Interstate capital is rapidly shifting away from southern property markets and into South East Queensland as investors reassess risk, return and regulatory settings across the eastern seaboard according to Sunshine Coast based property investment and development firm Rafter Myers.
Director Remi Rafter said high-net-worth investors and family offices from New South Wales and Victoria are increasingly redirecting capital north, drawn by stronger relative value, fewer planning constraints and more favourable tax conditions.
"The shift has certainly accelerated over the past 12 to 18 months and reflects a broader rebalancing of Australia's property investment landscape. We are seeing a clear rotation of capital out of southern markets and into South East Queensland and this is reflected in our own business where our forecast gross realisation of current projects sits at around $500 million.
"Investors are becoming more selective about where they deploy capital, and the fundamentals of the Sunshine Coast region including population growth, infrastructure investment and relative affordability are increasingly difficult to ignore."
Recent research from both Colliers and CBRE has confirmed that both the Sunshine Coast's industrial and retail markets are continuing to outperform, driven by strong population growth, tourism, and limited supply.
CBRE's Sunshine Coast Market Report 2025 highlights the industrial sector as a key performer, with rising rents and land values reflecting sustained demand from logistics, manufacturing, and local business expansion. The report notes that constrained land availability and ongoing development challenges are expected to keep supply tight, supporting continued growth across the region.
Retail performance is also strengthening, with Colliers' Sunshine Coast Market Overview (2025) pointing to increased consumer confidence, steady growth in retail spending, and the ongoing impact of tourism. Limited new development is maintaining low vacancy rates and underpinning stable leasing conditions across key retail centres.
