Meaghan Webster and Jacob Hayward with their children Arthur, 3, and Felix, nine months live in Ipswich in Queensland.
A Queensland city has become one of the country’s newest hotspots with 10,000 residents moving there in the past 12 months.
Ipswich, west of Brisbane, is now officially Queensland’s fastest-growing city, and the data reveals buyers are moving fast, according to new Place Advisory research.
What was once a little know town west of Brisbane, is now an emerging city with surging property prices, major development corridors, a hustling business centre and even a haven for celebrities — international singer Ed Sheeran visited Ipswich this year with photos of him signing a towering mural painted in his honour.
The appearance was the result of a 10-month community campaign championed by Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding.
Ed Sheeran at one of his 2026 Australian concerts. Picture: Brett Hartwig
Aerial view of Ipswich looking west from East Ipswich with the CBD in the background. Picture: Rob Williams
While the city is attracting global superstars, it is also attracting new residents — the population surged past 270,000, adding nearly 10,000 residents in just 12 months and around 30,000 over four years, as affordability pressures push buyers out of Brisbane.
The figures point to a market changing at speed, with Ipswich emerging as one of the state’s most in-demand housing corridors.
Place Estate Agent’s CEO Damian Hackett said the growth wasn’t by chance but a broader shift in how buyers were thinking about lifestyle and affordability.
“We’re seeing buyers make very deliberate decisions to move into markets like Ipswich and Moreton Bay,” Mr Hackett said.
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Ed Sheeran stunned Ipswich earlier this year, secretly visiting the city and signing his towering mural just hours before kicking off his three-night Suncorp Stadium. Photo: Supplied
“They still want to be connected to Brisbane, but they’re prioritising space, lifestyle and a more manageable mortgage.”
“With rising interest rates and a $300,000 to $400,000 price gap, for some, it’s about being priced out, for others, it’s a conscious move to make their money go further.”
PropTrack data reveals the median house price in Ipswich is $944,000, while units sit at $776,000.
House prices are up 20.77 per cent over 12 months and 166 per cent over five years, while unit prices surged 28.37 per cent and 168 per cent over the same time periods.
Meaghan Webster and Jacob Hayward with their children Arthur, 3, and Felix, nine months are selling their property at 22 Fox St, Ipswich.
Ipswich couple Meagan Webster and Jacob Hayward, bought their home in 2022, drawn to the city due to affordability.
“We were looking in Brisbane, but realistically all we could afford were units and townhouses,” Ms Webster said.
“We knew we wanted to start a family and wanted a backyard for the boys.”
“We came out to Ipswich one day, found this cute little character home and the rest is history.”
The couple, who has two sons — Archer, three and Felix, nine months — are planning to sell but say they will stay in Ipswich.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding with the Ed Sheeran signed mural at the Hotel Commonwealth, Ipswich. Picture: Liam Kidston
They paid $571,000 for the property at 22 Fox St four years ago and are planning to list it at offers over $959,000.
“When we moved from Brisbane, we thought we’d miss being close to everything and being in the action, but Ipswich has surprised us in the best possible way,” Ms Webster said.
“We’re staying local because we genuinely love it here now.”
“I love that we get to live in these beautiful character homes, surrounded by parks, and everything we need is within 10 minutes.”
“In Brisbane, we felt like we were constantly crossing the city to get anywhere. In Ipswich, everything’s close and easy.”
26 Balfour Street, Sadliers Crossing sold for $825,000. Source: realestate.com.au
Ms Webster said Ipswich was a great location to raise a family.
“For young families, Ipswich gives you the chance to actually have a home and a backyard, not just a unit,” she said.
“Come and spend a day here. Once people actually experience Ipswich, they realise what a great place it is to live.”
“We’ve got beautiful parks, good coffee and a real sense of community.
“It just feels easy to live here.”
50 Leafcutter Circuit, Ripley recently sold for $920,000. Source: realestate.com.au
With thousands of new residents are arriving each year, Place Estate Agents has expanded into the region, with a well-established local business rebranding as Place Ipswich.
The office will sit within Place Purpose Group, led by CEO Robbie Lofaro.
Mr Lofaro said the move was a direct response to the pace of change in the Ipswich market.
“You don’t see population growth like this without it translating into demand,” he said.
“We’re seeing strong interest from buyers who are making the move west with a long-term view as they see where this market is heading.”
42 Holdsworth Road, North Ipswich sold for $753,000. Source: realestate.com.au
The Ipswich team will include several respected local agents, including Helene Shephard, who has been working in the region since 2007.
Ms Shephard said the shift in buyer behaviour had been clear.
“This is no longer a secondary option for buyers – Ipswich has become the destination,” she said.
“We’re seeing people come here with intent.
“They understand the value, they understand the growth, and they’re making the move.”
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