property
Sunshine Coast house prices outpace units as buyers favour land over apartments
The widening gap between detached home values and unit prices is altering purchase decisions across the region.
How we reported this
Median house prices on the Sunshine Coast rose 4.1 per cent in the six months to June while unit medians fell 1.9 per cent, according to fresh sales data compiled by local agencies.
The split comes as construction of new apartments in Maroochydore CBD continues at pace and remote workers continue to seek larger properties with outdoor space. The divergence matters now because state housing targets face pressure from falling national starts and buyers must weigh immediate entry costs against longer-term capital growth.
Local market patterns
In Noosa Heads, houses along Halse Lane and near the national park have recorded steady contract prices above $2 million since February. By contrast, newer two-bedroom units in the same postcode have traded at discounts of up to 3 per cent from their 2025 peaks. Further south, three-bedroom homes in Buderim’s Village Centre precinct have cleared within 18 days on market, while investor-owned apartments near the Sunshine Coast University Hospital have lingered longer.
CoreLogic figures released on 3 July show the Coast’s overall median house price reached $912,000, compared with $612,000 for units. The data covers 1,248 house sales and 614 unit transactions between January and June. Remote-worker inquiries through the Sunshine Coast Council’s economic development team rose 22 per cent year-on-year, with most requests specifying minimum lot sizes of 600 square metres.
Buyer implications
Those seeking entry-level ownership are finding better value in established units near Maroochydore’s Ocean Street retail strip, where prices have eased enough to offset higher body-corporate fees. Families targeting future resale growth continue to stretch for houses in established pockets such as Alexandra Headland. Lenders report tighter servicing tests on apartments with high strata exposure, prompting some buyers to delay purchases until stock clears. Prospective purchasers should review recent comparable sales through the council’s property portal before committing, and factor in potential rate movements later this year when modelling repayments.
This article is general information only and is not personal financial or investment advice. Consider your own circumstances and seek licensed professional advice before making financial decisions.