The Top 10 Cheapest Suburbs in the Sunshine Coast

Boasting more than 100 kilometres of pristine coastline dotted with gorgeous stretches of beaches, the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia is very appropriately named. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed getaway or laidback escape, the Sunshine Coast ticks all the boxes – but be warned, once you get there, you may never want to leave again. Industry experts attribute this to why the area’s property market seems to continue going from strength to strength.

Stretching from the coastal city of Caloundra near Brisbane to the Great Sandy National Park in the north, the Sunshine Coast is a haven for beach lovers – whether you want to surf, swim or just catch some rays. You can also explore the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island.

You might be tempted to think that the Sunshine Coast’s beaches are its main attraction, but there is so much more to this scenic paradise: from the hinterland with its national parks, famed Glass House Mountains, waterfalls and more, to a 60km network of rivers and lakes – one of only two everglades in the world – where you can camp, hike and boat, to the vibrant markets where you can mingle with locals, to gourmet dining, to charming villages – there is something for everyone.

Noosa, near the centre of the Sunshine Coast and surrounded by beaches, is a holiday haven, Coolum is very popular with golfers and surfers, as well as with foodies, due to its array of world-class eateries, while Mooloolaba is a whale-watching hotspot and Maroochydore is considered to be Sunshine Coast’s cultural capital. The Sunshine Coasts is also home to number of festivals and events.

With everything it has to offer, it is no surprise that people love living here, making the Sunshine Coast very popular with prospective home buyers and investors. Are you thinking of investing in this ever-popular area? These the top 10 most affordable suburbs, as ranked by CoreLogic and Aussie Home Loans:

1. Kenilworth

139 kilometres north of Brisbane on the edge of the Conondale National Park, Kenilworth is a quiet and characterful village set in beautiful natural surrounds.

While the town has maintained its 1920s charm, it has all the modern conveniences modern-day families require. Some highlights include the town’s famous Kenilworth Country Food and Cheese Factory where you can stock up on dairy products, the Living History Museum, two art galleries and chic cafés and coffee shops.

If you’re a nature lover, you can enjoy hiking, bushwalking, horse riding and camping in the surrounding bushland. You can also take a dip in the clear waterholes, or go fishing.

The town is also close to other hinterland villages, so you can enjoy markets and other activities within a short drive.

Kenilworth is popular with families, retirees, nature lovers and commuting professionals, and has a median house price of $394,969, and even more affordable lower quartile price of $328,011.

2. Nambour

104 kilometres north of Brisbane and in the heart of Sunshine Coast, Nambour is a gateway to the sprawling Sunshine Coast hinterland, and simply oozes retro charm. Dating back to the 1860s, Nambour is a thriving rural town with trendy cafés and vibey craft beer scene today. Nambour is also ranked as the 14^th best suburb in the Sunshine Coast

Nambour is not a coastal town, and many feel this adds to its charm and character. It might not have its own beaches, but the town still has much to offer residents and visitors, with the heritage-listed The Big Pineapple probably its most popular tourist attraction.

Nambour is also home to the annual Big Pineapple Music Festival, and hosts Moonlight Markets.

Nambour has a median house price of $405,694, and lower quartile price of $374,491.

3. Burnside

Just over 100 kilometres from Brisbane, Burnside is perfect for you if you’re looking for relaxing country living.

Residents describe this Sunshine Coast suburb as a quiet area with a friendly community, which is close to everything. Beaches and the national highway are only a short drive away.

The “hidden away” suburb is definitely growing in demand, with more businesses moving here and new quality houses being built.

Are you looking for your own slice of country paradise? Burnside has a median house price of $449,783, with a lower quartile price of $398,935 meaning there are more affordable options on offer.

4. Beerwah

Just an hour’s drive north of Brisbane and a short drive from the Sunshine Coast, Beerwah is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Although a small country village, Beerwah is one of the larger towns found throughout the Glass House Mountains area, and offers a delightful blend of rural ambience and modern convenience. Residents love this best-of-both-worlds setting, as well as the larger-than-average blocks on offer.

And there are even more reasons why residents and visitors love the area – the town is home to the Australian Zoo and Mount Beerwah, the largest of the Glass House Mountains, and is about a 30-minute drive away from beaches. For fitness enthusiasts and nature lowers, there are numerous trails up Mount Beerwah, and the summit boasts spectacular views of the Sunshine Coast.

Beerwah has a median house price of $466,116 and lower quartile price of $416,492.

5. Landsborough

Are you looking for a slower pace of life? About 80 kilometres north of Brisbane, Landsborough is one of the Sunshine Coast’s historic townships, dating back to 1868. Because it is set about 20 kilometres inland from the coast, the town has managed to retain its old-world charm, remaining quiet and mostly unchanged.

At the southern end of the Blackall Ranges and just north of the Glass House Mountains, Landsborough is becoming more popular with tourists, due to its proximity to attractions like the Australian Zoo, while Landsborough Museum and businesses like the Landsborough Hotel give you an authentic glimpse into the town’s history.

Ewen Maddock Dam is another nearby attraction, offering walking trails, picnic spots to enjoy and a swimming area. The award-winning Pioneer Park in Landsborough is another family favourite, catering to active kids and those with special needs.

Landsborough has a median house price of $466,596 and lower quartile price of $415,991.

6. Coes Creek

About 15 minutes from the ocean and the bustling Maroochydore area, Coes Creek is a leafy, laidback town that offers idyllic off-the-beaten-track living in the Sunshine Coast.

The town has a small shopping centre that meets all your basic needs, as well as a few restaurants. If you need anything more, Nambour is only a 5-minute drive away. The local pineapple farm is a favourite with residents, and you can scoop up a pineapple here for just $1. There are also other farms in the area where you buy fresh produce.

Residents describe Coes Creek as safe and quiet, yet close to everything you could need. The median house price is $480,760, with a lower quartile price of $433,405.

7. Baringa

Excised from Bells Creek in 2017, Baringa is a fairly new Sunshine Coast suburb, created to accommodate residential population growth in the Caloundra South Priority Development Area.

Baringa is part of a $5 billion master-planned community, and the first residential land sales here began in 2016, with the area expected to accommodate 50,000 people in 30 years’ time.

Baringa has a median house price of $486,095 and lower quartile price of $437,412.

8. Glass House Mountains

Named for the majestic mountains that tower over it, Glass House Mountains is scenic town in the Sunshine Coast hinterlands. Close to beaches, popular shopping centres and more.

Not surprisingly, the town is very popular with nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts, offering various outdoor activities, including hiking and walking trails, mountain biking, abseiling and fishing.

Residents describe the town as a beautiful place to live, with easy access to everything you might need, and large blocks on offer.

Property prices in the area are moving up, but with a median house price of $490,876 and lower quartile price of $448,925, there are still affordable options available.

9. Mapleton

Renowned for its natural beauty, Mapleton is a small and quiet Sunshine Coast hinterland village, boasting sweeping views of the coastal plains down to the ocean to one side, and dense subtropical rainforest vistas to the other.

Mapleton’s small town centre offers an eclectic mix of eateries and services, and there is a popular picnic area with play equipment. If you need more shopping options, Nambour is about 12 minutes away.

Of course, the jewels in Mapleton’s crown are Mapleton Forest Reserve and Mapleton Falls National Park. These reserves are a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Other popular tourist attractions and towns are also nearby.

Although people of all ages love living in Mapleton, it has become extremely popular with young professionals, singles and families. The area has a median house price of $491,469 and lower quartile price of $425,361.

10. Caloundra West

Caloundra West is located within the Caloundra urban centre, directly west of the central business district. Caloundra is holiday hotspot, offering a number of gorgeous beaches. Until the 1980s this Sunshine Coast area was mostly known as a popular coastal retirement destination, but since then an influx of young commuters and holidaymakers has changed the scene.

Not surprisingly, the area is popular for water sports and fishing, with its subtropical climate keeping residents and visitors happy.

Caloundra West has a median house price of $496,230, but with a lower quartile price of $438,645 there are more affordable options available.

Conclusion

Whether in the lush hinterland or on the endlessly stretching coastline, the Sunshine Coast offers idyllic living completed by a great climate. However, because the area is so diverse and popular, finding a home that ticks all your boxes might seem like a daunting challenge. Your best bet is to partner with a qualified, experienced agent who knows the market and can assist you with your search.

Perfect Agent can help you! Simply complete a quick assessment of your needs, and we will recommend a number of estate agents in your area of interest. Looking for a home or investment property in the Sunshine Coast? Perfect Agent can make it happen for you.