Australia’s housing market gained further pace in September, with national home values rising 0.8 per cent—the strongest monthly lift since late 2023. Here on the Sunshine Coast, particularly in Caloundra (4551) and surrounding suburbs, demand continues to outstrip supply, keeping competition high and pushing property values steadily upward. With spring sales now in full swing, the local market is experiencing the same broad-based growth seen across Australia’s capitals and regional areas.
The quarterly gain of 2.2 per cent nationally translates to an $18,215 increase in the median dwelling value, now sitting at $857,280. Locally, Caloundra’s family-friendly lifestyle, coastal amenities, and strong school catchments continue to support steady price growth, particularly in detached homes and townhouses popular with families and investors alike.
Cotality’s research director, Tim Lawless, said the strength was being fuelled by extremely low stock levels. At the end of September, advertised listings in many markets were well below average, creating a clear mismatch between supply and demand. Caloundra reflects this trend, with limited homes available for sale and many properties receiving multiple offers within days.
While most cities saw stronger house price growth than units, Brisbane remained an exception, with apartment values outperforming detached homes for a seventh consecutive quarter. For Caloundra, detached homes remain the focus, although local apartment developments are attracting interest from downsizers and investors looking for lifestyle options close to the beach and town centre.
The lower to mid-price tiers of the market are now driving much of the growth, supported by lower interest rates and improved borrowing capacity. On the Sunshine Coast, including Caloundra and nearby suburbs such as Currimundi and Battery Hill, these tiers remain highly sought after by first home buyers and young families looking to enter the market.
Rental markets also remain tight locally. Vacancy rates across Caloundra and surrounding suburbs are low, contributing to rising rents and strong rental yields compared with other regional areas. This trend reflects both limited rental stock and sustained demand from tenants attracted to coastal lifestyle and proximity to schools, shops, and beaches.
Encouragingly for buyers, the Reserve Bank’s 75-basis-point rate cut earlier this year has lifted purchasing power by about 7 per cent, while real wages are rising and consumer confidence remains elevated. The expanded First Home Buyer Guarantee, allowing purchases with as little as 2 to 5 per cent deposit and no LMI, is expected to generate renewed activity in Caloundra, particularly among young families and first-time buyers.
Affordability pressures, however, continue to temper the outlook. With dwelling values still near record highs relative to income, households face a fine balance between opportunity and constraint as the spring market unfolds. For those looking in Caloundra (4551) and surrounding Sunshine Coast suburbs, the advice is to act strategically, work with local experts, and monitor stock levels closely.
Monthly change in capital city home values
| City | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | ↑ 0.8% | ↑ 3.0% |
| Melbourne | ↑ 0.5% | ↑ 1.9% |
| Brisbane | ↑ 1.2% | ↑ 8.8% |
| Adelaide | ↑ 0.9% | ↑ 6.2% |
| Perth | ↑ 1.6% | ↑ 7.5% |
| Hobart | ↓ 0.1% | ↑ 2.7% |
| Darwin | ↑ 1.0% | ↑ 12.9% |
| Canberra | ↑ 0.7% | ↑ 2.5% |
| National | ↑ 0.8% | ↑ 4.8% |