Looking for the best suburbs on the Sunshine Coast for investment in 2026?

Thanks to a booming population, the Sunshine Coast has been one of the hottest property markets over the last few years, and it remains firmly in the sights of homebuyers and investors alike.

Let’s look at how the market performed in 2025, before considering some expert predictions for Sunshine Coast property in 2026 and our tips for where to buy on the Sunshine Coast.

How did the Sunshine Coast property market perform in 2025?

The Sunshine Coast property market consolidated its status as a high-performing 'metro-regional' hub in 2025, recording steady annual gains of approximately 7.0–8.0 per cent. By late 2025, the median house price reached a record high of roughly $1.08 million, cementing the region as one of Australia’s most expensive markets outside the capital cities. While the frenetic pace of previous years moderated, the market remained resilient, outperforming many national averages.

Growth was driven by the emergence of the 'Golden Arc,' an economic corridor stretching from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast. Infrastructure projects, including the $5.5 billion Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, energised suburbs like Caloundra West and Aura, which saw some of the strongest capital gains as buyers positioned themselves for future connectivity.

Supply constraints were a defining feature of the year, with total listings tracking nearly 20.0 per cent below long-term averages. This scarcity put a floor under prices and created a competitive environment for buyers.

The rental market remained critically tight, with vacancy rates hovering around 1.1 per cent and dipping as low as 0.5 per cent in some suburbs. A rise in short-term accommodation platforms like Airbnb has had a growing impact on the rental market, too. For investors, this dynamic supported gross rental yields of roughly 4.1 per cent for houses, offering a balance of income and growth potential.

Sunshine Coast property market forecast and price predictions 2026

National property values are projected to reach new record highs in 2026 as interest rate cuts reignite buyer demand, and the Sunshine Coast is tipped to be one of the country's premier growth markets. 

SQM Research forecasts a massive 10 to 15 per cent surge in dwelling prices, driven by a unique "infrastructure super-cycle." The confirmation of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line and the accelerating Maroochydore CBD development are acting as major catalysts, drawing both investors and lifestyle migrants who view the region as a future "second capital" of Queensland.

Supply constraints are described as "critical." With listing volumes at decade lows and construction costs soaring, buyers are aggressively targeting established homes. This is creating a "ripple effect" where demand spills over from premium beachside suburbs like Noosa and Mooloolaba into affordable hinterland corridors like Nambour and Palmview.

For investors, the fundamentals are exceptionally strong. Vacancy rates remain razor-thin at around 0.6 per cent, driving rental growth of nearly 10 per cent in 2025 alone. While yields are tightening as prices rise, the prospect of double-digit capital growth makes the region a top pick for wealth accumulation. 

Louis Christopher, Managing Director of SQM Research, predicts that Queensland’s property market is poised for another year of supercharged growth. Ultimately, most Sunshine Coast property market predictions suggest the "Olympic effect" has arrived early, transforming the region from a volatile holiday strip into a robust, high-growth metropolitan economy.

What are the best suburbs to invest on the Sunshine Coast in 2026?

We've put together a list of five of the Sunshine Coast's top investment suburbs for 2026 according to OpenAgent analysis of short-term and long-term growth patterns, listing activity, selling speed and rental yields. 

Monkland, QLD 4570

Monkland provides an affordable entry point in the Gympie region with a median house price of $565,000. It has seen strong momentum with +15.3 per cent annual growth and a near-doubling of values (+94.8 per cent) over five years. The suburb is popular with workers due to its proximity to Gympie’s industrial hubs and the Bruce Highway. Properties sell quickly here, with a median time on market of just 29 days. It represents a high-growth opportunity for investors looking outside the coastal fringe.

Meridan Plains, QLD 4551

Meridan Plains is a family-friendly suburb near the Kawana health precinct, offering a median house price of $937,500. It recorded +18.4 per cent growth over the past year, supported by demand from hospital staff and young families. The suburb features modern housing estates, local schools, and easy access to Parklands Tavern. Investors benefit from a rental yield of 4.0 per cent and a median weekly rent of $680. Its five-year growth of +78.6 per cent highlights its rise as a key residential corridor.

Woombye, QLD 4559

Woombye combines hinterland charm with coastal convenience, commanding a median house price of $975,000. The market has risen +14.2 per cent in the last 12 months, supported by a healthy rental yield of 4.4 per cent. Known for its historic village feel and the Big Pineapple, it attracts tenants seeking a quieter pace within reach of Maroochydore. The median rent sits at $780 per week, offering strong returns for a lifestyle location. Its five-year growth of +84.1 per cent proves its enduring popularity.

Gympie, QLD 4570

Gympie offers an accessible entry point with a median unit price of $450,000. The market has surged +22.4 per cent in the last 12 months, offering a solid rental yield of 4.3 per cent. As a major regional service centre, it attracts a steady stream of tenants, supporting a median rent of $360 per week. The five-year growth of +75.6 per cent highlights the ripple effect of price rises from the coast. It provides excellent infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and rail connections.

Mountain Creek, QLD 4557

Mountain Creek is a highly sought-after central suburb with a median house price of $1,100,000. It recorded +15.8 per cent growth in the past year, driven largely by families prioritising the catchment of its reputable state high school. The area features a mix of waterfront homes and established residential streets, supporting a rental yield of 4.0 per cent. With a median weekly rent of $800, it ensures consistent tenant demand. Its location offers quick access to Mooloolaba Beach and the Sunshine Motorway.

Disclaimer: Rankings use OpenAgent’s internal weighted scoring of price growth, days on market, listings and indicative yield. General information only—not financial advice; figures are estimates; past performance is not reliable. Always seek independent advice.