A Local Buyer’s Agent Guide to Lifestyle, Simplicity & Smart Downsizing

There comes a time when the kids have flown the coop, the house feels a little too big, and you’re ready for a new chapter. For many, that new chapter is written on the Sunshine Coast. With its idyllic climate, vibrant communities, and relaxed pace of life, it’s no wonder so many empty nesters are choosing to call this region home. In 2026, the appeal of the Sunshine Coast is stronger than ever, but the market is also more complex. As a local buyer’s agent who has helped countless empty nesters navigate this transition, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that this region presents.

Here are our Top 5 Sunshine Coast suburbs for empty nesters to buy in 2026, along with some helpful tips to make your move as seamless as possible.

Why These Are the Top Sunshine Coast Suburbs for Empty Nesters in 2026

The following suburbs offer the perfect combination of lifestyle, walkability, low maintenance, and community engagement that empty nesters seek.

Suburb	Median Price	Lifestyle Appeal	Walkability	Key Feature
Cotton Tree	$825,000	Beachfront & café culture	Excellent	River & ocean proximity
Buderim	$875,000	Leafy village atmosphere	Good	Top-tier medical services
Twin Waters	$1,150,000	Golf & canal living	Moderate	Master-planned peace
Coolum Beach	$980,000	Relaxed beach lifestyle	Good	Coastal walking track
Pelican Waters	$950,000	Canal living & golf	Moderate	Well-designed community

1. Cotton Tree (Maroochydore)

🌊 Walk to the beach | ☕ Café culture | 🛍️ Close to shops and medical

Cotton Tree is the epitome of lifestyle living. This charming, flat, and walkable precinct is tucked between the Maroochy River and the ocean, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and convenience. With a median unit price of around $825,000, it’s an attractive option for those looking to downsize without compromising on location or lifestyle.

Why Empty Nesters Love It: Everything is at your doorstep. You can enjoy a morning swim, grab a coffee at a local café, and walk to the shops, all without needing to get in the car. The active and welcoming community is another major drawcard. Cotton Tree attracts a diverse demographic of retirees, professionals, and lifestyle-focused residents who value walkability and community connection.

Watch Out For: High demand and low stock mean properties in Cotton Tree are tightly held. You need to be ready to act when the right opportunity arises. Properties here appreciate steadily, so early action is important.

💡 Empty Nester Tip: Focus on single-level units or apartments with lift access. This will ensure your home remains comfortable and accessible for years to come, with minimal maintenance concerns.

2. Buderim

🌳 Leafy setting | 🛍️ Village atmosphere | 🏥 Close to hospitals

Buderim has long been a favourite for those seeking a tranquil, yet central, place to call home. Its elevated position offers a cooler climate and stunning views, while its vibrant village center provides a strong sense of community. With a median house price of $875,000 and homes selling in an average of just 24 days , Buderim’s appeal is undeniable.

Why Empty Nesters Love It: The combination of a leafy, peaceful environment with easy access to top-tier medical facilities and a bustling village makes Buderim a standout choice. There are also numerous community groups and activities to get involved in, from garden clubs to walking groups to cultural events. The village atmosphere fosters genuine connection and belonging.

Watch Out For: The sloping blocks that give Buderim its character can also be a challenge. Look for properties on flatter blocks or with minimal stairs. Single-level homes or those with accessible design are ideal for long-term comfort.

💡 Empty Nester Tip: Consider a low-maintenance duplex or villa near the village center. This will give you the best of both worlds: a peaceful retreat with all the amenities you need just a short stroll away.

3. Twin Waters

⛳ Golf course lifestyle | 🌅 Canal and lakefront homes | 🧘‍♂️ Peaceful and quiet

If you’re dreaming of a peaceful retreat where you can spend your days on the golf course or by the water, Twin Waters is the suburb for you. This master-planned community is renowned for its serene atmosphere, beautifully manicured gardens, and strong sense of community. With a median house price of $1.15M, it’s a premium offering for those seeking a truly exceptional lifestyle.

Why Empty Nesters Love It: The proximity to the Maroochydore Airport makes it ideal for those who love to travel, while the tranquil environment and active community provide the perfect setting for a relaxed and fulfilling retirement. Twin Waters offers resort-style living without the restrictions of a retirement village. The community events and social clubs create natural opportunities for friendship and engagement.

Watch Out For: Public transport is limited, so owning a car is essential. However, with everything you need within a short drive, this is a small price to pay for the lifestyle on offer. The suburb is well-designed for car-based living with ample parking.

💡 Empty Nester Tip: Look for a smaller, north-facing home with a low-maintenance garden. This will allow you to enjoy the beautiful Sunshine Coast weather without the hassle of extensive upkeep.

4. Coolum Beach

🏖️ Relaxed beach lifestyle | 🛒 Boutique shops & markets | 🚗 Easy access to Noosa & Maroochydore

Coolum Beach offers the quintessential relaxed beach lifestyle that the Sunshine Coast is famous for. With its laid-back vibe, stunning coastline, and friendly locals, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. The median house price is around $980,000, making it a more accessible option than its bustling neighbour, Noosa.

Why Empty Nesters Love It: The coastal walking track, vibrant café scene, and regular markets create a strong sense of community and provide endless opportunities for recreation and socialising. Coolum has a bohemian, artistic feel that attracts creative retirees and lifestyle-focused residents. The slower pace of life compared to Maroochydore appeals to those seeking genuine relaxation.

Watch Out For: While much quieter than Noosa, Coolum Beach is still a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for an influx of visitors during peak season. However, the locals have adapted well, and the community maintains its character year-round.

💡 Empty Nester Tip: A townhouse or single-level home is an ideal choice for those who want a lock-up-and-leave property that allows them to travel without a worry.

5. Pelican Waters

🚤 Canal living | 🏌️‍♀️ Golf access | 🏘️ New master-planned estates

Pelican Waters is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of canal living and golfing lifestyle. This well-designed suburb is known for its wide, quiet streets, friendly community, and easy access to the amenities of Caloundra. With a median house price of $950,000, it represents excellent value for a waterfront lifestyle.

Why Empty Nesters Love It: The calm, clean, and well-connected environment is perfect for those who enjoy boating, fishing, or a round of golf. The proximity to shops and medical services adds to its appeal. Pelican Waters attracts a mature demographic who value peace, quality design, and community connection. The waterfront setting provides natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Watch Out For: Some of the homes in Pelican Waters are quite large. Focus on the more compact, single-level homes that are better suited to a low-maintenance lifestyle. Newer townhouses and villas are ideal for empty nesters.

💡 Empty Nester Tip: The area is still developing, so it’s worth investigating the future development plans. Buying in an emerging precinct can be a smart way to secure a great property at a more affordable price while enjoying ongoing community improvements.

Ready to Downsize Without Downsizing Your Lifestyle?

Downsizing is an opportunity to upgrade your lifestyle, not compromise it. We specialise in helping empty nesters find lock-up-and-leave homes in thriving communities where they can enjoy travel, friendship, and genuine connection.

👉 Book a 15-minute discovery call

🔑 Tips for Empty Nesters Downsizing or Relocating

1. Priorities Lifestyle: Downsizing is an opportunity to upgrade your lifestyle. Think about what’s important to you, whether it’s being close to the beach, a golf course, or a vibrant community. Your home should enable the life you want to live, not constrain it.

2. Future-Proof Your Home: Look for single-level homes with low-maintenance gardens and good accessibility. This will ensure your home remains comfortable and practical for years to come. Consider features like wide doorways, walk-in showers, and good natural light.

3. Think Lock-Up-and-Leave: If you love to travel, a secure, low-maintenance property will give you the freedom to lock up and leave without a worry. Apartments with body corporate maintenance are ideal for this lifestyle.

4. Get Expert Advice: Navigating the property market can be a daunting process. A local buyer’s agent can provide expert guidance, access to off-market properties, and skilled negotiation to ensure you find the perfect home at the right price.

👋 Ready for Your Next Chapter?

Downsizing doesn’t have to be a downgrade. With the right advice and a clear vision, you can find a home on the Sunshine Coast that’s the perfect fit for your new lifestyle. At IPS Buyer’s Agents, we’ve helped countless empty nesters make their next chapter their best one yet.

📞 Book a free 15-minute discovery call with our team.

🔗 Book Here

Let’s find a home that suits you—not the kids who’ve already moved out!

Written by Tim Allen – Buyer’s Agent, IPS Buyer’s Agents

22+ years property investing | 100+ client purchases | Sunshine Coast & SEQ specialist

This article is reviewed half-yearly to reflect updated Sunshine Coast pricing, yields, and infrastructure progress.

Frequently Asked Questions for Empty Nesters on the Sunshine Coast

1. We’re not ready for a retirement village. What are our options?

The Sunshine Coast offers a fantastic middle ground between the family home and a retirement village. Suburbs like Buderim, Twin Waters, and Pelican Waters offer low-maintenance, single-level homes in vibrant, active communities. You can enjoy a resort-style lifestyle with golf courses, waterfront living, and community events, all without the structured environment of a retirement village. Many empty nesters find this approach offers the perfect balance of independence and community connection.

2. How can we be sure we’re not overpaying in this market?

This is a common concern, especially when downsizing. The key is to work with a local buyer’s agent who has a deep understanding of the market. We can provide you with a comprehensive market analysis of any property you’re considering, and our negotiation expertise will ensure you don’t pay a cent more than you have to. We can also provide access to off-market properties, which often represent better value than publicly listed homes.

3. What are the most important features to look for in a downsizing home?

Beyond the obvious, like single-level living and a low-maintenance garden, consider the home’s future-proofing. Wide doorways, walk-in showers, and good natural light can make a big difference to your comfort and safety in the long run. Also, think about your lifestyle. Do you want to walk to cafes and shops? Do you need space for a boat or caravan? A clear understanding of your priorities will help you find the perfect home.

References

[1] Buderim Property Market Data – Domain Real Estate