Australia’s housing market has begun 2026 in a more measured position. National dwelling values rose 0.8% in February and 2.1% over the past three months, taking annual growth to 9.9%, with a national median value of $922,838.
The Caloundra property market and surrounding 4551 suburbs — including Aroona, Little Mountain, Caloundra West and Currimundi — continue to show steady activity as we move through 2026. While enquiry levels remain solid, buyers are becoming more considered in their decision-making, taking extra time to review affordability, borrowing capacity and overall value. Properties that are well presented and realistically priced are still generating strong interest, whereas homes that are priced above market expectations may take longer to sell.
Nationally, the housing market has started the year in a more balanced position. The latest data shows Australian dwelling values rising 0.8% in February, contributing to annual growth of 9.9%, with the national median dwelling value now sitting around $922,838. Brisbane continues to outperform many other major markets, recording 1.6% monthly growth and 17.3% annual growth, with a median dwelling value of approximately $1.08 million.
However, the national market is becoming increasingly segmented. Larger cities such as Sydney and Melbourne have experienced flatter price movement in recent months, while mid-sized capitals including Brisbane and Adelaide continue to record more consistent price appreciation. Much of this variation is being driven by affordability pressures, with rising borrowing costs, tighter lending conditions and cost-of-living challenges encouraging buyers to focus on more affordable property options or locations that still represent strong relative value.
At the same time, housing supply remains constrained across many parts of Australia, helping to support property prices despite broader economic pressures. Limited stock levels continue to create competition for quality homes, particularly in sought-after lifestyle regions.
Locally, the Sunshine Coast’s southern corridor continues to benefit from strong underlying demand. In Caloundra, the median house price is around $1.08 million, reflecting approximately 11.3% growth over the past 12 months. Unit markets have also performed strongly, with median values reaching approximately $855,000 and annual growth sitting around 14%.
Properties are still selling within reasonable timeframes. Houses in Caloundra are currently spending around 42 days on market, demonstrating consistent buyer activity despite the market moving into a more balanced phase. Rental conditions also remain tight, with median rents sitting around $750 per week for houses and $650 per week for units. Rental yields are currently averaging between 3.1% and 3.9%, reflecting continued investor interest in the region.
Neighbouring suburbs are showing similar trends. In Currimundi, three-bedroom homes are typically valued around $948,000 and are selling in approximately 20 days, while parts of Caloundra West are also seeing relatively fast sales when properties are well marketed and appropriately priced.
For homeowners considering selling, the current environment still presents opportunity, but success is increasingly tied to strategic pricing, presentation and marketing exposure. With buyers becoming more selective as supply gradually improves, properties that stand out from the crowd are more likely to achieve strong results within desired timeframes.
For first home buyers, the shift toward a more balanced market may create more opportunities over the coming months, particularly in entry-level housing, duplexes and apartment markets where competition has historically been strongest.
Looking ahead over the next three to six months, market activity across the Caloundra region is expected to remain steady rather than experience rapid growth. While limited housing supply across the Sunshine Coast should continue to support property values, borrowing capacity and household budgets will remain key influences on buyer behaviour.
Overall, the broader Australian housing market is starting 2026 in a more balanced and selective phase compared to recent years. While national dwelling values have continued to rise, growth has slowed to more measured levels, with stronger performance concentrated in mid-sized capitals and lifestyle markets. Cities such as Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide continue to outperform, while Sydney and Melbourne have experienced flatter price movement as affordability pressures and tighter lending conditions influence buyer behaviour. Regional markets are also performing strongly compared to capital cities, supported by internal migration and lower price entry points. Compared to the national landscape, the Sunshine Coast — including Caloundra and surrounding suburbs — continues to benefit from strong lifestyle-driven demand and limited housing supply, helping to support steady price performance and resilient market conditions into the coming months.
First National Real Estate Caloundra continues to support local residents, buyers and investors with accurate market guidance and personalised property advice. Contact us anytime, see how we can help you.
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The following advice is of a general nature only and intended as a broad guide. The advice should not be regarded as legal, financial, or real estate advice. You should make your own inquiries and obtain independent professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances before making any legal, financial, or real estate decisions. Click here for full Terms of Use.