A few years back, during the COVID chaos, you could pick up a house and land package in new Sunshine Coast communities like Aura or Harmony for around $550,000. Fast forward to now, and some of those same homes are topping $1 million. Yep, you read that right.

It’s the sort of market shift that makes you wonder, was it luck, good timing, or just sheer grit riding out the tough years?

Let’s recap

During the height of COVID, land releases in places like Aura and Harmony were a hot commodity. There were lines out the door days before each release, with punters camping out just to secure a block. 

With record low interest rates, relatively affordable price points and construction costs 40% less than where they are currently, the demand was overwhelming. A lot of young families, first-home buyers, and tradies took the plunge.

Of course, from there it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Materials shortages, labour delays, price blowouts — the industry couldn’t handle the demand and builders and buyers copped it.

But if you bought into one of these estates back then, there’s a good chance your $550k purchase is now valued north of $1M. Recent listings show four-bedroom homes in these areas punching well into seven figures.

Not bad for a few years’ patience and a few grey hairs during construction.

This isn’t just a “good for them” story. It shows how quickly markets can swing.

• The Sunshine Coast’s population is tipped to jump by over 200,000 by 2046. That’s a stack of new homes needed.
• REA listings show Harmony and Aura homes pushing comfortably into the $900k to $1.1M range for fairly standard 4-bed family homes.
• With significant infrastructure and amenity to come to both estates, with the Harmony Town Centre and more roads, and Aura’s City Centre, we can only expect prices to hold and increase on the back of continued demand. 

A WBP Group market update flagged that supply just can’t keep up especially in the $600k–$800k price range.

What should you watch for?

• Affordability squeeze: First-home buyers are getting pushed further out or into smaller homes.
• Renovation boom: Some will buy older stock and renovate rather than build new.

Changing client mindset: Terrace Homes and smaller lots are becoming the norm for first home buyers and investors across the Sunshine Coast.

Author: The Good Builder

The Good Builder is a media platform that provides news and insights for Australia’s home building industry. From exclusive stories and curated insights to bold industry perspectives, we deliver the news and updates that keep builders, suppliers, and the entire home building industry inspired and ahead of the curve.