Getting a beachfront bargain on Queensland's Sunshine Coast

True to its history as a series of fishing villages, the Sunshine Coast remains a region bursting with an endless variety of lifestyles. 

“All the suburbs across the coast have almost got their own DNA,” says Dan Sowden, director and auctioneer of Ray White Maroochydore. 

“In Sunshine Beach, just south of Noosa, there is quite a strong Brisbane connection to that area. Whereas, the Kawana-Buddina area is all beachfront land and you can buy a beachfront residence for anywhere between $1 million and $1.5 million – that’s a hugely attractive price point compared to Sydney and we do find that area has a pretty strong connection with Sydney.”

Adrian Reed of Dowling & Neylan Real Estate says the diversity on offer on the coast and in its nearby hinterland also drives people to move properties within the region.

“We have people who move and transition from entirely different lifestyles but stay in the same town,” says Reed. 

Take Noosa, known for its chic cafes and boutiques along Hastings Street that Melbourne and Sydney residents flock to during winter. 

“There’s the beach area and it really feels a lot like the northern beaches of Sydney, and then you have the National Park … and the river and village. It is a really unique place and people have an ability to stay in the same town and really fall in love with different parts of it,” says Reed.

Stretching from Pelican Waters to Noosa, the Sunshine Coast has long been a favourite destination of people wanting to move to warmer climes. Matt Powe, principal of McGrath Noosa, says stronger markets in Melbourne and Sydney are starting to have an impact on buying conditions on the Sunshine Coast. “People have been able to sell a bigger residence in Brisbane or in Sydney or Melbourne and move,” says Powe.

“It’s definitely gone more towards a seller’s market now. A few years ago, it was a buyer’s market and there were really nice properties selling for well under value … but it certainly has moved on since then so you’re probably seeing a few more properties come onto the market.”

Reed says that among locals, people often sell beachfront property to move to the river and canals, such as Noosa Waters where they can spend a bit less and retain a lifestyle on the water. “It is an estate that was built about 20 years ago and they put a little loch system in,” he says.

“It works beautifully, it means that it becomes really like a private enclave and you don’t get tourists boats or anything driving past your house. So it’s only locals.” 

Domain figures show the median price in Noosa Waters for a four-bedrooms home is $790,000 versus $935,000 in Noosa Heads. The days on market remain relatively long though, at 161 and 148 respectively.

19 Panorama Drive, Doonan
$3.6 million
Six bedrooms, Five bathrooms, Four car spaces

Drive in or land the chopper on the ready-made helipad. It’s up to you.

Either way you can have a huge 720 square metres of living on two hectares of lush Sunshine Coast hinterland. Boasting the look and feel of a mountain-top lodge, this home has an enchanting mix of timber floorboards, stone garden walling, high-patterned ceilings and pretty leadlight windows. The tropical gardens are topped off by a freeform​ pool and heated spa overlooked by an outdoor bar and entertaining area. 

Agent: David Berns Real Estate, 0408 629 438.
Private Sale. 

125 Shorehaven Drive, Noosa Waters
$2,500,000
Four bedrooms, Four bathrooms, Three car spaces 

It’s the position of this home that gives it one of the best views in Noosa Waters. It is built on the curve of the canal, providing a sightline straight up the middle of a wide waterway to the panoramic Noosa Hill. The north- facing home has high ceilings and offers sunny, open-plan living. Bifold doors expand the area to a resort-style terrace with a wet-edge pool.

Finishes include Italian tiles, stone and timber. Each of the four bedrooms has an en suite bathroom. 

Agent: Dowling & Neylan Real Estate. 0422 600 109.
Private sale.

17 Maher Terrace, Sunshine Beach
$3,500,000+
Three bedrooms, Three bathrooms, Six car spaces

It’s easy to see why this home is called Allure. From its rooftop entertainingarea through to its swimming pool and outdoor zone, there has been immaculate attention to detail. Under the home is 210 square metres of basement parking with plenty of space for cars, boats and jet skis. Eco features include louvre windows for cross-ventilation and a huge 10 kilowatt solar system, which produces more power than the home uses. 

Allure is in a leafy cul-de-sac a short walk from the local surf club and cafes.

Agent: Richardson & Wrench Noosa. 0412 806 252.
Private sale.