How to Buy in a Tight Market: A Sunshine Coast Buyer’s Guide
By Leigh Martinuzzi | Martinuzzi Property Group – eXp Australia
Buying a home on the Sunshine Coast right now isn’t easy and if you’ve been searching, you already know that. Demand is surging while listings remain tight, with some reports suggesting available properties are sitting around 16% below the five-year average. That means fewer homes on the market, more buyers in competition, and properties often being snapped up within days or hours of hitting the portals.
As a local agent who works with buyers daily, I see the emotional toll it can take. For many, it’s not just about finding the right house it’s about timing, affordability, and the fear of missing out. Whether you’re a first-home buyer, upsizer, downsizer or investor, it can feel like you’re chasing something that keeps slipping just out of reach.
Take, for example, a recent home we sold that attracted nine written offers. Only one buyer can be successful which means eight walked away disappointed. This is the reality of the market right now.
But it’s not all bad news. The key is understanding how to navigate this market intelligently and that’s what this guide is all about.
1. Understand Your Buying Options
Most people still begin their home search the traditional way: jump on realestate.com.au or Domain, browse listings, attend open homes, and make offers. But in a low-supply market, those who follow only this path often end up months (or years) into the process, feeling burnt out and frustrated.
Let’s break down the three main ways to buy right now and how to make each one work for you.
A) Buying On-Market (The Traditional Route)
Buying a property that’s publicly listed is still the most direct and visible way to purchase, but it comes with intense competition.
To give yourself an edge:
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Set up alerts so you’re notified instantly when a suitable property hits the market.
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Have your pre-approval sorted, ideally with a reputable broker who understands this market. Connect with one of our preferred brokers »
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Be prepared to inspect as soon as possible.
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Present a strong offer with clean terms. In this climate, sellers value certainty, not just price.
Even in this competitive space, a well-prepared buyer can move faster and more confidently than others and that can be the difference between securing a home or missing out.
B) Buying Off-Market (The Hidden Market)
Not every property ends up on the big portals. Many owners prefer a quiet sale and many agents, including us, will promote listings to their database or social followers before going public.
These are the opportunities that savvy buyers are looking for but to access them, you need to be in the loop.
Here’s how to do that:
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Connect with trusted agents in your desired area. Start by requesting a buyer consultation with us »
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Be clear and transparent about your needs, budget, and timeframes.
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Follow agents on social media, where sneak peeks are often shared first.
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Ask to be added to their off-market database we send early alerts to ours.
Many buyers are understandably cautious about how much to share with agents and with good reason. But when you find an agent you trust, giving them a clear brief allows them to work for you, not against you.
C) Using a Buyer’s Agent (Let Someone Else Take the Reins)
Buyer’s agents have exploded in popularity and it’s easy to see why. They take care of the legwork, the strategy, the communication, and often have inside access to pre-market opportunities.
On the Sunshine Coast alone, there are now over 60–80 buyer’s agents, up from just a handful a few years ago. With so many in the field, choosing the right one matters.
What to look for:
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Local experience and long-term presence.
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Clear communication and transparency around fees.
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Strong relationships with top-performing local selling agents.
If you’re time poor, frustrated with the search, or buying from interstate, this route can be a game changer. Request an introduction to a recommended buyer’s agent »
2. Create Your Own Opportunities
Want to really stand out from the crowd? Hit the pavement.
Yes, you can take things into your own hands and approach homeowners directly especially in areas or streets you absolutely love.
Here’s what that looks like:
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Letterbox drops with a personalised note explaining what you’re looking for.
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Door knocking (yes, it still works).
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Speaking with neighbours and locals to see who might be considering selling.
This approach takes patience and persistence and it won’t work for everyone. But sometimes, that extra effort is what uncovers the property that no one else even knew was available.
3. Move Decisively, But Not Desperately
In a fast-moving market, hesitation can cost you but so can overcommitting out of fear.
Balance is key.
Here’s how to keep your head clear:
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Know the market. Track comparable sales in your chosen suburbs.
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Have a list of “must-haves” vs “nice-to-haves.”
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Understand your borrowing power and speak to a broker you trust. Connect with a finance specialist here »
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When the right property comes along, be ready to act swiftly and confidently.
This isn’t about rushing. It’s about being prepared so you can move quickly without second-guessing yourself.
4. Adjust Expectations Without Lowering Standards
In an ideal world, we’d all find a perfect home that ticks every single box. But right now, many buyers are needing to compromise whether that’s on location, condition, size, or features.
That doesn’t mean you should settle. But it does mean you need to be flexible.
Sometimes, the right home is the one that gets you into the market not the one that feels like a forever home. Start smart, and you can always upgrade later.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Go It Alone
This market rewards those who are proactive, prepared, and well-connected. Whether you choose to work with a selling agent, a buyer’s agent, or go solo, make sure you have people around you who understand the local landscape and can give you honest, informed guidance.
At Martinuzzi Property Group, we work closely with buyers across the Sunshine Coast, and our goal is to make the process easier, more transparent, and ultimately successful even in this undersupplied climate.
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