Sunshine Coast Property Prices Hold Firm as Rents Stay Tight Heading Into Summer
By Leigh Martinuzzi | Martinuzzi Property Group – eXp Australia
After a brisk October, the Sunshine Coast is edging into the Christmas–New Year window with a market that’s still competitive but far more discerning than a year ago. The national picture remains supportive: consumer confidence has ticked up (still subdued, but improving), and a growing share of suburbs across Australia now carry seven-figure medians. Locally, buyer demand is gravitating to walkable lifestyle hubs and family-friendly areas, while the rental market stays tight enough to keep investors interested, even as affordability caps price growth at the top end.
Momentum and the national backdrop
Recent national figures show that one in three Australian property markets now has a median value above $1 million, a new record high, according to Cotality and Property Update. Queensland has been a standout contributor, adding more new million-dollar markets than any other state over the past year. That shift reinforces what we’re seeing on the Sunshine Coast: solid, broad-based value retention and a “new normal” in price expectations.
Meanwhile, PropTrack’s latest data continues to show steady home price growth nationwide, with regional markets like ours performing slightly ahead of the capitals. Consumer confidence, as tracked by Roy Morgan, has also edged higher for the second straight week, still below long-term averages but an encouraging sign as we move through spring selling season.
What’s moving right now on the Coast
Rental conditions remain the clearest signal heading into summer. SQM’s latest data shows Sunshine Coast asking rents up around 2% for houses and just over 1% for units over the past quarter, with annual gains of 6–7%. Vacancy rates remain extremely tight, sitting close to 1%, and we’re still seeing multiple applications for well-presented rentals within the first week of listing. That tightness continues to underpin yields and overall market confidence.
On the sales front, stock levels remain modest. Current listings are steady but well below pre-pandemic averages, meaning buyers still face limited choice once they narrow their search to specific features such as school zones, beach proximity, or low-maintenance layouts. This scarcity is maintaining price stability across much of the region, even as national affordability pressures weigh on the upper end.
Where demand is clustering
Buyer activity remains strongest in areas offering lifestyle convenience close to beaches, local cafes, schools, and transport. Family homes and well-located townhouses are leading the charge, particularly those with modern presentation and minimal work required. Properties that deliver good design, functional layouts, and lifestyle access continue to see strong attendance at open homes and, in some cases, multiple offers within a fortnight.
At the same time, the market is becoming more discerning. Buyers are factoring in borrowing costs carefully and showing less urgency for homes that require renovation or compromise on layout. Presentation and pricing are making all the difference between an early sale and extended days on market.
The rental pulse and investor take
The Coast’s rental market remains one of the tightest in Queensland. Vacancy rates are hovering near record lows, with ongoing migration and limited new housing supply keeping pressure on rents. For investors, three-bedroom houses and well-located two-bedroom apartments are still delivering healthy returns, especially those within reach of key employment nodes and education hubs.
With yields remaining firm and the region’s lifestyle drawcard stronger than ever, investor confidence appears to be holding up, though the focus is shifting toward properties with low maintenance costs and long-term tenant appeal.
Supply signals and the holiday outlook
Heading into December, we’re expecting a typical seasonal slowdown in new listings as many sellers hold off until mid-January. Buyers, meanwhile, are likely to become more active from the first weeks of the new year, particularly as holiday visitors turn into genuine house-hunters.
Infrastructure investment continues to add confidence to the region. Projects such as the Sunshine Coast rail expansion and various road corridor upgrades are quietly shaping buyer interest in emerging growth areas. Over time, these improvements are likely to draw more attention to the southern and inland corridors, where affordability remains relatively stronger.
My read on value, right now
Prices aren’t racing, but they’re firm. With one in three Australian markets now at or above a $1 million median, and Queensland a major contributor, the Sunshine Coast’s “new normal” price levels appear well-established. We’re still seeing strong competition for well-presented family homes and low-maintenance properties in lifestyle-centric locations, particularly those close to key amenities, schools, and transport. Homes that tick the boxes on presentation, location, and functionality are attracting multiple offers and quick results. By contrast, properties that need work, have layout challenges, or lack modern appeal are tending to take longer to secure a buyer or negotiate more heavily on price.
Where to play it over the next eight weeks
For buyers, now is the time to get finance ready and act decisively in desirable areas, there’s unlikely to be a wave of new stock before Christmas, and January competition is typically strong once holiday browsers turn serious. Sellers with well-prepared, well-presented homes are still in a great position to achieve strong results before year’s end. Investors should remain focused on properties with high rental demand, sustainable yields, and long-term growth fundamentals tied to infrastructure and amenity.
My final take
The Sunshine Coast heads into the holiday window with rents tight, listings limited, and demand concentrating around lifestyle and jobs hubs. It’s not 2021’s frenzy thankfully but quality still commands attention. The Coast’s long game looks intact; the next eight weeks will reward those who prepare well and move with intent.
If you’d like help navigating the market whether you’re buying, selling, or just planning ahead, feel free to reach out!
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