Specialising in Rental Property Management
Sunshine Coast

Real Estate Queensland

Hot Property

Hot property predictions for the Sunshine Coast in 2006 have pegged a handful of areas as the key places to be. Anastasia Hackett finds out what's expected to heat up this year.

Position, affordability, infrastructure and lifestyle are the primary drivers of good property performers this year according to PRDnationwide's annual list of Sunshine Coast hot spots. It has tipped eight areas to enjoy strong growth in the coming months.

Kawana came out at number one. With a particular focus on the areas east of Nicklin Way . "The region east of the Nicklin Way offers a lower entry point in comparison to other beachfront suburbs, "Syd Walker, PRDnationwide Maroochydore managing director, explains.

With all the activity planned for the Kawana area in 2006, putting it at the top of the list seems a pretty safe bet. "Kawana offers close proximity to the beach and the desirable lifestyle options of surrounding suburbs. It is also set to benefit from the planned new commercial precinct, which will significantly enhance the local population and employment, with the future town centre fronting Kawana Lake expected to create as many as 5000 jobs, " Syd says.

Some of the other predictions can't be pinpointed so clearly, however, inexpensive land east of the Bruce Highway has been pegged as the fourth highest growth area and established Caloundra units are sitting at number eight. Syd says its unusual for PRDnationwide to make a hotspots selection that is not measurable with a median price or growth rate but he thinks inexpensive land east of the Bruce Highway is a wise choice.

"Developers are beginning to introduce land offerings that possess smaller dimensions and are more affordable to the average buyer who is willing to forgo close proximity to the beach for a location 10 minutes further inland and a lower entry price," he says. "New residential estates that are relatively inexpensive, in comparison to other land developments on the Sunshine Coast include Bellflower and Chancellor Park at Sippy Downs and Bellvista in Caloundra."

In fact, many of the eight hotspots seem to be starting from an affordable position with most having median house prices below $500,000.00. Nambour and Gympie, in sixth and seventh spots respectively, offer particularly easy entry. Price is also the reason for the inclusion of Caloundra's established unit market.

"Many established units in Caloundra are located on premium beachfront or waterfront sites that over time have been built out," Syd says.

The full list of PRDnationwide's 2006 Sunshine Coast hot spots are:

• Kawana (east end of Nicklin Way ).
• Central Coolum
• Pelican Waters Waterfront
• Inexpensive land east of the Bruce Highway
• Tewantin
• Nambour
• Gympie
• Established units in Caloundra