The most popular Brisbane suburbs for downsizers and rightsizers in 2025
Downsizers and rightsizers have dominated the new and off the plan apartment market in 2024.
The two camps, downsizers in particular, are the least impacted by the continued high interest rates compared to a first home buyer or investor, positioning them as a key target for developers. Most of the new apartment developments that have come to the market in 2024 have been large apartments that suit the size and budgets of a downsizer.
Many downsizers have built significant equity in their family homes over the years and are now looking to move into more manageable living spaces, while also securing funds for retirement.
But where are downsizers and rightsizers looking to buy?
In this article, we've looked at the most popular suburbs in Brisbane for both buyer demographics, highlighting some of the most popular developments in those areas.
Stones Corner
Stones Corner was only officially recognised as a suburb in 2017, having previously just been classed as a precinct in Greenslopes.
Since then the suburb has become popular among downsizers and rightsizers, with close proximity to the Brisbane CBD but a suburban feel to the suburb. The fully rejuvenated Hanlon Park, voted one of the best parks in Australia, has also been a major drawcard, as has the broader infrastructure boom geared around the neighbouring Woolloongabba due to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Taking advantage of the Stones Corner boom is longtime Brisbane developer Gardner Vaughan Group, who are developing Stonebrook, a nine-level, owner-occupier focused tower on the fringe of Hanlon Park.
The builder-developer, who is focusing on two, three and four-bedroom apartments in the building, is on track for an early 2025 completion of the development which will give its residents direct access to Hanlon Park, lined with walking and riding tracks and a natural waterway.
Stonebrook will be a short four-minute walk from Stones Corner Village which is set to be transformed by Stockwell into a thriving mixed-use village with a new retail and dining precinct.
Demand in Stones Corner is expected to continue through 2025 with the likes Huon Property Group wanting to launch their 114-apartment, Cleveland Street development, while up the road Peter Gartshore's Idec Group also have approved plans for a two-tower development with 226 apartments.
Arana Hills
Outside of the city in Moreton Bay, Arana Hills has proven popular among families, generally the rightsizer demographic, due to its family-friendly community, schooling, abundant parklands, relative affordability, and just 20 minutes from the Brisbane CBD.
Developer JAM Group saw a gap in the market, a market which rarely sees new development, particularly in the townhouse community space.
The vertically-integrated builder-developer is crafting Nuovo, 80 freehold townhouses on Leslie Street, near conservation parks and the Arana Hills Plaza.
Nuovo, meaning "new" and "fresh" in Italian, has been designed by Ceccato + Architects to offer the privacy and individuality of a freestanding home, but without the upkeep.
Each townhouse is a separate dwelling with a freehold title, meaning no shared walls.
Construction of Nuovo is underway, with completion of the second and final stage slated for late 2026.
Rochedale
Known for its expansive green spaces and luxury houses, Rochedale has become a highly sought-after suburb for those looking to downsize.
Where previously opportunities to downsize locally were scant, townhouse developers have descended on the area south of Brisbane to offer a realistic option for those wanting to stay in the area but not in a large family home.
Its excellent connectivity to key employment hubs and the Brisbane CBD, along with the ongoing development of premium amenities, positions it as a top choice for individuals and families seeking a semi-rural feel with all the benefits of modern suburban living.
Rightsizers and downsizers have jumped at what national developer Metro Property is putting together in the heart of Rochedale.
Their new development, Citrine, is already 60 per cent sold ahead of its construction completion in mid-2025.
Citrine will comprise 90 three and four-bedroom townhomes, each either two or three levels, set in a community anchored by a central community area with a resort-style pool and barbecue and dining facilities.
Future upgrades to Rochedale Town Centre promise an even greater array of amenities for residents of Citrine, including a new supermarket, additional retail and dining options, and improved pedestrian access.
More development to uplift Rochedale even further is on its way. Developer Kinstone Group has plans for a $380 million mixed-use, masterplanned community with new housing, expansive green spaces, retail, and a boutique hotel and tavern.
It has been envisioned as a ‘new community heart’ for the suburb, linking a large new parkland with existing green space to create a walkable corridor that integrates recreation, retail, and residential—where retiree-downsizers can enjoy an active lifestyle with easy access to amenities and social opportunities.
Chermside
Gardner Vaughan Group again were one of the first developers to take a really good look at Chermside, which has earned a reputation as Brisbane’s “mini CBD,” offering unmatched convenience and connectivity.
Home to Westfield Chermside, one of Australia’s largest shopping centres, extensive parklands, and with excellent transport links and proximity to employment and education hubs, Chermside is one of the most popular suburbs for downsizers and rightsizers.
Supply for this market had been limited, before Gardner Vaughan Group revealed Estilo on the Park, its three-stage development across the road from 7th Brigade Park, pitched as the very lark parkside location in Chermside.
Two of the three towers, Lujosa and Belleza, are both sold out, and the final stage Esencia, has just a handful of apartments remaining, ahead of its completion in early 2025.
Over 95 per cent of enquiry on Urban.com.au for Estilo on the Park has come from owner-occupiers since the project launched in 2024. More recently, as the two-bedrooms were snapped up, the next home buyers has emerged as the most dominant buyer demographic for the three and four-bedroom apartments that range from 182 sqm to 280 sqm, some of the largest apartments ever produced in the suburb.
Estilo Residents will also have access to a rooftop terrace with indoor and outdoor dining, in addition to several relaxation zones, a central outdoor pool, and landscaped gardens.
Milton
Milton has transformed in recent years into a lively and dynamic suburb, appealing to foodies, outdoor enthusiasts, and city commuters with a new tranche of eateries and, breweries emerging in recent years.
Excellent transport links and pedestrian-friendly streets make Milton an easy and convenient place to call home, ensuring its appeal for those looking to downsize without leaving the energy of the city behind.
Kokoda Property Group has been one of the most active developers in Milton in recent years. Their Ruby Ruby development is one of just a handful of true tower developments to have launched in the last 18 months, and with that came unprecedented demand.
Over 80 per cent of the apartments within the Crombie Street tower have sold, prompting Kokoda to add a further four levels to the building, resulting in 34 more apartments.
Amenities on offer include a rooftop infinity pool, thoughtfully landscaped BBQ areas and deck, floating daybeds, cabanas, a fire pit, private dining and bar space, a private cinema lounge, billiards room, versatile meeting rooms and a dog wash facility.
Prior to Ruby Ruby, Kokoda completed The Ambrose, which has just one penthouse left since its recent completion. The Ambrose has 174 apartments above two retail spaces.
Kokoda Property Group Founder and Managing Director Mark Stevens said demand far outweighs supply for new apartments within Milton and its surrounds.
