With fewer than 1% of rentals available, tenants are facing tough competition to secure a property in the Garden City
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Toowoomba's rental vacancy rate has dropped to a record low of 0.8%, sparking fierce competition among tenants vying for a limited number of properties.
This matters now because the current rental market is being driven by a combination of factors, including the influx of workers associated with the $10 billion inland rail project and the ongoing growth of the agricultural sector, which continues to attract new residents to the area. As a result, many would-be buyers are opting to rent instead, further reducing the availability of properties and putting upward pressure on rents.
Locally, areas such as Highfields and Glenvale are experiencing significant growth, with new developments and infrastructure projects springing up along streets like Highfields Road and Tor Street. Organisations like the Toowoomba Regional Council and the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise are working to promote the region and attract new businesses and residents, which is contributing to the increased demand for housing. The popular Ruthven Street shopping precinct and the newly refurbished Walton Stores are also becoming hubs for community activity, making the surrounding suburbs more desirable.
According to data from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, the median rent for a three-bedroom house in Toowoomba is now $420 per week, up from $380 per week at the same time last year. The vacancy rate has also decreased significantly over the past 12 months, from 2.1% in July 2025 to the current rate of 0.8%. This has resulted in renters facing increased competition, with some properties attracting multiple applications within hours of being listed. For example, a recent rental listing on Margaret Street in the centre of Toowoomba attracted 15 applications within 24 hours of being advertised.
For tenants, the current market means being prepared to act quickly when a suitable property becomes available. This includes having all necessary documents and references ready to go, as well as being flexible about things like rent and lease duration. The Toowoomba Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service is also available to provide guidance and support to renters navigating the current market. As the rental market continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see even more innovative solutions emerge to address the challenges faced by tenants in Toowoomba.
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Published by The Daily Toowoomba
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