Homebuyers & Location: Why Location Matters in Real Estate
By Leigh Martinuzzi | Martinuzzi Property Group – eXp Australia
When it comes to real estate, there’s one golden rule that never fades: location, location, location.
You can change the kitchen, add a deck, or update the facade but you can’t change where the property sits. That’s why, for most homebuyers, location is the single biggest factor shaping a purchase decision.
Let’s look at why location can sway decisions when it comes to finding a home.
Why is Location so Important?
For most people, the right home isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about lifestyle, convenience, and future potential. A beautiful home on the wrong street can feel frustrating, while a modest property in the right area can quickly become a dream investment.
The biggest drivers of location value usually come down to accessibility, amenities, and community. People want to live close to what matters, like good schools, shopping, hospitals, cafes, and public transport. A safe, leafy street, proximity to parks, and a sense of community connection can all add immense appeal. And in a fast-paced world, shorter commute times have become a deal-breaker for many buyers.
But there’s another layer → future growth.
Smart buyers think beyond the present. They look for infrastructure projects, town planning changes, or upcoming transport links that can lift long-term value. Equally, they check the risks: flood zones, high-density rezoning, or environmental constraints that might impact livability or resale.
What are Buyers Looking for in 2025?
Buyer priorities are evolving, but lifestyle still leads the way. According to PropTrack data from realestate.com.au,
“The perfect Aussie address is largely unchanged from 2023, as a single-level residence with a water view and a pool, a study, balcony, ensuites for the bedrooms, shed and a garage.
It also needs airconditioning and outdoor entertainment space, according to the most-searched for terms on realestate.com.au in 2024.”
These searches reveal a clear trend: Australians are increasingly looking for lifestyle and flexibility. Pools and outdoor spaces highlight the value of climate and leisure, while granny flats and studies reflect multi-purpose living, from accommodating family to generating rental income.
On the Sunshine Coast and across Queensland, this has translated into strong demand for suburbs offering space, connection, and natural amenity. Lifestyle precincts such as Maroochydore, Palmview, Burnside, and Caloundra West are experiencing high search volumes and shorter days on market. With the region’s median house value now above $1 million, location is more important than ever in determining affordability and growth potential.
What Makes a “Premium” Location?
So what separates a good location from a great one? It’s a mix of scarcity, access, and appeal. A premium location usually offers consistent demand and limited supply. Think coastal zones, leafy hinterland pockets, or suburbs close to transport and major amenities. Proximity to quality schools, shopping precincts, hospitals, and lifestyle hubs adds both convenience and long-term stability.
Natural beauty also plays a part. Whether it’s ocean views, mountain backdrops, or quiet tree-lined streets, aesthetics often underpin desirability. Suburbs like Palmwoods and Montville, for example, combine accessibility with that relaxed hinterland charm that continues to attract families and lifestyle-seekers alike.
But prestige isn’t everything. For many buyers, the “right” location is personal, but a balance between price, community, and lifestyle fit. Some of the best ways to know if an area is right for you is to:
- Spend time there
- Visit the local cafes
- Drive the school route during peak hour
- Talk to neighbours
- Check council development plans
Understanding the character and rhythm of an area often tells you more than any statistic ever could.
How Does Location Affect Value?
From an investment standpoint, location is one of the biggest predictors of property performance. Homes in sought-after areas tend to hold their value better during downturns and appreciate faster during growth cycles. That’s why property professionals often say you should buy the worst house in the best street because location can lift value far beyond what renovations alone can achieve.
The Sunshine Coast is a prime example. Continued infrastructure development, population growth, and strong internal migration have kept demand high across both the coast and hinterland. While construction costs and interest rates have tempered growth, many suburbs remain supply-constrained, creating upward pressure on prices and strong buyer competition.
What Can You Do to Increase the Appeal of Location?
While you can’t move a property, you can enhance its appeal within its location. Simple landscaping, fencing, and presentation upgrades can make a home feel more connected to its surroundings.
On a broader level, councils investing in transport, walkability, and public spaces help boost desirability and long-term property values.
My Final Take
At the end of the day, a home’s location defines not just its financial potential but how it feels to live there. It determines your daily rhythm.
So whether you’re a first-home buyer, an upgrader, or an investor, look beyond the floorplan. Study the suburb, learn the local story, and picture your life there. Because while houses can be changed, location is forever and it’s the one decision that shapes everything that follows.
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