Sunshine Coast Q2 surge: quarterly growth outpaces last year as lifestyle demand holds firm

The Sunshine Coast property market has delivered a solid quarter, with median prices climbing 3.2 per cent between April and June compared to just 1.8 per cent growth in the same three months last year—a sign that buyer appetite for the region remains resilient even as national sentiment cools.

The Queensland median hovers near $880,000, but Sunshine Coast suburbs are performing on their own trajectory. Buderim and Forest Glen continue to attract upsizers, with quarterly growth of 4.1 per cent, while established beachside pockets like Caloundra show steadier appreciation at 2.9 per cent. Maroochydore, buoyed by the CBD redevelopment underway, has seen renewed investor and owner-occupier interest, pushing quarterly growth to 3.7 per cent as early-stage construction activity signals long-term value.

Noosa Heads remains the premium outlier, trading well above $2 million, but the luxury segment has proven more volatile. What's notable is the consistent demand in mid-range coastal suburbs—Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, and Coolum Beach—where remote workers and sea-change buyers are still active. These pockets saw quarterly gains of 3.0 to 3.5 per cent, compared to 0.8 to 1.5 per cent growth in the same quarter last year.

Local agents attribute the outperformance to sustained interstate migration and the lifestyle premium buyers are willing to pay. Proximity to Noosa National Park, Moolooloolah River, and the upgraded Maroochydore town centre amenities remains a drawcard. First home buyers, however, are feeling the pressure. Entry-level stock under $700,000 is tighter, and quarterly growth has lagged—sitting at 1.2 per cent—raising concerns that affordability challenges are worsening despite overall market strength.

The construction boom in Maroochydore CBD is expected to inject new housing supply by late 2027, which could ease some pressure and reshape buyer movement across the region. Until then, established suburbs with good schools and infrastructure—think Sippy Downs, Buderim, and Bli Bli—are commanding premium growth as families cement their sea-change plans.

Compared to last year's Q2, the momentum is undeniable. But the gap between lifestyle suburbs and first home buyer havens is widening, a trend to watch as rate environment and lending conditions evolve.

This article was compiled by AI from the sources linked above and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.