The Sunshine Coast property market is at a crossroads, facing both unprecedented challenges and golden opportunities.
On 27 July, Optiwise Property Group will unveil the latest insights with their Sunshine Coast Property Market Update report at the inaugural Hot Property – Live and Uncut event, hosted in partnership with Hot91.1. This free community event is designed to arm residents, investors, community groups and industry professionals with the knowledge to navigate today’s dynamic market.
Hosted by Jade Harrison of Hot91.1’s Hot Property, the event promises an engaging, interactive discussion with Sunshine Coast property expert Mal Cayley.
With over a decade of accurate property market predictions, Mr Cayley will dissect the report’s key findings and address audience questions head-on.
“This isn’t a presentation—it’s a chance for the community to engage directly with industry leaders and gain crucial insights,” Ms Harrison said.
Experts from various sectors, including property, finance, accounting, financial planning, and building, will be on hand to share their knowledge and answer questions.
“With global uncertainties, fluctuating interest rates, rising living costs, and volatile property prices, it’s vital to have accurate information and a strong support network to reduce fear and plan effectively,” Mr Cayley emphasised.
The report highlights a significant housing undersupply on the Sunshine Coast, driving up prices and intensifying competition for buyers and renters alike.
Over the past five years, the community’s new housing delivery has fallen, creating a mismatch of over 7000 homes between new arrivals and completed dwellings, adding to the existing undersupply.
This is 61 per cent short of demand in the same year Council released their ‘Action Plan’.
“The Sunshine Coast’s allure for relocators, the number one location in the country for internal migration, means high demand for all property types will persist. I predict a fall in interest rates, likely triggering another price surge through mid-2026. This spells good news for homeowners but poses challenges for market newcomers and renters unless we rethink our housing strategies,” Mr Cayley said.
The event plans to cover every aspect of the causes and solutions to the crisis in a relevant way to the Sunshine Coast.
A key takeaway will be the vital role of residential property investors in tackling the housing crisis.
“We need a robust debate in this country over the causes so we can actually create solutions. The evidence is unequivocal when it comes to creating affordable homes to live and rent. Investors provide essential housing for millions of Australians, a massive contribution to tax and economic input, contrary to some negative media portrayals. Supporting these investors is crucial for alleviating the rental crisis – we will provide the data that shows they are saviours, not scoundrels,” Mr Cayley said.
With over 90 per cent of renters relying on the private market, Mr Cayley argues residential property investors are key to balancing supply and demand.
“The average property investor is often a middle-income earner who contributes significantly to the economy by providing homes, reducing the burden on public housing, and supporting the rental market. Without these investors, the shortage of available rental properties would worsen, leading to increased homelessness, reduced economic productivity, and social instability,” he said.
Previewing the report, Cayley compared incentivising investors to government housing efforts.
“Supporting private investors is far more efficient and cost-effective than solely relying on government projects. For instance, Queensland’s goal to build 53,500 homes by 2046 at $7.25 billion, averaging $135,514 per property, pales in comparison to the private market’s potential to house over 2 million renters with the same funding,” he explained.
The Hot Property – Live and Uncut event is set to empower attendees to make informed property decisions, help resolve the housing crisis, and seize the Sunshine Coast’s unique market opportunities.
Attendees can also get their specific questions answered with event sponsors, including Rock Property, Ausmar, FTA Accountants, Broker Co, and Optiwise Wealth Advisory.
Event Details:
What: Hot Property – Live and Uncut
When: Saturday 27 July at 2pm
Where: UniSC
Admission: Free (Limited spots available, register to secure your spot) Tickets: Eventbrite
