Property Business Blog

Since the commencement of 2012 it’s not just the sun shining on the Sunshine Coast.

Throughout the coast there is a new optimism.  It started with the holiday crowds over the Christmas period, smiling happy people were everywhere enjoying beaches, cafes, shops and parks.  Accommodation from caravan parks to resorts hung the ‘no vacancy’ shingles out.

This confidence has filtered through to the property market, open for inspections were well attended, selling agents reported increased enquiries and contracts of sale were being signed.

The most outstanding result recorded being from an agent selling top end waterfront mansions - $10 million in sales in 2012.

A number of projects have commenced on the coast and cranes can be seen on the skyline around town; Edgewater on Regatta Lake at Birtinya is well underway with the roof going on today (14^th February). The first stage of ground works for the private hospital at Kawana has begun. Sea Pearl in Mooloolaba, a $70 million residential development has over 60% of the 23 luxury skyhomes sold – with prices starting at a very reasonable $1.49 million and an average price of $2.5 million. The new Maroochydore Transit centre is taking shape. A drive down Maroochy Boulevard will prove the extent of construction work under way. Emporio, the Harvey Norman superstore, Sunshine Cove, and Sunshine Coast Mazda (joining Lexus and Mercedes Benz) are either completed or under construction.

Projects that have been in the planning process for years are pegged to start this year; The Sippy Downs Town Centre – this $100 million development includes residential, commercial, retail and an upgrade of the surrounding roads and motorways.  The planning minister Mr Lucas said the project is set to bring 900 on-going jobs and 600 construction jobs.

To add even more lustre, the Sunshine Coast Council and Regional Development Australia are working to attract fly-in fly-out miners to stay long term, and short term on the Sunshine Coast adding significant economic opportunity for the region.

With all the plans for investment and infrastructure what can we expect in the property market?

The most common question we field is “When is the bottom of the market?”

We are likely to experience the bottom in 2012, with still so much stock on the market – both new and existing properties, there may be an increasing number of sales but values will not improve, meaning the best time to buy.

Contact us on anything to do with property on the Sunshine Coast.

Kawana Island (officially known as Parrearra, postcode 4575) is located in the middle of the Sunshine Coast.  An inland island (a 10 minute walk from the coastline) developed in early 2000 to create one of the first master planned communities of the region.

Neighbourhoods are connected by kilometres of walking tracks throughout canal systems, with BBQ facilities, play equipment and free fitness stations at a number of local parks.  Serious boaties can utilise the Loch with deep water anchorage at a number of waterfront properties.

Central to all is the ‘beach’ of Double Bay, where locals can enjoy the café delicatessen or al a carte dinning of Montego’s on the Bay. 

Kawana Island is popular with families, retirees and professionals with the community spirit noticeable in the house proud streets. The area offers a variety of residences; from water front mansions to family homes, apartments, villas, retirement villages and cottages, with price points for every budget.

The house capital growth chart confirms consistent growth since the first sales.

A recent search of rental properties in the area shows only 5 houses available eg.4 bedroom, 2 bathroom double lock up garage from $450-$600 per week.

What does the future hold? 

The last stages of the development are in progress; Birtinya Island offers house and land packages starting in the mid $500,000 and apartments from $400,000. 

Edgewater commercial centre is currently leasing with the national insurance company YOUI as the anchor tenant.

Future planning includes the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, rail and bus interchange and a town centre at the nearby Brightwater development.

Supporting infrastructure is already in place with access via Kawana Way linking the area to the Sunshine Motorway and the Sunshine Coast University.

If you are a low risk investor, this area definitely rates further investigation!

Contact us to discuss your next step.