Queenslanders shying away from property investment The real estate resurgence in both Melbourne and Sydney doesn't appear to have rippled up to the Sunshine State. QUEENSLANDERS are increasingly anxious to pay off debt but resisting the temptation to pour investment dollars into the real estate resurgence in southern capitals. MLC's Quarterly Australian Wealth Sentiment Survey out this morning has revealed a nation still anxious about an unstable economy. But there is also evidence of a slight increase in risk appetite as property and shares ­become more attractive. The real estate resurgence in both Melbourne and Sydney doesn't appear to have rippled up to the Sunshine State, as Queenslanders remain wary of investing in housing. The survey, which samples 2000 people, shows Queenslanders concentrated on debt reduction, with more than 40 per cent putting paying off debt as their key investment choice during the next three months. That is one of the highest rates in the country, almost level pegging with WA. More than 5 per cent of ­Victorians and NSW residents put property investment as their top investment strategy, while 10 per cent of Tasmanians were preparing to invest in the property market. But barely 1 per cent of Queenslanders agree, reflecting a more sluggish increase in house prices in Queensland compared to other states. Group Chief Economist Alan Oster said while real ­estate prices were increasing in Melbourne and Sydney, there was little evidence of a nationwide trend. What was becoming a national concern was retirement nest eggs, many of which have not recovered from the 2008 global financial crisis. "And the group most concerned are women," Mr Oster said. The survey found women aged over 50 were the most concerned about inadequate retirement savings (7.21 per cent) compared to males (6.22 per cent). Men were found to be more concerned about missing investment opportunities.