How High Quality Assets Are Redefining the Sunshine Coast Commercial Market

The upper end of the market is increasingly setting the pace of the Sunshine Coast commercial sector. At a time when business confidence remains shaky, momentum is building around high-value, high-quality, strategic assets across the region. 

Investors and business owners are becoming more deliberate, targeting not only location but assets that offer longevity, adaptability and long-term performance.

Future-proofing has become a defining theme. Buyers are responding to infrastructure investment, proposed planning scheme changes and a more supportive policy environment in Queensland by securing assets positioned for the next phase of the region’s growth. 

Collectively, recent deals closed by the RWC Noosa & Sunshine Coast team reveal who is buying, what they value and how far ahead they’re planning.

FUTURE FOCUSED BUYING IS DRIVING DEALS NOW

Decisions are being shaped by long-term thinking, with buyers securing opportunities based on where demand is expected to emerge and how key precincts are evolving.

RWC Commercial Property Consultant Josh Harris explains: “Many buyers are basing decisions on what the Sunshine Coast will look like in 2028 to 2030 and beyond. They’re planning ahead and securing quality property now, knowing demand will continue to grow into the future.”

Assets with development potential, flexible zoning or multiple future use options are high on the list of priorities.

In Noosa, this is playing out through demand for assets that combine stable income with long-term positioning. The sale of  1 Arcadia Street, Noosa Heads for $9.4 million at a sharp 5% yield by David Brinkley and Paul Butler reflects this shift. The fully leased freehold property, comprises ten tenancies including Westpac Bank and a mix of retail, hospitality and allied health operators, generating more than $475,000 in net annual income.

RWC Noosa & Sunshine Coast Principal Paul Butler says the appeal of the property extends beyond the income profile.

“It’s not just about the income today. Buyers are looking at where Noosa Junction is heading and what that asset can offer over time. You’ve got a well-leased property in a tightly held location, but also the ability to hold it through the next phase of growth.”

Recent activity in Caloundra reflects a similar pattern. The sale of 7 & 8/10 Leeding Terrace, a waterfront investment within the Rumba Resort precinct, highlights the type of asset attracting strategic capital. Anchored by the Coffee Club on a long term lease, the property delivered a yield in the mid-5% range.

“There is significant activity in Caloundra, with sites along Bulcock Street being repositioned for higher-density development, local developers really active in the market and growth in areas like Aura fuelling demand for more quality retail and hospitality experiences,” Josh said.

THE RISE OF FREEHOLD AND FLEXIBLE ASSETS

Across the region, there’s a clear shift toward freehold ownership and adaptable assets. Buyers are seeking properties that can be expanded, reconfigured or repositioned over time, rather than being limited by strata or single-use constraints. 

RWC Commercial Property Consultant Adam Morley says this is redefining what constitutes a high-quality asset.

“It still starts with location but zoning and alternative use options are just as important. Buyers want to know the asset can work in different ways, whether that’s subdividing, leasing to multiple tenants or changing the use altogether.”

“Medium Impact zoning is highly sought after because it allows for a wide range of uses, and when you combine that with strong building specs – things like solar, insulation and overall quality – it attracts better tenants and supports stronger returns,” Adam says.

Robust interest in  256 Nicklin Way & 21 Technology Drive, Warana, a 5,533sqm site across two titles, highlights demand for well-located land with strong exposure and flexible use potential.

“With Specialised Centre and Medium Impact zoning, plus the proposed shift to mixed-use under the new proposed town plan allowing for increased height and density, this a rare offering, so it’s not surprising we’re seeing offers in the $10 million range,” explains Adam.

UNIQUE AND SPECIALISED ASSETS ARE COMMANDING A PREMIUM

When assets offer a level of uniqueness, functionality or positioning that cannot easily be replicated, buyers are often willing to compete aggressively. 

A recent example is  31 Production Avenue, Warana, a purpose-built pharmaceutical manufacturing facility that sold for $4 million, representing a record result for a freehold industrial asset of its type in this area. The property, which included a substantial fitout and existing licensing, was acquired by a local operator seeking to expand capacity while remaining on the Sunshine Coast.

Adam Morley says the transaction highlights the premium placed on highly specialised assets.

“It was a unique opportunity, a purpose-built facility with the right approvals already in place. The buyer needed that exact setup to grow their business, and there’s very limited stock like it on the Coast.”

The sale of  23 Lysaght Street, Coolum for $5.2 million by Tallon Pamenter further reinforces demand for larger, specialised freehold assets. The food production facility achieved a premium rate on the freehold plus an additional sum for fitout, reflecting its functionality and the limited supply of comparable assets.

The unconditional contract on  97 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads, a prominent 940sqm freehold commercial asset at the gateway to the CBD, demonstrates the value of tailored assets. This state-of-the-art recovery and wellness facility secured by TH7 Body Labs on a 10-year lease with a 5-year option, offers long-term income security with exposure to one of the region’s most tightly held markets.

PRECINCT EVOLUTION IS SHAPING NEW INVESTMENT HOTSPOTS

Buyers are looking beyond traditional locations, targeting precincts that offer value for money, more space and mixed-use flexibility. This shift is evident across the region, from the ongoing evolution of Caloundra’s Bulcock Street precinct to emerging opportunities along the Kawana corridor and into industrial markets such as Beerwah.

Once considered secondary to more established hubs, Coolum is now attracting a growing mix of businesses and investors seeking modern facilities at a more accessible price point.

The success of Quanda Business Park at  248–256 Quanda Road, Coolum Beach highlights the depth of demand for bespoke industrial units with high end finishes. Delivered as a 38-unit business park, Tallon Pamenter and the RWC team have generated more than $26.46 million in sales across the development, with strong uptake from both owner-occupiers and investors.

RWC Commercial Property Consultant Tallon Parmenter says both location, clever design and execution have been key to achieving these impressive results.

“Coolum has really come into its own. We’re seeing businesses move from older precincts or higher cost areas because they can secure better quality spaces here. Value is a big driver, but so is the ability to get something newer and more functional.”

“Two developments can look similar on paper, but if the design and functionality aren’t right, usability becomes restricted and values can stall. With 248-256 Quanda Road, the mix of unit sizes, key design aspects and the level of finish meant it appealed to a broader range of buyers,” Tallon said.

INTERSTATE CAPITAL IS TARGETING QUEENSLAND’S GROWTH STORY

A growing share of high value transactions is being driven by interstate buyers, with investors from NSW, Victoria and South Australia active across investment and development assets.

While relative value compared to southern markets remains a factor, the appeal is more structural. RWC’s Adam Morley suggests investors are responding to the scale of infrastructure already underway and broader confidence in Queensland’s long-term direction.

“People connect South East Queensland to the Olympics but more importantly there’s already infrastructure investment underway and significant projects coming out of the ground. The dollars still follow dollars,” Adam says.

“When you combine the existing progress with what the Queensland Government is doing around long-term planning and things like fuel security, it creates confidence for investors looking at the medium to long term.”

A fully leased office building at  21-23 Carnaby Street Maroochydore marketed by Tallon Pamenter and Josh Harris has attracted strong national interest, reflecting demand for assets combining secure income with future potential. Marketed with a price guide of $14.95 million, the property’s appeal lies in both its tenant profile and strategic location according to Tallon.

“It’s a unique offering on the CBD fringe, underpinned by government-backed tenants, which provides a solid level of security in uncertain conditions. At the same time, it offers potential future development opportunities and proximity to the CBD, where most of the activity is concentrated, but at a more accessible price point,” Tallon said.

BUILDING MOMENTUM AT THE TOP END

For RWC Noosa & Sunshine Coast Principal Paul Butler, the shift toward larger, more complex transactions reflects both the maturation of the local market and the team’s long-term investment in the region.

“As the region has grown, so has the calibre of assets and the expectations of buyers,” Paul says. “We’re seeing more sophisticated capital entering the market, and that naturally leads to larger, more considered transactions.”

He notes that success at the top end is built over time through consistency and momentum.

“It’s a long game that comes from working closely with clients, building trust and delivering results. Many buyers aren’t always actively in the market. And owners of many tenanted investments prefer to sell without going on the open market,” Paul said.

“Having established relationships and a network of developers and investors, both locally and interstate, can make all the difference in connecting with the right person at the right time to achieve the right result.”

Whether you’re buying, selling, leasing or reviewing the management of your commercial property, our team has their finger on the pulse and the local knowledge to support your next move.

Get in touch with our team on +617 5474 7600.