What's behind the surge in unit prices in Central Queensland?

Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast are family-friendly places, which is why larger homes are usually the most in demand.

However, in 2025, the unit and apartment market has come into focus, with a jump in buyer interest pushing prices skyward.

Take Allenstown, for example. In the past 12 months alone, the average unit price in this suburb has climbed by a staggering 23.8% and is now edging towards $400,000. That’s a significant shift, and it speaks to broader trends reshaping the market across Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast.

In other parts of town, data shows the following increases in average unit and apartment values:

• Frenchville up 17.7%
• Berserker up 26.8%
• Gracemere up 21.7%
• Yeppoon up 12.1%

What’s driving the rush on apartments and units?

It wasn’t long ago that you could pick up a freestanding home in Rockhampton or along the coast for under $300,000. For first-home buyers, downsizers and investors, that price point offered plenty of choice – from tidy cottages in Frenchville to beachside bungalows in Yeppoon.

In our post-pandemic world, those same buyers are finding their options limited. House prices have steadily crept up across the region due to its affordability and attractive lifestyle, making units and apartments the only option for those wanting to stay within that price bracket.

But rather than being seen as a compromise, units are increasingly viewed as a smart and attractive choice for a number of reasons.

Downsizing and increased demand

One of the driving forces behind the unit surge is the wave of locals looking to downsize. Many long-time Rockhampton residents are selling their larger family homes to simplify their lives and units offer the perfect solution. They’re manageable, low-maintenance and often located close to amenities like shopping centres, health services and public transport.

The problem is that supply isn’t keeping up. The stock of quality units and apartments remains relatively tight across the region, which means buyers are competing for a smaller pool of properties. In areas like Allenstown, The Range and parts of the Riverfront precinct, this has pushed prices up and made well-presented units even more desirable.

Lifestyle matters

It’s not just about space or price – lifestyle is playing a big part too. More people are choosing units because they offer a simpler way of living. Whether it’s a busy professional who wants to spend weekends on the coast rather than in the garden or a retiree who’s ready to swap home maintenance for peace of mind, the appeal is growing.

Living in a modern apartment close to the Fitzroy River or the CBD means easy access to restaurants, walking tracks and cultural venues. There’s also growing interest in coastal units across Yeppoon and Emu Park, where residents can enjoy sea breezes and ocean views without the hassle of maintaining a standalone property.

Strata fees, once seen as a downside, are now viewed as a worthwhile trade-off for shared upkeep, secure parking and swimming pools that are always clean. For many, it’s a relief to hand over the maintenance tasks and simply enjoy their home.

Good news for unit owners in Rockhampton and on the Central Coast

With demand up and supply constrained, unit and apartment owners are in an enviable position. Our agents are finding the average turnaround on a sale campaign for units in Rockhampton is just two weeks – a clear sign that it’s a seller’s market.

Investors are also circling. With rental yields reaching 6% and in some cases even more, units represent a solid opportunity for those looking to enter the rental market or expand their portfolios. Vacancy rates remain low and tenant demand is steady, particularly for quality units that have air-conditioning and secure off-street parking.

The perfect time to sell

At The Agency Rockhampton, we’ve seen these trends unfolding up close.

Our team includes suburb-level specialists who know Allenstown, The Range, Berserker, and coastal pockets like Lammermoor and Taranganba inside out. That means we can guide sellers with precision and insight, tailoring our campaigns to attract the right buyers.

Whether you’re looking to upsize from an apartment to a larger home, downsize, or simply capitalise on current conditions, we’re here to help. Our proven results in unit sales speak for themselves – and with market momentum behind us, there’s never been a better time to make your move.

Want an appraisal or a sales strategy for your unit in Rockhampton, Yeppoon or the Capricorn Coast? Contact the property experts at The Agency CQ today.