What This Spring Means for Sunshine Coast Sellers
By Leigh Martinuzzi of Martinuzzi Group – eXp Realty | Sunshine Coast Real Estate
Something caught my attention this week while going through the latest data. There are more homes for sale across Australia than there were this time last year. Yet fewer new listings are coming onto the market.
At first glance, that sounds like a contradiction. It isn’t. It says a lot about how this spring is shaping up, and what sellers may need to do differently.
More Stock, But Not Because More People Are Selling
According to Cotality’s September Housing Chart Pack, total listings rose to just over 139,100 in the four weeks to 6 September. That is 2.2% above the five-year average and up 18.1% on this time last year.
Here is the interesting part. The flow of new listings is 3.1% lower nationally than a year ago and 6.4% below the five-year average.
So stock isn’t building because a wave of homeowners have decided to sell. Cotality links the rise to softer buyer demand and longer selling times, which have caused available homes to accumulate. They also noted that the recent slowdown in new listings may point to a cooler start to the spring selling season.
That matches what I’m seeing locally. Last spring felt noticeably busier, and activity has eased this year.
Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell
Nationally, homes are taking a median of 39 days to sell, compared with 28 days a year earlier. Regional markets are slower again, with the median time on market across regional areas rising to 42 days, close to the 43-day peak recorded in February 2025.
Negotiation is also becoming more common. Across regional Australia, the median vendor discount has increased from 3.3% in the first quarter of this year to 3.8%, the highest reading since January 2025.
That doesn’t mean every home will sell below its asking price. It does mean buyers generally have more time to compare, and more room to negotiate.
Why Buyers Are Taking More Care
Borrowing conditions are a big part of this. The Reserve Bank kept the cash rate on hold at 4.35% in August, following three rate rises between February and May. The next decision is due on 29 September.
Cotality estimates that this year’s rate rises have reduced borrowing capacity for a median-income household by 7.0%, or more than $53,000. Lending has also eased, with home lending to investors falling sharply in the June quarter, down 10.2%.
There are still plenty of genuine buyers out there, people looking for a home to move into. But many are working with tighter budgets and taking their time before committing.
The Sunshine Coast Is Not Sydney
It’s important not to read national headlines as a local forecast. Sydney, for example, is in a very different position, with home values now 7.1% below their February peak.
Here on the Coast, conditions have eased, but more gently. Cotality’s August Regional Market Update showed Sunshine Coast dwelling values dipped 0.5% over the three months to July. Listings have also risen, though by less than the national figure, with for-sale listings up 11.5% over the year to 2,792. GcnewsGcnews
I think part of the reason is that we’re a lifestyle destination. Homes in areas like Palmwoods, Woombye and the wider hinterland tend to be tightly held, often for long periods. In many cases, owners aren’t under pressure to sell, which can mean less competing stock in some pockets.
That said, the local market has softened. Speaking to Sunshine Coast News earlier this month, Cotality’s Tim Lawless described the local downturn as being in its early stages and likely to continue through the rest of the year at least.
What This Means for Sellers
If you’re selling this spring, you’re competing for buyer attention. Buyers have more listings to compare, more time to decide, and less urgency than they did a year ago.
That’s why the first few weeks of a campaign matter so much. Presentation, pricing strategy and marketing need to be right from day one. A home that looks its best, is priced in line with today’s competition rather than last year’s sales, and is marketed well from the start is often in the strongest position to attract the buyers who are active.
Getting the price wrong at the start can be costly. A property that sits on the market can lose momentum, and buyers notice.
What This Means for Buyers
For buyers, this may be one of the more comfortable environments in recent years. You’re likely to have more choice and more time for due diligence. In some cases, you may also have more room to negotiate.
It’s still worth being prepared. Check that your pre-approval is current, particularly with the RBA decision at the end of the month. Well-presented homes in sought-after hinterland locations can still attract strong interest.
What This Means for Homeowners
If you’re not planning to sell right away, there’s no need to react to every headline. What matters is understanding where your own property sits in today’s market, and how that may affect your plans for the next six to twelve months.
Final Thoughts
More stock and slower selling times don’t mean the market has stopped. They mean it has changed. Buyers are still out there, but they’re more selective, and sellers who plan carefully are often better placed to stand out.
If you’re wondering what these shifts could mean for your property, it may be worth getting an updated opinion. A quick, no-pressure conversation can give you more clarity before making any big decisions. Feel free to reach out to me or the team at The Martinuzzi Group anytime.
Get in touch with us today and and let’s give you fantastic results that you deserve.
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