Queensland’s rental market has started 2025 with even fewer options for tenants, as vacancy rates continue to tighten across most of the state in the March 2025 quarter, with the number of tightening regions outweighing those that eased. According to the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s (REIQ) latest Residential Vacancy Rate Report, released today, 24 of the 50 regions tightened, 12 held steady, and just 14 saw any relief. The statewide vacancy rate has slipped from 1.0% to 0.9% – breaking a three-quarter period of steady conditions and reinforcing the entrenched strain on rental supply. Notably, the pressure is being felt across most of theRead More →

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is congratulating the re-elected Labor Federal Government, saying a clear majority and a consecutive term bring a vital opportunity to see rubber hit the road for housing. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, now Australia’s 32nd Prime Minister, has a historic opportunity to tackle the housing crisis with renewed momentum and political capital. The REIQ stands ready to collaborate with the Albanese Government to ensure all Australians have access to a secure and affordable home. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the stability offered by a majority government, combined with longevity of term to see policies to fruition and the endRead More →

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is strongly opposing the state’s new standardised tenancy application form, which the peak body says takes tenant privacy to the point of impracticality. From 1 May, the standardised rental application will be used for general tenancies. This reform is part of the former State Government’s stage two rental reforms, now carried forward by the LNP. The REIQ believes the form’s approach to verification of identity (VOI) could cause significant risk for property owners and their managers. The peak body is also warning the application form may undermine the prospects of success for applicants seeking to rent property inRead More →

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) has acknowledged today’s decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to keep the cash rate on hold at 4.1% in April, pending the release of the comprehensive March quarter CPI inflation data on 30 April. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said it was widely expected that the RBA would hold in April, and it would have been a surprise if it had cut the cash rate[1], however now hopes were mounting for May’s decision. “After holding in April to gain more confidence inflation is under control, many home buying hopefuls and mortgage holders will be hoping the RBARead More →

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is welcoming the housing initiatives in the Albanese’s Government’s pre-election budget, while calling for greater scale for impact. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said this budget recognised that housing supply constraints remain a pressing issue, and homeownership remains out of reach for many. “The overwhelming constraint on housing affordability remains a lack of supply,” Ms Mercorella said. “Resolving housing supply constraint issues and promoting other housing supply alternatives, such as prefabricated homes, are the cornerstones for more affordable housing. “Queensland is well behind what is needed in terms of dwelling approvals – the 12-month building approvals to January 2025Read More →

The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) is welcoming the Crisafulli Government’s restoration of the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC), as an important step towards tackling rising construction costs and improving housing affordability. Yesterday, the Queensland Productivity Commission 2024 Bill passed in Parliament allowing the QPC to be officially established and appointments to soon follow. REIQ CEO Antonia Mercorella said the establishment of the QPC will be instrumental in maximising productivity in the construction sector, which has long been on the decline. “Improving productivity in the construction sector is critical for reducing construction costs and ultimately, improving housing affordability for Queenslanders,” Ms Mercorella said. “The AustralianRead More →