With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games now less than a decade away, the buzz is growing — and not just among sports fans. As someone who was closely involved in bringing the 2018 Commonwealth Games to the Gold Coast, both on the bid committee and the organising committee, I’ve seen first-hand the profound impact major international events can have on a region.
It might feel like there’s still plenty of time, but as we experienced back in the lead-up to 2018, time moves quickly. Soon, we’ll all be scrambling for tickets and watching the countdown to the Opening Ceremony. But right now, many people are asking me: What effect will the Olympics have on South East Queensland’s property market?
To answer that, let’s look at what happened last time.
The 2018 Commonwealth Games triggered an estimated $18 billion in infrastructure spending. This included massive upgrades to roads, rail, sporting venues, and a suite of government-led initiatives — but also sparked significant private investment. One standout example was The Star Casino. During the bidding period, the then-tired property pledged to invest $345 million in upgrades if the Gold Coast secured the Games. Fast forward to today, and we now have The Darling, two new high-rise towers, and a third on the way.
Pacific Fair followed suit. Recognising the increased tourism and spending headed our way, they committed to an $840 million refurbishment — transforming it into one of the most impressive shopping centres in the Southern Hemisphere. And those are just two examples. The Commonwealth Games didn’t just bring world-class sport to our doorstep — they redefined our city and helped shape the Gold Coast’s modern identity.
The COVID-19 pandemic, while undeniably challenging, played a surprising role in accelerating this transformation. Many Australians discovered (or rediscovered) the Gold Coast, and with more flexible work arrangements and lifestyle reevaluations, we saw a surge in migration. This demand directly influenced property values — a by-product of the momentum set in motion years earlier.
There’s a well-known phrase: Build it and they will come. It rings true here.
Looking ahead to the 2032 Olympics, I have no doubt we’ll see similar — if not greater — impacts. While the spotlight will shine brightest on Brisbane, the ripple effect will be felt across South East Queensland, particularly in areas tied to Olympic infrastructure.
Take Victoria Park, for instance — the future home of the Olympic stadium. Surrounding property values are likely to climb as infrastructure builds out and attention increases. But the Gold Coast is also set to benefit, with events planned in areas such as Southport and Labrador. These suburbs, already undergoing transformation, are poised for further uplift.
Of course, not every suburb or property will experience the same growth. The benefits will be most concentrated around key infrastructure hubs. But the broader trend is clear: increased exposure, investment, and population growth will all work to support and drive real estate values across the region.
In short — South East Queensland is on the world’s radar. And that makes now a strategic time to enter the market, ahead of the next wave of growth.
We’re already seeing buyers position themselves in anticipation.
Until next time, enjoy the cooler weather and remember — we’re lucky to call this remarkable part of the world home.
Looking ahead, one crucial change for Queensland property owners is the introduction of new Seller Disclosure requirements, taking effect from 1 August 2025. In line with other Australian states, sellers will soon be required to provide more comprehensive information about property defects and any issues buyers should be aware of.
This represents a significant departure from the traditional “buyer beware” approach and adds new layers of responsibility for sellers. If you’re planning to sell after August, it’s important to understand these changes to avoid surprises. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at if you’d like more information or support in preparing.
As always, we look forward to welcoming many of you to the Gold Coast during the winter school holiday period—a time when our sunshine offers a much-needed escape from the southern chill.
Until next time, stay well,
Andrew Bell
Andrew Bell, OAM
Chairman
The Ray White Bell Group
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