Where the Australian Property Growth Is And Where It Isn’t

As we continue our deep-dive into the next Sunshine Coast Property Market Update, we’re uncovering key growth trends that go well beyond what you’ll hear in the media. This article explores what’s actually driving property demand across Australia in 2025, from shifting migration patterns to infrastructure plays, and how these changes are opening doors for strategic investors.

1. Regional Markets Are Outpacing Capital Cities

The old narrative said, “Capital cities always outperform.” But the data tells a different story. In 2025, it’s the regions that are winning, with Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, and lifestyle-driven hubs like the Sunshine Coast leading the charge.

Side note:

Most national reports are based on median price shifts across broad population areas; a flawed metric that fails to show what’s truly happening in specific markets. Yet, even these blunt tools are now aligning with the analysis we’ve been presenting for years. The momentum in regional areas is so strong, even the most generalised data can’t ignore it.

This isn’t a blip. It’s the result of affordability, lifestyle preferences, remote work trends, and infrastructure investment. People are choosing regions that offer better value, better livability, and better futures, and the money is following.

“We’re not seeing a flight from capital cities, we’re seeing a pull to regions with real opportunity,” says Mal Cayley.

2. Migration Trends Are Redrawing the Investment Map

Queensland is leading the country in net interstate migration, while NSW and Victoria are watching their populations shrink, only supported by international migration (until they discover QLD too 🙂). The Sunshine Coast continues to attract professionals, families, and retirees, not just for the lifestyle, but for the jobs and education options that now exist here.

This isn’t just about population growth. It’s about who is coming, where they’re coming from, and what they need when they get there. When you follow the migration data, you follow the demand, and that leads to better investment decisions.

“Markets don’t move because of emotion. They move because people do; and significant migration is driven by economic factors, not just lifestyle.” Mal explains.

3. Infrastructure is Fueling the Next Growth Wave

Across the country, billions are being poured into transport, digital, and civic infrastructure. But few regions offer the scale and coordination of the Sunshine Coast, with its two subsea broadband cables, greenfield CBD well underway, expanded international airport, and upcoming mass transit projects.

Infrastructure investment is a leading indicator of future growth. It lifts liveability, improves access, creates jobs, and attracts new residents. In other words, it builds value.

“We’ve said it before, follow the job-creating infrastructure, especially the game changing investment, and you’ll find the opportunity. The Sunshine Coast is proof of that,” says Mal.

4. Regional and Sustainable Living Is a Long-Term Trend

Lifestyle isn’t a fringe factor anymore, it’s a core driver of where people choose to live and invest. Regional areas that offer walkability, access to nature, and sustainable infrastructure are seeing rising demand, particularly from Gen X and Millennial buyers.

Remote work, cost-of-living pressures, and a desire for community are all fueling this trend. And as we’ve seen on the Sunshine Coast, those factors don’t fade, they compound. This is creating new sub-markets for smart investors who understand how to meet evolving preferences.

“People aren’t just moving to regions. They’re moving to regions that reflect their values and lifestyle goals,” Mal notes.

When it comes to the Sunshine Coast, while data agencies lump it with the ‘rest of State’ as a regional location, those moving to the Sunshine Coast don’t see themselves as making a regional move. They see what is a burgeoning city, with the capacity to be a world standing and leading city.

“The Sunshine Coast offering and story isn’t one of a regional town. It stands alone as a ‘once in history’ set of circumstances and a path to global significance. It will lead the nation as Australia’s home of tech and innovation (as Australia’s own Silicon Valley) with an unmatched lifestyle, employment, climate, connectivity and purpose designed city confluence that won’t be found anywhere else or be able to be replicated,” Mal emphasises.

The Investor Property View

Growth isn’t just happening in the obvious places anymore. To stay ahead, you need more than a postcode, you need to understand what’s behind the shift. At Investor Property, we track the movements that matter: people, infrastructure, policy, and data. If you want to build a future-focused strategy that goes beyond headlines, we’re ready to help.

Ready to align your investment strategy with where the growth is actually happening? Talk to the Investor Property team today. We’ll help you review your portfolio or map out your next move, backed by a decade of accurate predictions, real-time data, and deep local insight.