have varying lengths of stay. - Think Long Term- As public housing is gradually sold off, suburbs often see an
increase in owner-occupiers, which lifts street presence and encourages property
renovations. - Trust the Street Feel – Assess the area’s tidiness, safety, and community
engagement. Active community involvement is known to correlate with
neighbourhood pride and property upkeep.
“I always encourage my clients to inspect homes nearby public housing before making assumptions. Presentation, upkeep, and neighbourhood feel matters far more than the postcode alone,” says Jones.
All in all, public housing is not a red flag—it’s a reflection of a city’s commitment to inclusivity and support for all residents. In a rapidly evolving market like Brisbane’s, buyers who move past outdated stigmas and focus on real-world data, street-level insights, and long-term potential often find hidden gems in places others overlook.
Smart investing isn’t about avoiding what’s different. It’s about understanding what’s changing.
So if you’d like to get into the Brisbane market, keep up with the latest opportunities on Homely.
