
by Sirah Robb
The Australian Property Pendulum:
Buyers and Sellers Enter a New Phase of Opportunity
As we move into the second half of 2025, the Australian property pendulum is regaining its rhythm and entering a renewed phase of opportunity. Nowhere is that more evident than right here in the Noosa Hinterland. Buyer demand is surging, with a 64% month-on-month increase in Hinternoosa open home attendance. One recent listing sold for $102,000 over the asking price, receiving 11 offers after just two open homes in eight days.
This highlights that while the national sector is recalibrating after the heady growth of previous years, locally we remain in a fundamentally robust market.
A Stronger Economic Foundation Is Emerging
Australia’s broader economic outlook is strengthening. Supported by a stabilising labour market (with unemployment at a healthy 4.1%), targeted government assistance for first-home buyers, and two interest rate cuts already implemented this year, buyer confidence continues to soar.
This is further influenced by broader economic conditions, including easing inflation and a shift in global trade dynamics following recent US tariff changes, which have positioned Australia as an increasingly attractive supplier. These combined factors are particularly significant for the property market: lower borrowing costs and reduced inflation are easing household budget pressures, encouraging buyer activity –
especially in lifestyle-driven regions such as the Sunshine Coast.
Adding to the proactive outlook, leading financial economist Chris Joye has also commented on current trends in interest rates, tariffs, our Australian dollar, skilled migration, stock markets and easier lending. Joye’s commentary has respected forecasters of the real estate industry predicting a 12% rise in our national property values over the next 9 to 12 months.
National Snapshot
Australia-wide, house prices are rising, albeit at a more modest 5% this year. While affordability remains a constraint, buyer appetite is being shaped by strong population growth, an undersupplied market, and a lack of forced sales. Add to this soaring construction costs and longer build times (which continue to restrict new housing supply) and the result is a tight supply-demand balance. This underpins property values, particularly in highly desirable areas like the Noosa Hinterland.
Interestingly, investors - particularly those from New South Wales - have become more active in Queensland, accounting for nearly a third of search activity for Sunshine State properties. Brisbane’s unit prices now mirror those in Victoria, prompting further interest from southern buyers who see value in Queensland’s lifestyle offering and long-term capital growth potential.
Sunshine Coast Snapshot
On the Sunshine Coast, price growth has been more subdued compared to Brisbane, largely due to the push for staff to stop working from home and return to urban offices.
However, we have witnessed sub-markets showing a similar pattern: growth of 10 – 20% through 2023, a peak in late 2024, and a measured pullback in early 2025. The Noosa Hinterland stands as an exception - a steady performer with minimal price deviation and increasing prestige buyer interest. Demand remains high, and growing in particular for homes in the $2,500,000 plus range.
At Hinternoosa, we have witnessed this remarkable activity firsthand. Of our six off-market sales so far this year, half were prestige properties - a clear sign of strength at the top end of the market.
Why It’s the Right Time to Buy or Sell
- Interest Rates Are Dropping: With borrowing costs easing and more rate cuts anticipated, buyers have a unique window to secure finance on favourable terms - and sellers will benefit from increased purchasing power among house hunters.
- Strong Buyer Demand: Hinternoosa’s open home activity and rapid-fire sales reflect real-time momentum. More importantly, serious, qualified buyers are looking now - especially in prestige and lifestyle segments.
- Low Supply of Quality Listings: Sellers currently face little competition. For those with well-presented homes, this is a golden opportunity to stand out.
- Long-Term Market Optimism: Financial experts are forecasting a strong 12% national property price increase over the next 9 - 12 months. Key drivers include lower interest rates, rising skilled migration, a low Australian dollar, and renewed investor confidence.
- Strategic Selling Opportunities: Hinternoosa is actively sourcing homes to meet buyer needs. Our team’s intimate local knowledge, combined with strategic on and off-market campaigns and data-driven insights, ensures clients receive unparalleled advice and results.
How Hinternoosa Can Help?
We have guided clients through many market cycles, and the Hinternoosa approach has always been underpinned by honest advice, tailored strategy, and genuine care.
And then there is our strong local knowledge. More than just insight, it is lived experience. As proud residents of this beautiful region, we are deeply connected to the community and its wellbeing. That is why buyers trust our expertise, and sellers rely on our guidance.
Our advice? Don’t wait for the headlines to confirm what we are already seeing on the ground: listings are increasing, lending conditions have improved, and the activity and confidence of potential purchasers is high. So, whether you are considering buying, selling, or investing, we would love to help. Capitalise on 36 years of Noosa Hinterland expertise and discover how our values of culture, clients, and community guide everything we do.