Sunshine Coast Residents Speak Out on Short-Term Rental Housing Crisis

The Sunshine Coast is facing a critical issue with short-term rentals, with many residents expressing concerns about the impact on local housing affordability and community character.

The issue of short-term rentals has become a pressing concern in recent months, particularly with the ongoing construction of the Maroochydore CBD and the expansion of the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. As the region experiences a population boom, the demand for housing has increased, leading to a shortage of long-term rentals and driving up prices. The proliferation of short-term rentals has exacerbated this problem, with many residents feeling that their neighborhoods are being transformed into tourist zones.

In specific areas like Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland, the effects of short-term rentals are being felt acutely. The Mooloolaba Surf Club and the Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club have both reported an increase in noise complaints and disruptions to their operations. Meanwhile, local organizations like the Sunshine Coast Environment Council and the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens are working to protect the region's natural environment and vegetation from the impacts of tourism and development.

Understanding the Data

According to data from the Sunshine Coast Council, the number of short-term rentals in the region has increased by 25% in the past year alone, with the majority of these properties being listed on platforms like Airbnb. The median price of a short-term rental in the Sunshine Coast is now around $250 per night, compared to a median rent of $450 per week for a long-term rental. This disparity is pricing out many locals, who are being forced to look for housing in surrounding suburbs like Nambour and Caloundra. As of June 2026, the Sunshine Coast has a rental vacancy rate of just 0.8%, making it one of the most competitive rental markets in the country.

As the Sunshine Coast Council considers new regulations to govern the short-term rental industry, residents are being encouraged to have their say. The council has established a feedback mechanism, allowing community members to submit their concerns and suggestions online or in person at the council's offices in Maroochydore. With the issue of short-term rentals showing no signs of abating, it is crucial that the voices of affected community members are heard and taken into account. By working together, residents, councilors, and stakeholders can find a solution that balances the needs of the tourism industry with the needs of the local community.