What Brisbane landlords should be reviewing as the year begins

The start of the year is a natural reset point for property owners. With the Christmas period behind us and tenant activity picking up again, January is a good time for Brisbane landlords to review how their investment is tracking and what to prioritise in the months ahead.

Brisbane’s property market has entered 2026 with strong momentum. Dwelling values finished 2025 up around 14.5 percent over the year, with the median value sitting just above $1.03 million. At the same time, rental conditions remain tight, giving landlords a solid foundation as the year begins.

Rather than focusing on long term predictions, this checklist looks at the practical areas landlords should review early in the year.

1. Review your current rent position

January is often when rental enquiry levels lift again after the holiday slowdown. In Brisbane, vacancy rates remain extremely low at around 1 percent, which continues to place upward pressure on rents.

Over 2025, Brisbane rents increased by approximately 6.2 percent for houses and 6.6 percent for units, with the December quarter alone seeing rents rise by around 3.1 percent. Median asking rents now sit at roughly $670 per week for houses and $650 per week for units.
 

For landlords, this makes January a sensible time to review:

• Whether current rent aligns with comparable properties
• How long the property has been leased at its current rate
• Whether upcoming lease renewals present an opportunity for a measured adjustment
   

A well timed review helps keep rent competitive while supporting long term tenant retention.

2. Check lease dates and renewal timing

Many Brisbane leases expire in the first half of the year, particularly after summer leasing activity.

Reviewing lease expiry dates early allows landlords to:

• Plan renewals with adequate notice
• Avoid rushed decisions close to lease end
• Reduce the risk of unnecessary vacancy
   

With buyer and tenant demand remaining strong and supply still constrained, preparation is key to maintaining consistent returns.

3. Inspect for summer maintenance issues

Brisbane’s summer weather can quickly expose maintenance issues that may not be obvious during cooler months.

January is a good time to review:

• Air conditioning performance
• Roofs, gutters and drainage after storm activity
• Signs of water damage or mould
• Outdoor areas affected by heat and humidity
   

Addressing minor issues early can prevent more costly repairs later and helps keep properties attractive to quality tenants in a competitive rental market.

4. Review insurance and compliance

Insurance costs and compliance obligations continue to be an important consideration for landlords.

At the start of the year, it is worth checking:

• Insurance cover levels and excesses
• That smoke alarms and safety requirements are fully compliant
• Any legislative updates that may affect rental properties
   

Staying on top of compliance helps reduce risk and avoids last minute stress throughout the year.

5. Reassess your investment goals

Markets evolve and personal circumstances change. January is a good time to reflect on whether your investment is still aligned with your goals.

This may include reviewing:

• Cash flow versus capital growth priorities
• Whether the property is performing as expected
• Plans to hold, refinance, or make improvements during the year
   

With Brisbane houses growing by around 14 percent annually and units recording even stronger growth at close to 17 percent, clarity around your strategy helps guide better decisions as the cycle progresses.

Starting the year with confidence

A strong start to the year does not require major changes. Often, it is the small and well timed checks that make the biggest difference over the long term.

If you would like support reviewing your rental position, planning lease renewals, or ensuring your property is well positioned for the year ahead, the team at Aurora Property is here to help. With local Brisbane expertise and a proactive approach to property management, Aurora works alongside landlords to protect and strengthen their investments.

If you would like advice tailored to your property or portfolio, feel free to get in touch with the Aurora Property team.