Lifestyle and property value lures Sydney and Melbourne buyers to Noosa's shores

Tom Offermann, who heads up Tom Offermann Real Estate, moved from Brisbane to Noosa in the 1980s and hasn’t looked back.

“I had a couple of memorable holidays in Noosa in the early 1980s and it worked its charm on me,” he says. “Thirty years later, I still love it. There are so many different kinds of beaches, national parks, lakes and rivers here.”

Offermann says the dramatic increase in property values in capital cities like Sydney is driving demand for Noosa real estate.

“Over the last six months we’ve seen the highest number of buyers from Sydney that we’ve ever seen,” he says.

“All the equity values have risen in Sydney and now that we’re seeing the growth somewhat level out, buyers are looking for other investments further afield.”

Well-known as a popular holiday destination, Noosa rates highly among sea-changers, particularly wealthy professionals buying top-end houses along the canals and beachfront.

Over-65s make up more than 30 per cent of the population, according to ABS census data, and a good number of these originally hail from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Sea change seekers

From Melbourne’s grey skies and brisk weather to the Sunshine Coast’s temperate climes: Graeme and Jennifer Lewis are betting on a sunny retirement in Noosa.

• Related: Cashed up southerners buy in Noosa
• Related: Why beach life in Noosa is attainable
• Related: Why WA’s foodie capital is ‘mind blowing’

After two years scouring the market for the ideal sea-change destination, the couple packed up their Black Rock home and moved to Noosa Waters, a housing estate designed around a man-made canal system in Noosaville.

“We were looking for warmer, more stable weather,” says Graeme.

“We really wanted a water view so we hung out for it and got it. We’ve got a dock at the end of the garden, a swimming pool, air-conditioning and beautiful weather.” 

There’s a selection of boutique shops rubbing shoulders with chain favourites, plenty of eateries, the gorgeous Main Beach in the centre of town, a national park where you can still spot the odd koala and terrific markets like those at Eumundi to visit. 

Buying in

This Noosa Heads property is for sale for $6.25 million. Photo: Supplied

Offermann sold two Sunrise Beach homes on David Low Way to Sydney buyers last month, fetching $6.5 million and $8.2 million.

One of his current listings, located at 1 Natasha Avenue, is priced at $6.25 million.

Described as the “jewel in the crown on Noosa Hill”, the home’s imported materials include designer lighting, limestone and European oak flooring. The property, a two-minute drive from Hastings Street, comes fully furnished.

While these sales are at the upper end of the market, he says property remains relatively well-priced. 

See more of 1 Natasha Avenue here or download the Domain app for more listings in and around Noosa