QLD Suggestions on Sunshine Coast retirement apartment

In 2028, we are planning our retirement to the Sunshine Coast. We are looking to buy now(ish) where we will live then, rent it out and move in at that time.

Our budget is up to $900k and non-negotiables are:

• Expansive water views from main areas (this could be ocean and it could be waterways such as Noosa river or canals like Twin Waters)
• 3 bed 2 bath
• Garage/storage (as opposed to just car spaces - could be car spaces with storage cage)
• Not renovated (we want to do that ourselves before we move in, and we can get better bang for buck), but also not so run down that we can't rent it out

We have 2 IPs there and know different areas and have done research on what has historically sold and what is for sale.

What we don't know is what it's like living in certain areas and what the rental would be like.

Whilst our preference is north of the Maroochy river, at our price we seem to be limited to around Coolum Beach.

South of the river, Kings Beach seems to have fantastic places that tick all the boxes.

Our questions are:

• Thanks,
• D3Are there places we should absolutely avoid (e.g. Kings Beach due to its location and surrounding areas)
• Are there places we should absolutely consider (e.g. Mt Coolum for value)
• Are there buildings/areas known for large sinking fund/maintenance costs, poor construction?
• We want to meet and socialise with people like us (professionals in later life who enjoy socialising and the outdoors). Are there areas known to be populated by this demographic, and areas to avoid?
• Are there places that have what we are looking for but would be difficult to get long term rental as it is mostly holiday apartments for tourists and should be avoided?
• We have never used a BA before. Do you think we should consider this to get what we want efficiently (we have always flown into an area and bought it ourselves)?

Thanks,
D3

 

EDIT:

If you would like to suggest alternatives where we can get what we want at a lower budget and still have the lifestyle (e.g. Gold Coast areas, north of Brisbane, etc.) we are open to that too.

Thanks,
D3

 

I would try the Aqua-vista building, they have nice 3 bed apartments in sixth avenue.
There 3 bed apartments have a large balcony front and back (one looks over the water one over the oval)
Walk to the local shops and bowls club
Very quiet area but still very accessible
Only a couple of holiday let I know of which is a plus
Big layout but I doubt you’d get one under a million now

 

I went through the same process, although with different requirements and budget.

Not much choice North of the river if you want sea views within reasonable budget. You are kinda limited to Coolum beach, and there are maybe a few apartment blocks that would be ok, but the larger ones have expensive BC and lots of tourists.

The apartments in Mount Coolum don't have views I think.

Personal preference, I'd avoid all the apartments in Maroochydore and Mooloolaba. Point Cartwright will be out of budget. Moffat beach could have apartments with a good view, and I like it a lot better than Kings beach.

Regarding the demographics, well it's QLD. There kind a divide at the river, and a big divide between SC and Noosa councils.

If you can compromise (esp. on the view) I'd pick Peregian Beach for an apartment, or Coolum beach if you can land a nice townhouse. Value wise, I'd get a house in Mount Coolum or hills of Coolum Beach - or even Dicky Beach.

 

Thanks @beesy7 , we hadn't considered in town

 

Thanks @Frenchie , can I ask why you suggest avoiding Maroochydore and Mooloolaba? Is it the comparative capital growth, noise, something else?

Thanks

 

Agree with PP that Mount Coolum doesn’t have water views as the there is vegetation along the coastal strip which prevents you seeing the water. You can get some great views of the actual mountain though.

Many apartments are used as holiday rentals so it would be wise to sus that out as that wouldn’t give you the the vibe or socialising that you’re after. In fact I think the vast majority of apartments in Coolum are mainly used for holiday accomodation. Perigean Beach might have less holiday rentals.

The expansive water views might be a little tricky to get with that budget but you could get close to the beach and perhaps with water glimpses.

There are a lot retirees around, along with lots of families.


If you can be flexible about water views it would be worth checking out the ‘Boardwalk’ area of Mount Coolum and the ‘Town of Seaside’ in Marcoola (see map).

 

I know you said sunshine coast - but - have you checked out Bargara? It's beautiful and has lots of water views and lots of retired people. That whole area is great - from Elliot Heads all the way up to Bargara.

 

Maroochydore because the apartments are mostly holiday rentals and look pretty grim. Also noisy with roads etc.

I love Mooloolaba but it's just too busy and feels more like CG. I prefer the relaxed and quiet feel of the rest of Sunny coast.

Bargara is not bad at all, but not sure the demographics is "retired professionals" - also far from airports and capital if you need specialist healthcare etc.

I'd consider Bribie (nature, beach, close to Brissie, probably not a house with views, but walking distance to toe beach), and Rainbow Beach (a bit isolated). If you really want an apartment, picking the right building in Broadbeach or better, Coolangatta could also work, but don't know about the budget.

As Firefly said above, the seaside part of Mount Coolum is nice, and so is Marcoola. No sea views, and beware of flood risk.

 

Also consider airport flight paths.