Sunshine Coast property: New report reveals most in demand suburb

A Sunshine Coast suburb with the perfect balance of “trees meet the sea” has been named the most in demand in regional Australia. Now a local agent has revealed the secrets to how to tap into it.

Buderim has been named regional Australia’s most in demand suburb in Australia and according to an experienced agent, it pays to be a local if you want to snap up a hot property.

Interstate migration and flexible work arrangements are continuing to drive regional Queensland property markets, particularly the Sunshine Coast.

A new report by Proptrack found the Gold and Sunshine Coast hold the most in-demand suburbs outside of capital cities with Buderim topping the list.

Senior economist Eleanor Creagh found Buderim experienced higher buyer demand than any other suburb in the year to September.

Buderim has been named regional Australia’s most in demand suburb.

Ms Creagh said with declining housing affordability in capital cities and jobs being done from anywhere, regional Queensland had a new found popularity.

“Regional Queensland and NSW suburbs dominate the top spots with the greatest number of serious prospective buyers per listing in the past year, again reinforcing the migratory flows seen from state capitals to the regions and Queensland and the rise of lifestyle commuter hubs,” Ms Creagh said.

McGrath Real Estate Buderim agent Matt Diesel said the report came as no surprise.

Buderim, popular for its central location on the Sunshine Coast, has a median house price of $890,000 and unit price of $477,000.

“Looking at what Buderim offers with larger blocks and that perfect blend of tree meets sea,” Mr Diesel said.

Mr Diesel said up to 100 people regularly attend open homes in Buderim and properties listed for less than a million dollars were a “rare commodity”.

“Demand has been heavily from interstate and locals, but the locals buyers are outstripping the interstate buyers contrary to what a lot of people are thinking,” he said.

“Locals are buying and selling in the same market so they’re happy to pay a premium because they’re getting premium prices for their own homes.”

But he said the market could be shifting with inquiries from international buyers now coming in.

Mr Diesel shared his advice for those who want to enter into regional Australia’s hottest market.

“Know the stock, know what you’re after and make sure you’re abreast of any new listings,” he said.

“Don’t delay when they come to the market, if it’s high on your priority list be there making inquiries as early as possible.”

He said people often missed out because they weren’t keeping up to date with new listings.

“Have a good relationship with local agents,” he said.

“Being a local is also a positive because you’ll more likely know the areas to buy.

“There’s certain areas in Buderim that are more sought after – the locals know where they want to be and when those rare gems pop up they are so quick to go.”

Mr Diesel said a buyers agent was also useful for people from outside the region or those who were time poor.

The report also found the Sunshine Coast was one of the top areas for buyers shelling out 10 per cent more than the listed price for properties.