6-8 March 2026
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Million-Dollar Homes Dominate Headlines in SEQ

How 2026 Design Trends Are Shaping South East Queensland

Brisbane and South East Queensland have officially joined the million-dollar housing market, with news breaking in 2025 that the region has cemented its high-value status. The local property boom isn’t just a financial story, it’s a seismic cultural shift, reframing what it means to live, invest, and express yourself at home, from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast and beyond.

The region is abuzz after recent reports from AFR and API Magazine confirmed what every homeowner and buyer already suspected: seven-figure prices are the new normal across much of South East Queensland. But behind the headlines, something even more interesting is happening, 2026’s home design trends are emerging as both a cause and effect of this runaway market.

What The Headlines Mean for Your Home

The story isn’t just about skyrocketing prices. It’s about a whole new way of thinking about property in South East Queensland, where every renovation, every build, and every styling choice is seen through the lens of long-term value, family lifestyle, and market appeal.

“There’s a growing acceptance that your home is not just a place to live, but a living, breathing investment, one shaped as much by liveability and innovation as by location,” note experts at The Real Estate Conversation. The result? Homeowners and buyers are flocking to the Brisbane Home Show to get ahead of the curve.

2026 Design Trends Making Headlines

Heritage Detailing Makes a Comeback
Panelling and wainscoting, once confined to Queenslanders and heritage homes, are now the darlings of contemporary renovations. In a clear case of “what’s old is new again,” exhibitors at this year’s Home Show are flaunting classic architectural details reinterpreted for modern living. It’s not just about restoring character; it’s about making sure million-dollar homes stand out in a crowded market.
Biophilic Design Takes Centre Stage
With people across South East Queensland spending more time at home, designs that blur the indoors and outdoors are front-page news. Massive windows, private courtyards, and the generous use of timber and stone are trends directly responding to our love of natural light and breezy alfresco spaces, making homes more desirable and, yes, more valuable.
Sustainability Now a Headline Requirement
Eco-friendly is no longer a niche; it’s a headline feature. Sustainability is a box ticked not just for ethics, but for profit. Innovations like reclaimed materials, high-performance insulation, and solar tech, showcased by vendors and experts at homeshows.com.au are fast becoming must-haves across Brisbane and its surrounds, thanks to both buyer demand and rising energy costs.
Relaxed Luxury Is the New Standard
Gone are the days of sterile, picture-perfect showrooms. Newsfeeds and social media are filled with “lived-in” luxury, aesthetics marked by warmth, layered textures, vintage finds, and plush, inviting furniture. This editorial shift toward soulful, welcoming interiors is taking SEQ by storm and adding a new dimension to million-dollar living.
Pergola / deck outdoor structure

This year, the stakes are higher. With South East Queensland’s record-breaking housing market front and centre in national headlines, the Brisbane Home Show is more relevant than ever. It’s where the buzz about trends meets the practical advice homeowners need to build value, comfort, and style into their biggest asset.

In a landscape where a simple design upgrade can mean the difference between blending in and standing out, there’s no substitute for expert insight and real-world inspiration. You’ll find both, as well as Australia’s top suppliers, designers, and builders, on display at the show.

As prices climb and expectations rise, the message is clear: in South East Queensland, it’s not enough to keep up with the news. Savvy homeowners and would-be investors need to create it, one stylish, sustainable, value-adding project at a time.