With the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, Brisbane is preparing for one of the most significant events in its history. While the spotlight is naturally on sport, at PMC we see the Brisbane Olympics as something much bigger, a catalyst for long-term growth, change and opportunity.
The infrastructure, investment and global attention the Games will bring are set to reshape Brisbane. But the big question we’re asking is: are we ready?
Lifting Brisbane’s Profile and Lifestyle
The Brisbane Olympics will drive more than just a few weeks of sporting events. We’re expecting major upgrades to stadiums, entertainment precincts, transport and public infrastructure, all of which will lift Brisbane’s profile and improve quality of life for residents.
According to Director James Freudigmann, this will have a lasting impact on the city.
“The biggest benefit isn’t the event itself, it’s what comes after. New stadiums and precincts mean Brisbane becomes a more vibrant city, a place where major performers, sporting teams and cultural events want to come,” James says.
The Population is Growing but Housing Isn’t Keeping Up
Brisbane’s population growth has been strong for years, driven largely by interstate migration. That trend is set to continue and possibly accelerate as more people look for lifestyle, space and relative affordability. But we’re not building fast enough to house them.
“There’s already a significant undersupply of housing in Brisbane, particularly in the inner and middle rings,” James says.
“What worries us is that as Olympic infrastructure ramps up, even more trades will be pulled away from residential construction. That means even fewer new homes and potentially higher construction costs due to the shortage of available labour.”
This combination of population growth and limited supply is likely to keep upward pressure on property prices over the coming years, particularly in well-located suburbs with strong infrastructure and amenity.
Inner City Housing is Key
One of the biggest challenges lies in how and where we grow. While outer suburban developments continue, most people still want to live close to the city near schools, work, public transport and lifestyle precincts.
“Urban sprawl isn’t sustainable,” James explains.“If we want Brisbane to grow in a way that makes sense, we need more townhouses, duplexes and boutique apartment developments in existing neighbourhoods. That means smarter planning and faster approvals, especially in locations with good infrastructure already in place.”
Infrastructure Pressure on the Construction Industry
Building Olympic venues, new rail lines, road upgrades and entertainment precincts will put immense pressure on our trades sector. This is likely to slow down or limit the amount of residential construction that can be delivered over the next decade.
“It’s great that we’re investing in infrastructure, but there’s only so much capacity in the construction industry,” James says.
“Without a serious plan to train more trades and increase capacity, residential projects will be delayed and that’s a big concern when we’re already short on homes.
Brisbane Olympics Village Plans Won’t Be Enough
The Queensland Government has proposed converting the Olympic Village into residential apartments after the Games. It’s a smart initiative and a practical way to repurpose infrastructure, but it won’t be enough.
“It’s a good step, but it’s not enough on its own,” James says. “We need thousands of additional homes to meet demand. This is one project and while it’ll help, we can’t rely on it to fill the gap.”
What Happens After the Games?
Hosting the Olympics is also a global branding moment. The world will be watching and visiting Brisbane. The lifestyle, climate and opportunities we enjoy here could attract even more long-term residents after 2032.
“There’s a real possibility that people who visit for the Olympics will fall in love with the lifestyle and consider moving here,” James says.
“That’s great for the economy, but we need to be ready with housing options if that happens. Otherwise, the pressure on prices will only get worse.”
What Needs to Happen?
To ensure Brisbane makes the most of the Olympics and avoids being overwhelmed by the challenges, we believe there are a few key priorities:
- Increase medium-density housing in the inner and middle-ring suburbs
- Encourage faster development approvals and smarter urban planning
- Invest in trades training to support both public infrastructure and private housing
- Ensure residential supply isn’t sidelined by major public projects
- Plan for long-term population growth, not just short-term demand
“This is a huge opportunity for Brisbane,” James says. “But we have to be proactive. If we start now, we can create a city that not only delivers a world-class Olympic Games but leaves a legacy of smart growth, better infrastructure and more housing options for everyone.”
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