Last Updated : 25 Jan, 2022

If you’re looking for the perfect suburb to make your first (or next) property investment, the Sunshine Coast offers stacks of opportunities. 

From sparkling surf spots to lush national parks, it’ll come as no surprise that the Sunshine Coast is skyrocketing in popularity as part of the regional suburb property growth.

This region has seen impressive annual suburb growth of 23.1%k in 2021 (higher than its southern neighbour, Brisbane and the Gold Coast). In fact, the latest Domain House Report shows that median house prices are now at a record-breaking $825,000. 

Plus, Sunshine Coast apartment values are also showing strong results, rising by 14.3% from $490,000 to $560,000 in 2021. 

Historically low-interest rates (which are predicted to stick around for years to come), the relaxed coastal lifestyle, and low COVID-19 cases have all made the Sunshine Coast a hot spot among buyers and investors alike. 

So, which suburbs should you have on your radar? Here’s a rundown of the ten best suburbs to invest in the Sunshine Coast (in no particular order). 

⭐️ The Sunshine Coast suburb to invest in if: you’re looking to make a capital gain. 

Nestled in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, Nambour is a suburb on the rise. It might be famous for its Big Pineapple, but Nambour offers much more than just a photo opportunity for visiting tourists.

According to Smart Property Investment, Nambour has benefitted from the rise in property prices across southeast Queensland. In fact, investors in the suburb have scored a capital gain of 14.61% over the past 12 months.   

Competition for properties is also hot in Nambour, with Realestate.com.au reporting the suburb is in high demand among buyers, increasing the need for property management in Nambour. This gives investors a strong chance of charging a premium for rent and a good likelihood of making a profit when it comes time to sell, too. 

Here’s what the latest stats tell us about property prices in Nambour:

• Median house prices in Nambour: $520,000 for houses and $344,000 for units
• Average rental yield in Nambour: 4.7% for houses and 5.3% for units
• 5-year compound growth rate for Nambour: 7.9% for houses and 4.6% for units

⭐️ The Sunshine Coast suburb to invest in if: you’re looking for long-term capital growth.

If you’re looking for the top suburbs in the Sunshine Coast that are rising in value, Buderim needs to be on your list. In the last 12 months alone, Buderim has seen a whopping 18.61% increase in the median price for houses (outpacing the national average of 4.3%), with most being managed by property managers in Buderim.

Combining the best of lush rainforests and a relaxed coastal vibe, Buderim delivers a winning village atmosphere that will tick the boxes of tenants, too. 

Being located at the top of Buderim Mountain gives residents great views of the ocean, with plenty of local amenities (like schools, coffee shops and restaurants) a quick walk or drive away.

Here’s what the latest stats tell us about property prices in Buderim:

• Median house prices in Buderim: $870,000 for houses and $475,000 for units
• Average rental yield in Buderim: 3.9% for houses and 4.9% for units
• 5-year compound growth rate in Buderim: 9.1% for houses and 4.2% for units

⭐️ The Sunshine Coast suburb to invest in if: you’re a first-time property investor on a budget.

With easy access to the University of the Sunshine Coast and just a 10-minute drive to Mooloolaba Beach, Sippy Downs is emerging as a friendly neighbourhood. 

It’s also a hot spot for professionals and young families looking for more affordable properties (while still being within a commutable distance of the Brisbane CBD). 

For investors looking to start their property portfolio, Sippy Downs offers well-priced homes with solid suburb property growth potential to help you get your foot in the door, and with experienced property managers in Sippy Downs guiding you, the sky's the limit.

Here’s what the latest stats tell us about property prices in Sippy Downs:

• Median house prices in Sippy Downs: $650,000 for houses and $349,000 for units
• Average rental yield in Sippy Downs: 4.4% for houses and 3.1% for units
• 5-year compound growth rate in Sippy Downs: 6.7% for houses and -0.9% for units

⭐️ The Sunshine Coast suburb to invest in if: you’re looking for stable rental income. 

Capturing the epitome of the Sunshine Coast lifestyle in Maroochydore, a coastal property market spot that is far from a tourist destination.

While its relaxed lifestyle makes it a desirable holiday location, Realestate.com.au reveals that 80% of residents actually live in Maroochydore all year round. 

Surfers and beachgoers will love the easy access to the pristine coastline, with a stack of new supermarkets and amenities (such as hospitals and shopping centres) making Maroochydore a top growing suburb in the Sunshine Coast. 

And with a growing presence of property management in Maroochydore, and low vacancy rates of just 0.99% make this Sunshine suburb a wise investment option for investors. 

Here’s what the latest stats tell us about property prices in Maroochydore:

• Median house prices in Maroochydore: $795,000 for houses and $533,000 for units
• Average rental yield in Maroochydore: 3.8% for houses and 4.6% for units
• 5-year compound growth rate in Maroochydore: 7.3% for houses and 5.9% for units

⭐️ The Sunshine Coast suburb to invest in if: you’re looking for high compound growth rates. 

From beachside BBQs to sunset strolls along the Esplanade, Mooloolaba is the kind of suburb where you’ll feel like you’re on holiday all year round. 

Investors backed by property management services in Mooloolaba tend to earn an average of $605 per week for rent for houses, with limited stock on the market-leading to low vacancy rates (as low as 0.97%).

Plus, Mooloolaba is showing some of the stronger compound growth rates for both houses and units, too.

Here’s what the latest stats tell us about property prices in Mooloolaba:

• Median house prices in Mooloolaba: $1,115,000 for houses and $565,000 for units
• Average rental yield in Mooloolaba: 3.0% for houses and 4.3% for units
• 5-year compound growth rate in Mooloolaba: 10.8% for houses and 7.7% for units

⭐️ The Sunshine Coast suburb to invest in if: you’re looking for strong growth in apartment values. 

Many call Caloundra the Sunshine Coast’s original surf village, and it’s not hard to see why. This suburb is brimming with uncrowded beaches, surf spots and local cafes for a post-swim bite. 

As for the property market in Caloundra, units in the suburb have shown particularly strong growth rates (8.9%), with most investors generating $450 per week in rental income, best-taken care of by property management firms in Caloundra.

And prices are only predicted to rise in Caloundra, with high buyer demand and low stock levels seeing steady growth in property prices in this Sunshine Coast suburb. 

Here’s what the latest stats tell us about property prices in Caloundra:

• Median house prices in Caloundra: $700,000 for houses and $573,750 for units
• Average rental yield in Caloundra: 3.3% for houses and 4.2% for units
• 5-year compound growth rate for Caloundra: 7.4% for houses and 8.9% for units 

⭐️ The Sunshine Coast suburb to invest in if: you’re looking to capitalise on the booming regional market. 

A Sunshine Coast suburb on the rise in Gympie. This regional community boasts stacks of open spaces, new shopping centres and plenty of spots to entertain the kids, making it popular among young families. 

The area is also seeing a big rise in property prices as Australians head to the regions thanks to the rise of working from home since the start of the pandemic, which has also increased the need for property management in Gympie.

The latest ABS stats reveal Gympie’s population has grown by 2.7% over the past 12 months (more than any capital city in Australia). 

This is having a big impact on property prices, which have risen in Gympie by 10.3% in 2021. With such high demand, vacancy rates have plummeted too (down to just 0.4% in the first quarter of 2021).

Here’s what the latest stats tell us about property prices in Gympie:

• Median house prices in Gympie: $355,000 for houses and $289,750 for units
• Average rental yield in Gympie: 5.1% for houses and 4.7% for units
• 5-year compound growth rate in Gympie: 7.3% for houses and 5.7% for units

⭐️ The Sunshine Coast suburb to invest in if: you’re looking for capital growth. 

Noosaville is one of the strongest performers, with impressive growth in median property prices of 22.37% over the past 12 months. 

In fact, Noosaville has seen property prices outpace income growth, with house prices rising by $280,000 and units by $132,000 in the past 12 months alone, prompting savvy investors to work with property management in Noosaville and secure steady rental returns.

Many homes in this Sunshine Coast suburb offer water views of the magnificent Noosa River, meaning fishing, water sports and even a kayak are just a short stroll away. 

Here’s what the latest stats tell us about property prices in Noosaville:

• Median house prices in Noosaville: $1,520,000 for houses and $675,000 for units
• Average rental yield in Noosaville: 2.7% for houses and 4.2% for units
• 5-year compound growth rate in Noosaville: 12.2% for houses and 10.2% for units

⭐️ The Sunshine Coast suburb to invest in if: you’re looking to follow a negative gearing strategy. 

For convenient coastal living, Peregian Springs is a must-see suburb on the Sunshine Coast property market. The area is brimming with golf courses, beaches and plenty of schools, making it a popular choice for families. 

Again, Peregian Springs is benefiting from the regional property boom, leading to a rise in property management in Peregian Springs.

Many first home buyers (and first-time investors) have been snapping up properties in this suburb, with prices expected to soar in the months and years ahead. 

Here’s what the latest stats tell us about property prices in Peregian Springs:

• Median house prices in Peregian Springs: $835,000 for houses and $620,00 for units 
• Average rental yield in Peregian Springs: 3.7% for houses and 3.2% for units
• 5-year compound growth rate in Peregian Springs: 8.7% for houses and 7.3% for units

⭐️ The Sunshine Coast suburb to invest in if: you’re looking for strong apartment price growth. 

Unit prices in Coolum Beach showed phenomenal results in 2021, with Domain reporting apartment prices rising by a whopping 40.2% in the 12 months to June 2021, with an increased demand for property management in Coolum Beach, savvy investors have the added opportunity to secure their biggest asset.

The laid back lifestyle of Coolum Beach makes this area particularly popular among young families who like to stay active. From swimming to surfing to jogging along the coastline, the idyllic beachside surroundings and local conveniences make Coolum Beach a suburb to watch. 

Here’s what the latest stats tell us about property prices in Coolum Beach: 

• Median house prices in Coolum Beach: $955,500 for houses and $635,000 for units
• Average rental yield in Coolum Beach: 3.8% for houses and 4.0% for units
• 5-year compound growth rate in Coolum Beach: 11.3% for houses and 12.3% for units

One look at the latest property stats from Domain will give you a pretty good indication why the Sunshine Coast is a spot to watch for investors in 2022 (and beyond). 

With strong annual price growth of 23.1%, the Sunshine Coast property market has now outpaced the likes of Brisbane and the Gold Coast in terms of suburb growth. 

But investors will need to move quickly to get into particularly competitive suburbs (such as Moolalalba and Noosaville), with low stock levels seeing prices skyrocket. 

Buying at the top of the market can make it tricky to score capital growth, so it’s worth looking into more affordable suburbs (such as Gympie) which are on the rise and deliver better prospects of long-term growth. 

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