Sunshine Coast Sees Significant Investment Growth
Investors from New South Wales and Victoria are increasingly directing their capital to South East Queensland, particularly the Sunshine Coast, due to more attractive returns and favourable regulatory conditions. This shift has accelerated in the past 12 to 18 months as investors seek better opportunities.
Remi Rafter, Director of Rafter Myers, a Sunshine Coast property investment firm, noted that high-net-worth individuals and family offices are leading this trend. They are drawn by the region's strong value proposition, fewer planning constraints, and advantageous tax settings.
"The shift has certainly accelerated over the past 12 to 18 months and reflects a broader rebalancing of Australia’s property investment landscape," said Rafter. "We are seeing a clear rotation of capital out of southern markets and into South East Queensland."
Strong Market Performance
Recent reports from Colliers and CBRE highlight the Sunshine Coast's industrial and retail sectors as strong performers, driven by robust population growth, tourism, and limited supply. The CBRE Sunshine Coast Market Report 2025 points to rising rents and land values due to consistent demand.
The Colliers Sunshine Coast Market Overview (2025) notes increased consumer confidence and steady retail spending, supported by tourism. Limited new developments are keeping vacancy rates low, contributing to stable leasing conditions.
Rafter observed that despite softness in Sydney and Melbourne office markets, the Sunshine Coast is experiencing a different trend. "Commercial vacancy rates in the broader Sunshine Coast region remain below 4 per cent," he stated.
RM Capital, the funds management arm of Rafter Myers, has recently assembled a portfolio of Sunshine Coast sites valued at approximately $40 million. These include residential, industrial, retail, and commercial assets, reflecting the growing investor interest in the region.
"Investor demand for these opportunities has been immediate," Rafter said. "Forecast returns across the portfolio range from approximately 59 per cent to more than 100 per cent."
