5 best areas to invest on the Sunshine Coast
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Looking for the best areas to invest on the Sunshine Coast?
As one of the hottest property markets over the last few years, this part of Queensland has seen some of the highest interstate migration rates in the country. No wonder, with agreeable weather, outstanding natural beauty as well as large infrastructure projects like the Sunshine Coast light rail project.
Today we're taking a quick look at the Sunshine Coast property market and sharing some of our best tips for 2022-2023.
Helpful resource: Get a suburb profile for any suburb in Australia
How did the Sunshine Coast property market perform in 2021?
Like most locations across the country property prices on the Sunshine Coast surged to record highs in 2021. CoreLogic data recorded a standout annual growth rate of +32.3 per cent for last year. This was more than Brisbane’s property market (+30.37 per cent), as well as Sydney (+22.36 per cent) and Melbourne (+12.55 per cent).
Factors that played a major role in influencing the Sunshine Coast's market
The sharp increase in property values on the Sunshine Coast is due to a combination of factors, specifically:
- Record low interest rates.
- Relatively affordable property values (compared to Sydney and Melbourne)
- Strong internal migration from NSW and Victoria.
- The popularity of the region with retirees.
- The pandemic ‘flight from the cities’, which saw low density regional areas boom.
How has the Sunshine Coast property market performed in 2022?
CoreLogic’s latest Regional Market Update Report (Aug ‘22) reports that the Sunshine Coast LGA posted growth of +17.7 per cent growth for the year to August 2022, for a median house price of $1,094,127.
This was after house prices softened -1.52 per cent in the August quarter, mirroring drops in most other markets nationwide. Units dropped -1.22 per cent over the quarter for a median of $767,187 - which is still +18.2 per cent up for the year to date. SQM Research data also points to tight vacancy rates across many localities on the Sunshine Coast, with many under 1 per cent.
Sunshine Coast property market forecast 2023
Many analysts are predicting a softening in property prices across the country in 2023, based on the predicted rise in interest rates. NAB is forecasting dwelling values in Queensland to soften -0.6 per cent over the next year.
The Sunshine Coast market is very likely to follow the same price trend, with the peak rate of growth now firmly behind us, and growth slowing into 2023. The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) observes that there is a gradual shift to a buyer’s market across the state, but housing supply is still tight which should support prices moving forward.
Let's now look at 5 of the best locations to invest on the Sunshine Coast in 2022 and beyond.
5 best areas to invest on the Sunshine Coast
All data below is sourced from realestate.com.au
1. Coolum Beach, 4573
Coolum Beach is hot right now. Beaches, surfing, fine dining, twilight markets: it’s super popular with holidayers and one of the most in demand locations for investors.
What’s the lifestyle in Coolum Beach like?
Coolum Beach is a beachside suburb with both a high school and primary school. You’ll love the boardwalk, esplanade cafes, and awesome surf beaches (fully patrolled), as well as the gorgeous views of Mount Coolum that overarch the town. From Coolum Beach you can head to larger commercial centres by either car or bus — north to Noosa or south to Maroochydore and Mooloolaba.
$1,300,000 median house price
Coolum Beach stats
Median house prices in Coolum Beach are currently $1,300,000, which is an increase of +36.8 per cent compared to the 12 months previous. Coolum Beach rental properties are attracting high rents and boast low vacancy rates, currently at 0.3%. Here you can expect rental yields between 3.2% (houses) and 4.0% (units).
- +36.8% increase in median house price over 12 months
- 0.3% vacancy rate
- 3.2% rental yield for houses
- 4.0% rental yield for units
2. Caloundra, 4551
Stunning beaches, great shopping and commercial facilities make Caloundra one of the best investment options on the coast. Even better is the $5b Caloundra South housing development driving rapid growth in the area.
What’s the lifestyle in Caloundra like?
You can enjoy a relaxed coastal lifestyle in Caloundra, wandering the beaches and parklands but still also have access to large commercial centres, quality education, sports, arts, and shopping. Caloundra has an established public transport network that’ll take you all around the Sunshine Coast, or right down to Brisbane.
$925,000 median house price
Caloundra stats
Caloundra’s median house price currently sits at $555,000, and over the last 12 months, enjoyed a modest increase of 4.07%. Even better though are the steadily rising rent prices, low vacancy rates (0.6%) and consistent rental yields of 3.6% for houses and 4.2% for units.
- +36% increase in median house price over 12 months
- 0.6% vacancy rate
- 3.6% rental yield for houses
- 4.2% rental yield for units
3. Mountain Creek, 4557
Nestled between the Mooloolah River and Buderim is lakeside Mountain Creek. The easy 3km to the beaches of Kawana Waters and Mooloolaba make it a popular investment choice.
What’s the lifestyle in Mountain Creek like?
You’ll love the lakes, river access, bike paths, and beautiful parklands that surround the residential estates of Mountain Creek. The suburb has a number of reputable schools, plus a TAFE and a university campus within 10km. If you can’t find what you need in the Mountain Creek shopping village, just head down Karawatha Drive towards Mooloolaba to access beaches and the extensive shopping and business networks.
$950,000 median house price
Mountain Creek stats
Median house prices in Mountain Creek are currently $950,000 - and have grown by a standout 29.3% annually. Real estate agents on the Sunshine Coast are reporting consistent rental yields of 4.0% for houses and 4.9% for units throughout Mountain Creek. Like elsewhere on the Sunshine Coast, vacancy rates here are very low at 0.3%.
- +29.3% increase in median house price over 12 months
- 0.3% vacancy rate
- 4.0% rental yield for houses
- 4.9% rental yield for units
4. Peachester, 4519
Quiet, clean and green. In Peachester you’re living in the mountains but still have easy access to the Sunshine Coast beaches and business facilities.
What’s the lifestyle in Peachester like?
Once rural farmlands, Peachester has now been transformed to an upmarket community known for wildlife, peace and tranquility. Access all the facilities of the Sunshine Coast in less than 30 minutes, or for daily essentials head east for 10 minutes to Beerwah for supermarkets, buses and trains.
$907,500 median house price
Peachester stats
According to real estate agents on the Sunshine Coast, house prices in Peachester have increased by more than 18.8% over the past year. The median house price currently sits at $907,500 and vacancy rates are a very low 0.7%. Expect rental returns of around 4.1% for a house in Peachester.
- +18.8% increase in median house price over 12 months
- 0.7% vacancy rate
- 3.5% rental yield for houses
5. Buderim, 4556
Beautiful Buderim sits in the heart of the Sunshine Coast region and overlooks the Maroochydore and Mooloolaba beaches. It’s a bit rural and a bit rainforest and it’s undergoing some amazing growth.
What's the lifestyle in Buderim like?
People of Buderim love the safe green environment, the high quality schools, and the easy access to mountain trails or bike paths. Take a tranquil walk to your morning coffee or a quick drive to the surf, childcare, sports, music, and arts programs.
$1,120,000 median house price
Buderim stats
Buderim is officially a high demand area with a median house price of $1,120,000 — the higher end of the Sunshine Coast house prices. Vacancy rates sit around 0.6% and rental yields range from 3.8% for houses to 4.9% for units.
- +30.2% increase in median house price over 12 months
- 0.6% vacancy rate
- 3.8% rental yield for houses
- 4.9% rental yield for units
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