The Sunshine Coast property market has shifted into a slower, more balanced phase. Buyers are still out there, they’re just taking their time, asking more questions and waiting for the right home rather than rushing in.
PMC senior buyers agent John Frame works with buyers right along the Coast, from Moffat Beach and Mooloolaba up to Noosa and Sunshine Beach, alongside associate buyers agent Cheryl Frame. Here’s what John is seeing at inspections and auctions this spring, and what it means if you’re thinking about buying.
Fewer buyers at open homes
“The market is continuing to shift and one of the most noticeable changes is the significantly lower attendance we’re seeing at open homes.”
– John Frame
Compared with earlier in the year, buyers are taking a much more measured approach. There are fewer people through inspections and a lot less competition on the ground.
Auctions are producing mixed results
Some properties are still selling under the hammer and getting solid results, but they’re becoming the exception rather than the rule. In most cases, homes are either being passed in or negotiations are continuing after the auction campaign, which reflects a more cautious buyer pool.
For buyers, a passed-in property is often an opportunity. It usually means the seller is ready to talk, and you may be able to negotiate on price, settlement timing or conditions in a way that wasn’t possible a year or two ago.
More offers subject to sale
“We’re also seeing a growing number of offers submitted subject to the sale of another property. This is a clear sign that many buyers are unwilling to take on additional risk and are prioritising certainty before making their next move.”
At the same time, there’s very little sense of urgency. Buyers know they have options, stock levels are reasonable and many are happy to wait rather than rush into a decision.
“Overall, the market feels balanced but slower. Buyers are still active, but they’re more selective, more condition-driven and less inclined to compete aggressively unless a property is truly exceptional.”
For now, John says this looks like the new normal, with patience and realistic pricing becoming more and more important for sellers who want a good result.
Where the activity is
Established Sunshine Coast suburbs are still busy. InfoTrack’s Q2 2026 data ranked Buderim seventh in Queensland for house sales, while Maroochydore climbed into the state’s top ten suburbs for unit sales.
According to the REIQ, the Sunshine Coast median house price sat at around $1.29 million in Q1 2026, up more than 13% over the previous twelve months. The median apartment price was around $880,000, about 12% higher than a year earlier. Your street, land size, property type and condition all shape what a home is worth, so there’s a lot more range in the market than a single median suggests.
Strong rents give owners and investors options
The Sunshine Coast rental market is still strong, with rents holding firm and quality homes attracting plenty of tenants.
According to realestate.com.au data, the median rent in Maroochydore is $893 per week for houses (up 8.2% over 12 months) and $725 per week for units (up 5.1%). Over the past year, 258 houses and 770 units were leased in Maroochydore, with median days on market of just 16 days for houses and 15 days for units.
In Buderim, houses are achieving around $960 per week and units around $680 per week, with annual rental yields of approximately 3.7% and 4.0%. For investors, that’s a healthy backdrop. For owners who aren’t getting the sale price they need, leasing can be a smart way to keep an income coming in and revisit selling further down the track.
Why the long-term outlook is still positive
The fundamentals that have driven Sunshine Coast growth for years are still firmly in place:
- Strong population growth and interstate migration
- Limited supply in many established coastal suburbs
- Major infrastructure investment, including the Maroochydore city centre and the jobs it will bring
- The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
- Strong lifestyle appeal and a tight rental market
- Relative affordability compared with many southern capital cities
Infrastructure is moving too. Stage 1 contracts have been awarded for The Wave, which will deliver 19 kilometres of heavy passenger rail between Beerwah and Birtinya, and momentum is building around the Sunshine Coast Stadium expansion ahead of 2032.
What to expect this spring
We expect a relatively measured spring market, with potentially more stock coming on and giving buyers greater choice and negotiating power. For sellers, presentation, patience and realistic pricing will matter more than ever. For buyers, it’s a great chance to take a considered approach and buy with a clear plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sunshine Coast property market slowing down?
Yes. It has moved into a more balanced and measured phase, with lower open home attendance, mixed auction results and more offers subject to the sale of another property.
What does 'subject to sale' mean?
It’s an offer that depends on the buyer selling their current home first. It gives the buyer more certainty but can make the offer less appealing to a seller, so it often comes with a trade-off on price or timing.
Which Sunshine Coast suburbs are most active?
According to InfoTrack’s Q2 2026 data, Buderim ranked seventh in Queensland for house sales and Maroochydore was in the state’s top ten for unit sales.
Is it a good time to buy on the Sunshine Coast?
With less competition and more room to negotiate, well-prepared buyers are in a good position, and the region’s long-term drivers remain strong.
Thinking about buying on the Sunshine Coast?
Have a chat with John, Cheryl and our Sunshine Coast team. Whether it’s your first home, a sea change or an investment, we’d love to help make it simple and stress-free.