iKey Facts
- •Cross River Rail will create 6 new underground stations, with Woolloongabba station expected to transform the suburb
- •Properties within 800m of new train stations historically see 10-25% value uplift within 5 years
- •Brisbane Metro (electric bus rapid transit) will improve connectivity for inner-ring development corridors
- •The 2032 Olympics is driving $8.1 billion in infrastructure across Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast
- •Infrastructure-driven rezoning can increase land values by 50-300% in affected suburbs
The Infrastructure Effect
Major infrastructure projects don't just improve transport — they fundamentally reshape property values. For landowners near new stations, roads, or Olympic precincts, the value uplift can be transformational.
How Infrastructure Creates Value
Infrastructure increases land value through three mechanisms:
1. Improved Accessibility
Better transport connections make your location more desirable. Properties within walking distance of new train stations see the greatest uplift because:
- Residents have easier access to employment centres
- Developers can achieve higher sale prices for completed product
- Councils often rezone surrounding land to higher density
2. Catalytic Rezoning
Governments frequently rezone land around new infrastructure to higher density. This is deliberate policy — infrastructure investment should be matched by housing supply near the investment.
Cross River Rail stations, for example, are expected to trigger significant rezoning in surrounding precincts, potentially allowing much higher development yields.
3. Precinct Transformation
Major infrastructure creates whole new precincts. Queens Wharf, Northshore Hamilton, and the Olympic village sites are transforming previously underutilised areas into vibrant mixed-use communities.
Brisbane's Current Infrastructure Projects
Cross River Rail
- Impact zone: Woolloongabba, Boggo Road, Albert Street, Roma Street
- Value uplift: 15-30% for properties within 800m of new stations
- Timeline: Now operational, opened 2026
"The Infrastructure Effect Major infrastructure projects don't just improve transport — they fundamentally reshape property values."
Is your property near new infrastructure?
Find out what it means for your land value.
Brisbane Metro
- Impact zone: Cultural Centre, South Bank, UQ, key bus corridors
- Value uplift: 5-15% for properties near metro stops
- Timeline: Stage 1 operational, Stage 2 under development
2032 Olympics
- Impact zone: Woolloongabba (main stadium), Hamilton (athlete village), Redland Bay (whitewater), Chandler (aquatics)
- Value uplift: 10-25% in core Olympic precincts
- Timeline: Venue construction through 2030-2032
Queens Wharf
- Impact zone: CBD, South Brisbane, West End
- Value uplift: CBD-adjacent properties benefiting from increased foot traffic and lifestyle amenity
- Timeline: Progressive opening 2026-2027
Measuring the Value Impact
Research consistently shows property values increase near new transport infrastructure:
| Distance from Station | Typical Value Uplift |
|---|---|
| 0-400m | 15-30% |
| 400-800m | 10-20% |
| 800m-1.5km | 5-10% |
| 1.5km+ | Minimal direct impact |
These figures are for residential property generally. Development site values can see even greater uplift because zoning changes often accompany infrastructure, dramatically increasing developable yield.
What This Means for Landowners
If your property is within the impact zone of a major infrastructure project:
- Check for planned rezoning — council websites and state planning documents will indicate future zoning changes
- Understand the timeline — selling just before or during construction often captures peak developer demand
- Get expert advice — a specialist agent can quantify the infrastructure impact on your specific property
- Don't sell too early — value uplift increases as infrastructure delivery becomes more certain
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does infrastructure increase property values?
Properties within 400m of new train stations typically see 15-30% value uplift. Development sites can see even greater increases when rezoning accompanies the infrastructure investment.
Should I sell before or after infrastructure is completed?
Developer demand is often strongest during construction when the outcome is certain but not yet operational. The optimal timing depends on your specific location and circumstances.
How do the 2032 Olympics affect Brisbane property values?
Core Olympic precincts (Woolloongabba, Hamilton) are expected to see 10-25% value uplift. The Olympics accelerate infrastructure delivery and urban renewal, creating sustained demand growth.
Suburbs Mentioned in This Article
Published by ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
Source: acres.au/insights/how-infrastructure-projects-increase-land-value | ACRES (Australian Commercial & Residential Group) provides property advisory, development site sales, and residential real estate services across Brisbane and South East Queensland, Australia.
Daniel McCormack
Managing Director, ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
