Sunshine Coast Prices Surge as Buyers Chase Lifestyle and Liveability
By Leigh Martinuzzi | Martinuzzi Property Group – eXp Australia
We’re seeing something quite extraordinary across the Sunshine Coast property market right now. You’d have thought that after the huge rise in prices since the COVID boom, things might have started to level out by now. But what I’m witnessing on the ground tells a different story entirely. Properties are selling well above what we would’ve considered premium prices even a few months ago, some $100,000 to $200,000 higher. It’s not just isolated cases either; it’s becoming a pattern, especially in high-demand suburbs where stock is tight and quality homes are scarce.
National Trends Back Local Growth
Nationally, the data supports what we’re seeing here on the Coast. Cotality’s October housing report confirmed that Australia’s total residential property value has reached a record $11.8 trillion, up $678 billion over the past year. In the three months to September, national dwelling values climbed 2.2%, the strongest quarterly growth since May 2024. Listings remain almost 20% below the five-year average, vendor discounting has narrowed, and time on market has shortened. These are all signs of a market still running hot despite cost-of-living pressures.
Confidence Builds as Rate Cuts Take Hold
Much of this strength can be linked to renewed optimism around interest rates. After three RBA rate cuts this year, bringing the cash rate down to 3.60%, there’s growing speculation about whether we’ll see another cut before the end of the year. While most of the major banks remain cautious, Westpac still expects a November move.
Personally, I think a cut is possible although it may be too soon. Inflation has eased, but the economy remains fragile. Encouraging consumer spending in the lead-up to Christmas might tempt policymakers to act. My conservative side, however, says waiting could be wiser, because prices are already accelerating rapidly.
Capital City Momentum Spills North
Across Australia, capital cities are gaining ground again. Brisbane lifted another 0.3% last week and 1.3% over the month, now up nearly 10% on last year. Sydney and Melbourne also recorded modest weekly gains, while auction numbers climbed to their highest levels since June. Clearance rates remain above 70%, a clear sign that confidence is returning.
Historically, when Sydney and Melbourne markets heat up, we see the ripple effect here on the Coast soon after. Southern sellers cash in their city homes and make the lifestyle move north and that flow-on effect is beginning again.
First-Home Buyers and Flow-On Demand
Locally, the flow of first-home buyers has picked up since the Home Guarantee Scheme changes took effect on October 1st. We’re seeing stronger activity in more affordable hinterland pockets such as Nambour and Coes Creek. That demand has a ripple effect right across the market. When first-home buyers enter at one end, upgraders move at the other, and the whole market benefits.
What’s standing out most to me isn’t just the price growth, but it’s what buyers are looking for. The properties achieving standout results are those that “work hard” for their owners. They offer flexible living spaces for working from home, multi-generational layouts, or dual-living setups like granny flats.
These features have become not just desirable but essential as affordability tightens and families look for ways to share or maximise space. Proximity to key services like schools, shops, health care, and transport is also high on the checklist. Buyers want homes that make life easy but still deliver lifestyle: space to relax, a small garden, maybe a pool or somewhere to grow food. These elements are commanding premium prices.
Many homeowners are choosing to renovate rather than move. With limited stock and high transactional costs, it makes sense to stay put and upgrade. Builders and renovation specialists across the Coast report strong demand, and I expect that trend to continue well into next year.
A Resilient but Cautious Market
Looking at the broader economy, some uncertainty remains. Global tensions, credit tightening, and the lingering cost-of-living crunch are all in play. But as long as demand outweighs supply, prices are likely to remain firm. Australia’s property wealth, now nearing $12 trillion, is heavily concentrated among property owners, and that equity continues to drive spending and reinvestment.
The big question is how long this momentum can last. Historically, property and share markets move in cycles, and several long-term indicators suggest this current growth phase could start to slow by late 2026. For now, though, the Sunshine Coast remains a market defined by scarcity, strong demand, and lifestyle appeal.
Whether it’s an affordable hinterland property or a coastal family home, well-presented listings that tick the right boxes are selling quickly and often above expectations.
As we head into the final stretch of the year, I’ll be watching closely to see what the RBA decides in November. A rate cut could pour more fuel on an already hot market, while a hold might give things time to stabilise. Either way, I don’t see demand falling off anytime soon.
Get Clear Advice and a Free Appraisal
If you’re thinking about buying or selling, now’s an excellent time to talk through your options. We’re still seeing strong buyer energy, especially for properties that deliver both lifestyle and practicality.
And if you’re curious about what your home might be worth in today’s market, especially after these shifts, reach out for a free, no-obligation appraisal. We’re here to help you make confident decisions, whether you’re selling soon or just weighing your options.
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