The June quarter saw the Sunshine Coast regain its title as Australia's most popular non-capital city destination for internal migration. By some estimates it has one of the fastest growing populations in Australia, and property values are appreciating accordingly. According to SQM research, the median asking price for houses was about $1.2 million as of October, up 16.8% from the previous year, and Buyers Collective Director Jack Freestone expects prices to keep going up over the next few years.
"The Sunshine Coast's growth will be underpinned by interstate migration, a pipeline of infrastructure projects, and increased development and sentiment ahead of the 2032 Olympics," he said.
"Coastal land is scarce, so master-planned communities and revitalised inland towns are where we see the best upside."
We spoke to him, as well as Prprty360 Director Julian Fadini, to try and pick out the Sunny Coast locations that could see the strongest growth over next year and beyond.
Maroochydore (4558)
| Median Price (September 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (September 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houses | $1,157,500 | 5.2% | $800 | 0.9% |
| Units | $782,500 | 5% | $660 | 1.5% |
Maroochydore is the most expensive suburb on this list, but it also might be the one with the most happening. Both our experts picked out Maroochydore, highlighting the huge amount of development coming to the coastal suburb.
"The Maroochydore City Centre is a $2.5 billion project with new residential towers, civic buildings and a smart-city waste system," Mr Freestone said.
"[Maroochydore] is set to host the Sunshine Coast Olympic satellite village during the 2032 Olympics, and the expanded airport is bringing in bigger aircraft and more routes…future heavy-rail and light-rail projects will link Maroochydore to Brisbane and the airport."
Mr Fadini called the CBD development "game-changing".
"We're talking about a completely planned city centre with modern infrastructure, and it's attracting major businesses and government departments. This isn't just about lifestyle anymore - it's becoming a genuine employment hub," he said.
Prprty360 Director Julian Fadini
Caloundra and Caloundra West (4551)
Caloundra
| Median Price (September 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (September 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houses | $980,000 | 1.8% | $800 | 23.1% |
| Units | $781,250 | 6.3% | $630 | 5% |
Caloundra West
| Median Price (September 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (September 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houses | $891,000 | 10% | $700 | 4.5% |
| Units | $720,000 | 16.1% | $595 | 2.6% |
Caloundra is towards the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, which is traditionally cheaper than prestige suburbs like Mooloolaba or Noosa. That said, its one of the best known spots on the Sunny Coast, right on the water, so it may be a little surprising that the median house price was still below $1 million as of September, and Mr Fadini believes this might not be the case for much longer.
"[Caloundra] is where the new rail line will terminate, connecting directly to Brisbane and eventually the airport," he told Savings.com.au
"When you combine that transport infrastructure with beachside lifestyle and relative affordability compared to other coastal areas, it's a recipe for significant capital appreciation."
Caloundra West is the same postcode, just inland, which means significantly cheaper property, and Mr Freestone is tipping it to also perform strongly over the next few years.
"Properties located near stations are likely to experience an uplift in value," he told Savings.com.au.
Caloundra West also isn't far from some major new urban developments, including the brand new suburb of Banya. Mr Freestone said the developer (Stockland) could make the area significantly more attractive for families.
"Stockland's Aura is a $5 billion master-planned city…with extra stages and new childcare centres planned," he said.
"Aura's villages offer modern homes, schools and parks."
The beach at Caloundra
Advertisement
Buying a home or looking to refinance? The table below features home loans with some of the lowest interest rates on the market for owner occupiers.
| Lender | Home Loan | Interest Rate | Comparison Rate* | Monthly Repayment | Repayment type | Rate Type | Offset | Redraw | Ongoing Fees | Upfront Fees | Max LVR | Lump Sum Repayment | Extra Repayments | Split Loan Option | Tags | Features | Link | Compare | Promoted Product | Disclosure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.94% p.a. | 5.98% p.a. | $2,978 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $530 | 90% |
| Promoted | Disclosure | ||||||||||
5.89% p.a. | 5.80% p.a. | $2,962 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $0 | 80% |
| Promoted | Disclosure | ||||||||||
5.99% p.a. | 5.95% p.a. | $2,995 | Principal & Interest | Fixed | $0 | $0 | 60% |
| ||||||||||||
6.23% p.a. | 6.23% p.a. | $3,072 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $395 | 70% | Disclosure |
Palmview (4553)
| Median Price (September 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (September 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houses | $940,000 | 11.4% | $750 | 4.2% |
| Units | - | - | - | - |
Palmview was the one suburb that featured in both our 2024 and 2025 editions of 'Sunshine Coast suburbs to watch', so it's only right that we tip it once again. Palmview grew steadily over both years - in September house prices were up more than 20% from when we tipped it in January 2024 - and Mr Freestone thinks there's plenty more scope for continued growth. There are some major developments underway in Palmview, expected to be completed in about 2036, which Mr Freestone says will add "sporting parks, fields and ecological areas".
"As infrastructure builds finish, [property] values are expected to rise," he said.
Palmview is inland compared to suburbs like Mooloolaba, with many houses still available at a significant discount to these premium spots, and Mr Freestone says there's still plenty to like about its location.
"It sits right off the Bruce Highway near the University of the Sunshine Coast and the tech park," he said.
Buyers Collective Director Jack Freestone
Nambour and Burnside (4560)
Nambour
| Median Price (September 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (September 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houses | $801,500 | 7.6% | $650 | 3.2% |
| Units | $573,000 | 12.4% | $510 | -1.9% |
Burnside
| Median Price (September 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (September 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houses | $897,500 | 12.2% | $695 | -5.4% |
| Units | - | - | $522 | -9.9% |
Nambour is even further inland than Palmview with cheaper property. Even after 7.6% growth over the twelve months to September, the median house price is still just over $800,000, almost a 25% discount from the Sunny Coast average. For units the median is $573,000, almost $150,000 cheaper than anywhere else on this list. That could change before too long, with the local council investing significantly in upgrades Mr Freestone says could turn the Nambour town centre into a "creative hub".
"These improvements will improve the local economy and make the area into a better place to live," he said.
"The large blocks in Nambour suit renovators or investors adding granny flats."
He particularly highlighted Burnside , a locality in Nambour's West.
"Burnside offers family-friendly living and contains hidden-gem properties."
The Big Pineapple in Nambour
Birtinya (4575)
| Median Price (September 2025) | Annual Growth | Median Weekly Rent (September 2025) | Annual Growth | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houses | $1,133,875 | 16.6% | $820 | 2.5% |
| Units | $770,000 | 14.1% | $650 | 8.3% |
Development has been perhaps the major theme of this years list. It's seemingly all happening on the Sunshine Coast, and Mr Freestone's final pick, Birtinya, is also primed to benefit from new infrastructure projects.
"The Sunshine Coast University Hospital and the $200 million health precinct expansion are generating thousands of jobs," he said.
"A marina redevelopment will add waterfront retail and dining, residents enjoy canal estates, Lake Kawana and surf beaches. The planned heavy-rail will connect Birtinya to Brisbane and airport. properties near the hospital will attract medical professionals and have strong growth potential."