Australia’s Sunshine Coast is witnessing a fascinating transformation, with a dramatic influx of new residents reshaping its communities and culture. Known for its pristine beaches, lush hinterlands, and relaxed lifestyle, it’s no wonder people are flocking to the Queensland region from congested city centres and other parts of Queensland.
This great wave of interest isn’t a flash-in-the-pan occurrence, the influx of people to the Sunshine Coast has been happening since 2016 with a steady pace maintained even after the fluster of COVID panic died down. The population growth between 2016 and 2021 was one of the highest on record, growing some 30% (almost 80,000 new residents), and is expected to continue to climb to over 500,000 people by 2041.
The Sunshine Coast Council have anticipated the future population and are set to deliver the infrastructure needed with a total of 217,230 new dwellings to accommodate the load. That pledge creates not only space for a population expansion but also a workforce and the support they need.
For those considering why so many have made the sea change, or for anyone looking to relocate, here are the main reasons behind the Sunshine Coast shift.
Why the Sunshine Coast?
There has been a steady stream of people moving to the Sunshine Coast for some time, with one of the highest population growth rates on record occurring between 2016 and 2021.
During the pandemic people exited the capital cities en masse, looking for better work-life balance, however, the numbers have not significantly dropped off in the last few years as life returns to normal.
According to the latest Regional Movers Index data, of all the Australians leaving capital cities (mostly from Sydney and Melbourne, 13.4% settled on the Sunshine Coast from January to December 2023.
Chart showing the top five preferences for regional relocation Jan-Dec 2023.
People moving to: | From a Capital city | From other regions | Total |
Sunshine Coast QLD | 13.4% | 4.1% | 17.5% |
Gold Coast QLD | 9.5% | -1.4% | 8.1% |
Greater Geelong VIC | 4.9% | 2.7% | 7.6% |
Moorabool VIC | 6.1% | 0.2% | 6.2% |
Fraser Coast QLD | 3.0% | 3.0% | 6.0% |
Source Regional Movers Index
Some of the allure of the Sunshine Coast is:
#1. Affordability
With real estate prices skyrocketing in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne, many Australians are seeking more affordable living. You can get more for less as the Sunshine Coast offers a lower cost of living compared to these urban hubs, without sacrificing quality of life.
#2. Lifestyle
The region’s natural beauty and slower pace of life are attractive to anyone looking to escape the frenetic pace of city living. The tropical weather gives more time for outdoor play, entertainment and relaxation compared to southern states with cold, wet winters.
#3. Remote Work Flexibility
More employees can work remotely and motivated entrepreneurs are ditching the cubicle grind. This change enables people to choose lifestyle over location, making areas like the Sunshine Coast ideal for setting up a home office with a view.
#4. Housing Market and Cost of Living
While the move has been great for homeowners’ property values, it’s also led to higher living costs and property prices, which can be a challenge for long-standing residents and new arrivals looking for affordable housing options. If you’re considering purchasing a home here, finding the right mortgage broker can make a significant difference in navigating the competitive market and securing a deal that suits your budget and lifestyle.
#5. Services and Amenities
While increased demand has pressured existing services, leading to longer wait times at medical facilities and schools, this is a short-term growing pain that, if handled well, will see the Sunshine Coast well financed to secure the best and most innovative services and amenities as the community expands.
Looking Ahead: Sunshine Coast’s Bright Future
As the Sunshine Coast continues to grow, planning and development need to keep pace with the changing needs of both new and existing residents. Balancing growth with sustainability will be key to maintaining the quality of life that makes the area so appealing.
Whether you’re a potential newcomer or a curious observer, understanding these dynamics can help appreciate the broader impacts of such migrations on regional Australia.