Could Build-to-Rent Accommodate Brisbane’s Olympic Rush?

As Brisbane prepares to step onto the global stage at the 2032 Olympics, the urgency to build a resilient, well-planned housing strategy has never been greater.

As the city experiences an unprecedented surge in population growth, its strained housing market is behind on delivery targets and facing mounting pressure each year.

The rapidly growing Build-to-Rent sector can offer a salvo for the city, creating a housing model that can transform Brisbane’s rental landscape well beyond the Games and ensure the city remains a vibrant place to live.

The Housing Challenge in Brisbane

Brisbane has long struggled with an undersupply of apartments, with its development pipeline failing to keep up with rising demand since 2019. Research commissioned by the Property Council of Australia and conducted by Urbis highlights the severity of the issue.

According to Urbis Director Paul Riga, Brisbane is set to fall short of its medium- and high-density housing targets by 800-1,000 dwellings annually until at least 2027. This shortfall not only impacts homebuyers but also places additional strain on renters, who comprise approximately 30 per cent of Queensland’s population.

With the Olympic Games approaching, the demand for housing will intensify. Thousands of workers—from event staff to media personnel and international professionals—will need both medium-term and short-term housing. At the same time, the influx of interstate migration, drawn by Brisbane’s booming economy and global spotlight, will further tighten rental supply. Without an innovative solution, the city risks exacerbating its housing crisis.

Build-to-Rent: A Game-Changer for Brisbane

Build-to-Rent (BTR) is emerging as a critical solution to Brisbane’s housing woes. Unlike traditional property developments that focus on individual sales, BTR projects are purpose-built rental communities owned and managed by institutional investors.

This model ensures a steady supply of high-quality, professionally managed rental homes, addressing the needs of long-term tenants.

BTR developments are already gaining traction in Brisbane. The advantages of BTR align perfectly with Brisbane’s unique challenges:

• Scalability & Speed: BTR developments can be delivered efficiently and in volume, providing much-needed rental stock ahead of the Olympics.
• Flexibility: Purpose-built rental housing offers options for long-term tenants and temporary workers, making it an ideal fit for Olympic workforce accommodation. Many of these workers will be in Brisbane for up to 12 months before the Games and are looking for certainty their landlord won’t turf them out to go after big short-term returns during the Games.
• Community & Lifestyle: BTR projects typically include shared amenities, professional management, and a focus on community-building, fostering a desirable living environment for both residents and newcomers.
• Stability for Renters: With institutional landlords, renters benefit from security of tenure, stable pricing models, and high-quality maintenance—key concerns in an increasingly competitive rental market.

A Long-Term Legacy Beyond 2032

While the Olympics will act as a catalyst for Brisbane’s housing needs, BTR is not just a short-term fix. The model has the potential to transform the city’s rental landscape well beyond the Games.

With ongoing population growth and an ever-evolving urban fabric, BTR could help ensure Brisbane remains an accessible and vibrant place to live for years to come.

With its ability to provide high-quality rental housing at scale, BTR stands out as a crucial piece of the puzzle—offering a sustainable, long-term solution to both the Olympic challenge and Brisbane’s ongoing housing demands.