Could Mooloolaba be the Best Area to Buy on Sunshine Coast? Read on to Find Out!
1. Overview
Mooloolaba, nestled along the stunning Sunshine Coast, is a vibrant beachside suburb known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, premium waterfront properties, and bustling esplanade. Just a short drive from Maroochydore, Mooloolaba is a sought-after location for families, retirees, and investors looking for strong capital growth and rental returns. With world-class beaches, a lively café and dining scene, and excellent amenities, Mooloolaba offers a balanced mix of lifestyle and investment potential.
2. Suburb Snapshot
- Median House Price (2024): $1,700,000
- Annual Growth (2024): 19.3%
- Distance to Brisbane CBD: 98km (~1h 20m drive)
- Distance to Sunshine Coast CBD: 6km (~10m drive)
- Distance to Kawana CBD: 8km (~12m drive)
- Distance to Caloundra CBD: 18km (~25m drive)
3. Demographics
- Population: 8,745 (2021 Census)
- Median Age: 42 years
- Dwelling Types: 55% detached houses, 42% apartments, 3% townhouses
- Home Ownership: 58% owner-occupied, 42% rented
4. Property Market Overview
House Market
- Median House Price (2024): $1,700,000
- 12-Month Growth: 19.3%
- Median Rent (Houses): $850 per week
- Rental Yield (Houses): 2.6%
Unit Market
- Median Unit Price (2024): $725,000
- 12-Month Growth: -1.4%
- Median Rent (Units): $625 per week
- Rental Yield (Units): 4.5%
Long-Term Growth
Mooloolaba has demonstrated consistent long-term price appreciation. The median house price has risen from $515,000 in 2007 to $1,700,000 in 2024, representing an annual growth rate of approximately 7.2%. Significant growth spurts were recorded in 2021 (27.3%) and 2024 (19.3%), driven by increased demand for lifestyle properties and limited housing supply.
5. Education Options
- Primary Schools: Mooloolaba State School, Mountain Creek State School
- Secondary Schools: Mountain Creek State High School
- Private Schools: Immanuel Lutheran College, Matthew Flinders Anglican College
- Childcare Centres: 5 child care centres (Toddle, CareforKids, LocalSearch)
6. Lifestyle and Amenities
- Shopping Centres: Mooloolaba Esplanade, Sunshine Plaza (Maroochydore)
- Parks & Recreation: Mooloolaba Beach, Alexandra Headland, The Wharf Mooloolaba
- Dining & Entertainment: The Surf Club Mooloolaba, Rice Boi, Pier 33
7. Health and Wellbeing
- Hospitals: Sunshine Coast University Hospital (15km)
- Private Hospital: Buderim Private Hospital (10km)
- Pharmacies & Medical Centres: Mooloolaba Beach Pharmacy, Ochre Health Medical Centre
8. Community and Employment
Mooloolaba’s economy is driven by tourism, hospitality, retail, and professional services. The suburb’s prime coastal location makes it a hotspot for short-term rentals and holiday homes, adding to its investment appeal.
9. Recent and Planned Developments
- Sunshine Coast Light Rail Project (Planned by 2031): Enhancing connectivity across the Sunshine Coast.
- The Wharf Redevelopment (Completed 2024): Expansion of dining and retail spaces, boosting local tourism and property values.
For more development projects in Sunshine Coast, [Click here].
For more development projects in South East Queensland, [Click here].
10. Key Statistics Table
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Population (2021) | 8,745 |
| Median House Price (2024) | $1,700,000 |
| Annual Growth Rate (2024) | 19.3% |
| Median Rent (Houses) | $850 per week |
| Rental Yield (Houses) | 2.6% |
| Median Unit Price (2024) | $725,000 |
| Annual Growth Rate (Units) | -1.4% |
| Median Rent (Units) | $625 per week |
| Rental Yield (Units) | 4.5% |
Looking for the Best Buyer’s Agent on the Sunshine Coast?
IPS Buyer’s Agent is here to help! As a full-service buyer’s agent for the Sunshine Coast, we pride ourselves on delivering expert guidance tailored to your needs.
The Sunshine Coast holds a special place in my and my wife’s hearts. For nearly three decades, we have holidayed up there, whether just for a weekend away or a week-long stay. Even now, it’s where we talk about buying a place at some point in the next few years. This deep connection fuels my passion for helping others find their perfect property in this beautiful and serene region. We love everything from Noosa to the coastal drive back to Coolum Beach, staying at Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort at Twin Waters, Cotton Tree, or down at Golden Beach.
Whether you’re a first-home buyer on the Sunshine Coast, upsizing with the best buyer’s agent in Noosa for luxury homes, or downsizing with off-market properties in Peregian Beach with a buyer’s agent, we have you covered. For those seeking to find a buyer’s agent in Maroochydore for investment properties, our expertise as a top buyer’s agent for Buderim family homes ensures you’ll make informed decisions with confidence.
Are you searching for your first-home buyer’s agent in Coolum Beach? Or perhaps you’re navigating the competitive real estate market to secure your luxury beachfront property in Mooloolaba with a buyer’s agent? Our expert suburb profiles, tailored reports, and dedicated services will guide you every step of the way.
At IPS Buyer’s Agent, we aim to be the top-rated buyer’s agent in Noosa, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, and the rest of the Sunshine Coast by delivering unmatched support and advice. Contact us today to discover how we can help make your hunt for the best suburbs to invest or live in on the Sunshine Coast a success!
11. Conclusion: Why Choose Mooloolaba?
Mooloolaba offers a rare combination of high-end beachside living, a strong property market, and future growth potential. With its stunning coastline, thriving tourism, excellent amenities, and increasing buyer demand, the suburb is an attractive option for homeowners and investors alike.
Ready to make Mooloolaba your next destination? Contact us today to begin your journey!