Trading up in a competitive market: what to know before you upsize in SEQ

For many Queensland families, the dream of more space - an extra bedroom, larger kitchen, or a backyard pool - often arrives just as the property market tightens. In South East Queensland (SEQ), demand for larger family homes continues to grow, yet listings remain limited and prices for established homes have surged.

If you’re thinking about trading up in 2025, understanding your options and timing your move carefully can make a significant difference - both financially and lifestyle-wise.

The challenge: rising prices and limited listings

Across SEQ, the affordability gap between selling your current home and buying your next has widened. CoreLogic data shows the median house price in Brisbane now exceeds $900,000, while the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay North have seen growth of more than 25% since 2022.

For upgraders, this creates three main challenges:

• Affordability gap: Even if your current home has gained value, the jump to a larger property can require a bigger loan or higher monthly repayments - especially with construction and land costs rising.
• Limited listings: Family-sized homes in popular school zones or coastal suburbs are in short supply. Many buyers find themselves competing against interstate migrants or investors, driving up prices further.
• Timing your move: Coordinating the sale of your current property with the purchase (or build) of your next can feel like a juggling act - particularly when you’re managing bridging finance or short settlement periods.

These pressures are pushing many homeowners to rethink their next step - and increasingly, that means building new rather than buying established.

Why more families are building instead of buying

When supply is tight, building offers control and certainty that the established market simply can’t. For upgraders who already own land - or those considering a knock down rebuild (KDRB) - it’s an opportunity to create the space you need, without the compromises of an older home.

Here’s why it’s worth considering:

• Fixed-price clarity: A fixed-price contract locks in your total build cost upfront, giving you certainty in a market where established homes are selling well above reserve.
• Tailored design: Instead of renovating or adapting an existing floor plan, you can choose a design that suits your lifestyle - whether that’s dual living, multi-generational layouts, or separate zones for kids and guests.
• Energy efficiency: New builds must meet higher energy-efficiency standards, meaning lower running costs and better long-term value.
• Location advantage: If you love where you live, a KDRB allows you to stay in your neighbourhood while upgrading to a modern home that meets your current (and future) needs.

The financial reality: costs, equity, and stamp duty

Upsizing isn’t just about square metres - it’s about smart financial planning.

Here’s what to consider before making the move:

1. Stamp duty: When buying an established home, stamp duty can add tens of thousands of dollars to your costs. On a $1 million purchase, for example, you could be paying over $38,000 in stamp duty alone. By rebuilding on your existing land, you avoid this expense entirely - one of the biggest financial advantages of a knock down rebuild.

2. Land value: In SEQ, land value continues to outperform dwelling value. Holding onto your existing block can be a powerful investment strategy, particularly in established areas where new land releases are limited. By rebuilding, you modernise your home while retaining an appreciating asset.

3. Equity and financing: If you’ve owned your current home for several years, chances are you’ve built up equity that can be used to fund your new build. A construction loan or equity release can give you the flexibility to manage payments as your new home progresses - often with lower upfront costs than buying outright.

4. Interim housing and timing: While a KDRB or new build may take several months, many families choose to rent nearby or move in with family during construction. The key is planning your timeline early - from demolition and approvals to colour selection and build start - to ensure a smooth transition between homes.

Timing your upsize

Market conditions in SEQ remain competitive, but there are strategic advantages to building now:

• Stabilising construction costs: After several years of volatility, material and labor prices have levelled out, giving greater cost predictability.
• Ongoing population growth: Demand for housing in growth corridors like Moreton Bay, Brisbane North, and the Sunshine Coast remains strong, supporting long-term capital growth.
• New land opportunities: Emerging masterplanned communities such as Kinma Valley, Rivermont, and Waraba are releasing larger blocks designed with family living in mind - ideal for those who want to upsize without moving too far afield.

Build for your lifestyle, not just your budget

Upsizing isn’t just about adding space - it’s about improving how you live. Whether it’s a larger kitchen for family dinners, a home office, or a pool and alfresco area for entertaining, thoughtful design can make every square metre work harder.

At AUSMAR, our Designer Collection and Knock Down Rebuild options give homeowners the flexibility to:

• Design for multi-generational living
• Include guest suites or dual-living zones
• Add upstairs retreats or secondary living areas
• Maximise light and connection to outdoor spaces

Each design is backed by transparent pricing, fixed contracts, and the support of our in-house design and colour experts - so you can move forward with confidence, even in a competitive market.

Ready to explore your next move?

If you’re ready to upsize but don’t want to compromise on location or lifestyle, building new could be your smartest next step. Talk to our team today about your options - from knock down rebuilds to custom designs - and discover how to trade up with confidence in 2025.

👉 Book a consultation or explore our KDRB services and start your next chapter in South East Queensland.