What’s Happening?
The median farmland price across Queensland’s South East region increased during the first half of 2026, according to the Australian Farmland Values Mid-Year Report from Bendigo Bank Agribusiness.
The region recorded growth in its median farmland price both year-on-year and compared with the previous half-year. However, transaction numbers declined over both periods.
Why It Matters
The South East was among five of Queensland’s seven reported regions to record year-on-year growth in median farmland prices.
However, market conditions varied depending on the quality of the property. Across the South East and Southern Coastal regions, higher-quality country with strong water entitlements and quality assets continued to attract buyers, while marginal land was undergoing a correction amid softer demand.
Higher interest rates and input costs also affected interest in expanding through additional land purchases.
Local Impact
The South East region recorded a median farmland price of $17,065 per hectare during the first half of 2026. That was 21.2 per cent higher year-on-year and 5 per cent higher half-on-half.
Transaction activity moved in the opposite direction. The region recorded 169 transactions, down 19.1 per cent year-on-year and 29 per cent half-on-half.
By The Numbers
- $17,065 per hectare — South East median farmland price during the first half of 2026.
- 21.2 per cent — year-on-year increase in the South East region’s median farmland price.
- 169 transactions — recorded across the South East, down 19.1 per cent year-on-year.
Zoom In
Bendigo Bank Agribusiness reported tighter listings across the South East and Southern Coastal regions during the first half of 2026.
Higher-quality country with strong water entitlements and quality assets remained sought after. However, marginal land faced softer demand, while rising interest rates and input costs affected expansion interest.
In the cropping sector, irrigation and water entitlements were also front of mind as buyers sought greater security for drier conditions.
Zoom Out
Queensland’s overall farmland market also recorded price growth during the first half of the year. The statewide median reached a record $11,047 per hectare, up 11.9 per cent year-on-year.
At the same time, the number of properties changing hands continued to fall. Queensland recorded 647 transactions, down 10.8 per cent year-on-year and the lowest half-yearly sales volume recorded in more than 32 years.
What To Look For Next?
The report’s South East and Southern Coastal commentary anticipates relatively flat growth during the second half of 2026.
Across Queensland more broadly, Bendigo Bank Agribusiness forecasts modest growth in farmland values into 2027. However, market direction will increasingly depend on how seasonal conditions develop over the next six months, while the direction of the cattle sector will also influence the farmland market.
Check out the full Australian Farmland Values report and Bendigo Bank Agribusiness insights.
