Looking for the best suburbs on the Sunshine Coast for investment in 2025?

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

Let’s look at how the market performed in 2024, before considering some expert predictions for Sunshine Coast property in 2025 and their tips for where to buy on the Sunshine Coast.

How did the Sunshine Coast property market perform in 2024?

The Sunshine Coast property market delivered another strong year in 2024, with CoreLogic’s Regional Market Update showing property prices rose by +7.8 per cent. This increase lifted the median property price to $1,055,104, making the Sunshine Coast Australia’s fourth most expensive property market and placing it above Brisbane. 

Over the past five years, prices have surged by an impressive +70 per cent, underscoring the region’s growing appeal to buyers. Rental demand also remained high, with median rents climbing +8.2 per cent to $760 per week. Homes sold faster, with the average days on market dropping from 39 in 2023 to 30 in 2024, while sales volumes rose by +10 per cent year-on-year.

Interstate migration has been a significant driver of the Sunshine Coast’s ongoing property market strength. According to the Regional Australia Institute, the Sunshine Coast topped the nation’s list of local government areas for net migration inflow for nine consecutive quarters, accounting for 11.6 per cent of Australia’s internal migration. The region’s mix of lifestyle appeal, natural beauty, and growing infrastructure continues to attract families, retirees, and remote workers seeking a sea change.

However, the pace of growth slowed in the second half of the year. CoreLogic’s Eliza Owen noted that affordability pressures are beginning to weigh on the market. “There’s such a big gap between what a household can actually afford to buy and where house prices are,” she explained. “I think we are starting to see that play out in parts of Queensland.” Despite these challenges, the Sunshine Coast remains a highly desirable and dynamic property market for both homeowners and investors. 

Sunshine Coast property market predictions and price forecasts 2025

The Sunshine Coast is poised for a strong performance in 2025, with experts predicting significant growth in property prices driven by robust demand and constrained supply. 

Propertyology forecasts growth of between 12 and 16 per cent for the region, making it potentially Australia’s second-best-performing market after Townsville. They highlight the region’s unique economic resilience, noting that airport passenger volumes last financial year were 50 per cent higher than pre-COVID levels, compared to a 6 per cent decline across capital cities.

Ray White’s Chief Economist Nerida Conisbee expects the Sunshine Coast to join Sydney and the Gold Coast as one of Australia’s three most expensive property markets within the next 12 months. She cautions that interest rate movements will play a critical role in shaping outcomes but underscores the region’s ongoing growth and lifestyle appeal as key drivers of its rising prominence.

Local buyer’s agency Home Scouts echoes this optimism, describing the Sunshine Coast market as “poised for another dynamic year.” They credit interstate migration, limited stock, and lifestyle-driven demand for the region’s resilience. While they note that sellers in some areas may need to adjust price expectations, they expect Noosa and other parts of the Coast to remain attractive to buyers seeking stability and lifestyle benefits.

Adding to this positive outlook, Sunshine Coast Financial Solutions projects the region’s population to surpass 500,000 within the next two decades, requiring an additional 217,230 dwellings to meet housing demand. This population surge, paired with the region’s enduring desirability, positions the Sunshine Coast as a key property investment hotspot for years to come.

5 best areas to invest on the Sunshine Coast

A range of experts have named these as some of the top Sunshine Coast investment suburbs for 2025:

Maroochydore, QLD 4558

Maroochydore, with a median house price of $1,120,000 and annual growth of 14.3 per cent, stands out as the Sunshine Coast’s central business and commercial hub. REA’s Hot 100 Suburbs to Watch 2025 notes its appeal lies in its revitalised city centre, which combines residential, retail, and educational facilities, as well as future transport projects like heavy rail and light rail connections. With proximity to the airport, Noosa, and Caloundra, plus a vibrant lifestyle offering, Maroochydore remains a top pick for both investors and homeowners.

Nambour, QLD 4560

Nambour, with a median house price of $750,000 and annual growth of 11.1 per cent, offers affordability and charm as an inland suburb undergoing significant gentrification. REA’s Hot 100 Suburbs highlights the suburb’s CBD revitalisation project and investment in passenger rail infrastructure, which are expected to drive growth. With its strong local amenities, proximity to the Maroochydore CBD, and family-friendly appeal, Nambour presents an exciting opportunity for investors seeking long-term potential.

Tewantin, QLD 4565

Tewantin’s median house price of $1,150,000 reflects its growing appeal, with annual price growth of 12.7 per cent driven by its proximity to Noosa. REA’s Hot 100 Suburbs list describes it as an idyllic community with a mix of semi-rural charm, local retail amenities, and access to both hinterland and coastal attractions. Nestled against the harbour and surrounded by nature reserves, Tewantin offers lifestyle opportunities that are increasingly attracting permanent residents to the region.

Caloundra West, QLD 4551

Caloundra West, with a median house price of $800,000 and annual growth of 6.0 per cent, is emerging as a more affordable alternative to its better-known neighbour, Caloundra. The McGrath Report 2025 highlights its growing popularity due to its location close to the coast and the expansive Stockland Aura development, which brings modern amenities and lifestyle benefits to the area. With more buyers drawn to its affordability and proximity to beaches, Caloundra West continues to strengthen its appeal among families and investors.

Burnside, QLD 4560

Burnside, a small inland suburb with a median house price of $820,000 and annual growth of 11.6 per cent, is gaining traction for its affordability and strong rental yields of 4.7 per cent. According to Savings.com.au, low housing inventory and the Sunshine Coast Council’s revitalisation initiatives, including the Nambour Economic Transition Strategy, make it a suburb to watch. With its proximity to Nambour and ongoing infrastructure projects, Burnside offers an attractive mix of affordability and growth potential for savvy investors.