Sunshine Coast Property: All Capitals Rise Again, But Caution Remains
By Leigh Martinuzzi | Martinuzzi Property Group – eXp Australia
For the first time in four years, house prices have risen across all eight of Australia’s capital cities. It’s a milestone that marks renewed confidence in the market — and signals how quickly things can shift when conditions improve. The catalyst? Two recent interest rate cuts from the RBA, which have boosted borrowing capacity and brought more buyers back into the fold (Michael Yardney).
On the Sunshine Coast, the local story continues to follow national trends, with a few standout quirks of our own. Let’s dive into what’s moved over the past fortnight and what it means for buyers, sellers and investors as we head into spring.
The National Picture: Rising Prices, Tight Supply, Population Growth
CoreLogic data shows all capital cities posted price gains in the June quarter, a rare alignment last seen pre-COVID. Auction clearance rates are pushing back toward 70%, a strong indicator of buyer competition
Brisbane continues to shine, but with a twist. House prices rose 7.5% year-on-year, but it’s units that really surged, jumping 13.3%. As affordability tightens, buyers are turning to more attainable options. This trend is especially relevant in growing lifestyle regions like ours.
Australia’s population is also booming, reaching 27.4 million by December 2024. In the 12 months prior, we welcomed 340,800 people through net overseas migration, while interstate migration saw Queensland gain nearly 26,000 residents, the highest of any state. The Sunshine Coast remains a key destination in this migration shift, further fuelling local housing demand.
However, not all market indicators are positive. Yardney warns that the RBA’s job is far from over, with inflationary pressures still in play and further rate cuts uncertain. Add to that the structural issue of undersupply, an estimated shortfall of 200,000–300,000 homes nationally and we’re facing a market where demand continues to outpace supply.
It’s also worth tempering expectations on capital growth. The old rule that “property doubles every 7–10 years” is increasingly unrealistic. In many markets, the actual doubling time is closer to 12–16 years, according to analysis by Simon Pressley and Yardney. Perth, Adelaide, and parts of Brisbane are nearing those benchmarks, but others are far off the mark.
What This Means for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors
Buyers: Interest rate relief has improved borrowing power, but affordability remains tight. Units and entry-level homes are seeing the most activity, and competition is picking up.
Sellers: With more active buyers and limited stock, well-presented properties- especially in key lifestyle locations are achieving strong results. Spring should bring more listings, but early movers may have an advantage.
Investors: The message is clear, long-term strategy and asset selection matter more than ever. Target growth areas with infrastructure investment, strong demand, and low vacancy rates.
Sunshine Coast Snapshot: Steady Growth, Strong Demand
Locally, we’re seeing the same supply-demand imbalance play out. Demand remains solid, particularly for homes under $1M, apartments close to the beach, and well-located hinterland properties. Stock levels are still below historical averages, but vendor confidence is improving.
We’re also seeing consistent interest from interstate buyers, particularly those from Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. With Queensland leading population growth nationally, the Coast is poised to benefit from that trend for the foreseeable future.
Local News: Growth Pressures and Infrastructure Planning
While there haven’t been major council announcements in the past two weeks, infrastructure planning remains a top priority, especially around the Sunshine Coast Airport and key transport routes. These projects continue to shape buyer confidence and long-term growth potential.
Final Thoughts
The national property market is clearly regaining momentum, but it’s not a free-for-all. Tight supply, population growth, and buyer demand are fuelling price rises, but affordability constraints and economic uncertainty remain.
Here on the Sunshine Coast, the fundamentals are strong. Lifestyle appeal, population growth, and tight supply continue to support our market. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or investing, strategy and local expertise will make all the difference.
If you’d like help navigating the market – whether you’re buying, selling, or just planning ahead, feel free to reach out. I’m back on the ground after a great week at the eXp International Conference in Barcelona and ready to help however I can.
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