Here’s What You Need to Know. It’s a question I’m asked almost weekly: “Murray, should I invest on the Sunshine Coast or in Brisbane?”
The truth is, both are strong contenders — and both are evolving fast. Brisbane is Australia’s next Olympic city, with world-class infrastructure reshaping the inner suburbs. The Sunshine Coast, meanwhile, has grown from a lifestyle region into one of the nation’s best-performing regional markets for both rental yield and capital growth.
The best location for you depends on your goals: yield, lifestyle, growth, or all three. Let’s break it down. Brisbane: The Capital Growth Contender
Brisbane continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Australia’s most investable capital cities. Major infrastructure projects ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are driving employment, demand, and population growth.
What’s driving Brisbane’s appeal:
* Infrastructure investment: $17 billion Cross River Rail, Brisbane Metro, Herston Quarter, and Victoria Park redevelopment.
* Population growth: steady inflows from southern states and regional Queensland.
* Strong economy: Brisbane’s Gross Regional Product sits at nearly $170 billion and growing.
* Tight rental market: vacancy rates across many inner suburbs remain under 1%.
According to Murray McCarthy’s Brisbane Inner North 2025 Report, suburbs like Grange, Windsor, Alderley and Wilston are seeing consistently low unemployment (as low as 1.4%) and strong professional tenant demand.
With median house prices across the Inner North sitting above $1 million, Brisbane remains a long-term play — ideal for investors seeking capital growth and blue-chip stability. Ideal for:
* Investors wanting steady long-term growth
* Professionals seeking proximity to major employment hubs * Buyers chasing renovation or value-add opportunities
The Sunshine Coast: The Lifestyle-Yield Powerhouse
Once seen as purely a sea-change destination, the Sunshine Coast has become a serious economic hub in its own right.
The region’s Gross Regional Product surpassed $30 billion in 2025, underpinned by a diverse economy spanning health, education, tourism, and technology. Its population is forecast to hit 590,000 by 2041, supported by strong internal migration and a wave of new infrastructure.
What’s driving Sunshine Coast investment:
* Maroochydore City Centre: the Coast’s new commercial CBD, powered by Australia’s first international broadband cable.
* $5 billion Oceanside Health Precinct: Australia’s largest health infrastructure project.
* New transport links: Bruce Highway upgrades and airport expansion boosting connectivity.
* Rental performance: yields of 4–4.6% in suburbs like Nirimba, Baringa and Caloundra West.
According to the Sunshine Coast 2025 Report, the strongest rental returns came from newer master planned suburbs south of Maroochydore — particularly Nirimba (4.6%), Baringa (4.4%) and Caloundra West (4.4%). Meanwhile, lifestyle markets such as Buderim, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba continue to deliver consistent demand from professionals and relocators. Ideal for:
* Investors chasing stronger yields with lifestyle appeal
* Those looking to leverage infrastructure-led growth
* Buyers wanting a mix of home ownership and investment potential Which Market Fits Your Strategy?
Factor | Brisbane | Sunshine Coast |
Market Type | Capital city – stable, growth-focused | Regional hub – lifestyle & yield focused |
Median House Price (2025) | $1.05M+ (Inner North) | $962K (Caloundra) |
Rental Yields | 3.8–4.2% (inner precincts) | 4.0–4.6% (growth corridors) |
Population Growth | Moderate – driven by state-led infrastructure | Rapid – driven by internal migration |
Vacancy Rate | ~1% | <1% |
Investor Profile | Long-term growth & equity build | Yield, lifestyle & hybrid investors |
When deciding between investing in Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast, consider your timeline and tolerance for risk.
Choose Brisbane if you:
* Want a capital city asset for long-term equity growth
* Are comfortable with a higher entry price
* Value established suburbs, schools, and infrastructure Choose the Sunshine Coast if you:
* Prefer higher rental yields and lower holding costs * Want exposure to a rapidly growing regional economy
* Value lifestyle and liveability alongside investment returns
The Smart Investor Move: Diversification
For many clients, the right answer isn’t either/or — it’s both. Savvy investors are blending portfolios across Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast to balance growth and yield.
* A townhouse in Brisbane’s Inner North provides steady capital growth and access to premium tenants.
* A new home in Nirimba or Caloundra West offers strong yields and lower maintenance. Together, they create a resilient, diversified portfolio built around Queensland’s two strongest markets.
How a Buyers Agent Helps You Choose
Every investor’s goals are different — and so is every suburb. A professional buyers agent compares both regions based on your budget, yield expectations, and long-term plans. They analyse market data, source off-market opportunities, and negotiate with selling agents — so you don’t overpay or overextend.
As both a Brisbane buyers agent and Sunshine Coast buyers agent, I help clients find the right property in the right market at the right time. It’s not about guessing which city will boom next — it’s about building a strategy that lasts through every cycle.
Ready to explore your next Queensland investment? Whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Brisbane or the calm of the Coast, let’s map out your next move.
Book your free strategy call with Murray McCarthy Buyers Agent and start buying with confidence.
