Top 8 Real Estate Agents on the Sunshine Coast

Real estate sits between high-trust professional services and competitive retail. A property is most people’s biggest financial asset, so credentials matter – but so does marketing skill, network depth and local market knowledge. We applied the following weighted criteria:

Why third-party recognition is weighted heavily here

In real estate, independent industry awards (REIQ, REB Top 100, REIA national awards) carry real weight because they’re peer-reviewed and consider sales performance, client outcomes and service standards. They’re harder to game than online reviews. We’ve leaned into these signals — particularly for agencies positioning themselves as market leaders — rather than relying on Google star counts alone.

We’ve also been honest about Google ratings rather than inflating them. A few of the agencies on this list have ratings in the 4.3–4.7★ range. That’s not a fail — real estate generates more negative reviews than most industries because every transaction has at least two parties (buyer and seller) and emotions run high. We’ve considered ratings in context, alongside award recognition and longevity.

No agency paid to be included. This is independent editorial.

• Current QLD real estate licence. All practising real estate agents in Queensland must hold a current licence issued by the Office of Fair Trading Queensland. You can search the licensee on OFT’s public register.
• REIQ membership. Membership of the Real Estate Institute of Queensland is voluntary but indicates a commitment to industry standards and continuing professional development.
• Local market knowledge. Ask the agent for recent comparable sales they’ve handled in your suburb. A good agent should answer this from memory and have evidence to back it up.
• Marketing plan. For sales, request a written marketing proposal covering photography, video/drone, online listings, signboards, print and any database campaigns. Compare like for like across agents.
• Commission and fees in writing. Commission is negotiable in Queensland. Get the total cost including marketing, GST and any administrative fees in writing before signing.
• Form 6 Appointment. Selling in Queensland requires a Form 6 Appointment of Property Agent. Don’t sign until you’ve compared at least 2–3 agents and understand the fee structure.
• References. Ask for references from recent vendors (for selling) or landlords (for property management). Speak to them directly.

Real estate fees on the Sunshine Coast vary by agency, property value and service level. As a general indication only:

• Sales commission: Typically 2.0%–3.5% of the sale price including GST. Prestige properties may have lower percentage rates on higher base values; entry-level properties may carry higher percentages.
• Marketing costs: Generally separate from commission. A standard residential campaign might be $2,500–$6,000; prestige campaigns can exceed $20,000.
• Property management fees: Typically 7.0%–9.0% of weekly rent plus letting fees (1–2 weeks rent on new tenancies) and routine inspection fees.
• Auction fees: Generally additional to standard marketing — confirm whether included.

Commission and marketing are negotiable in Queensland — get written quotes and compare.

Distinct Sub-Markets: The Sunshine Coast and Noosa property region functions as one connected market with several distinct sub-areas, each with its own character:

Noosa Heads & Hastings Street: Prestige beachside market with international appeal. Trophy properties, luxury apartments, and Hastings Street commercial. Tom Offermann and Reed & Co. dominate this market.

Noosaville, Sunshine Beach & Tewantin: Mid-to-high tier residential market with strong lifestyle appeal. Laguna Real Estate has particularly strong presence across these areas.

Mooloolaba, Alexandra Headland & Buddina: Premium beachside market with apartments, family homes, and investment properties. Ray White Mooloolaba and Define Property have strong market presence.

Maroochydore & Cotton Tree: Central Coast residential and commercial hub. Ray White Maroochydore, TOWN Real Estate, and Next Property Group dominate this market.

Caloundra & Pelican Waters: Family-friendly southern suburbs with growing premium market. Mix of agencies with strong local representation.

Buderim, Sippy Downs & Mountain Creek: Established elevated suburbs popular with families. Sunshine Coast and Country Property has strong Buderim presence.

Hinterland (Eumundi, Cooroy, Maleny): Tree-change and lifestyle properties on acreage. Specialist hinterland agents and selected coastal firms with hinterland divisions.

Market Characteristics (2026):

Median Prices (approximate):

• Noosa Heads houses: $2.0M-$5M+ (prestige market significantly higher)
• Noosa Heads units: $850K-$2M+
• Maroochydore houses: $950K-$1.4M
• Maroochydore units: $550K-$850K
• Mooloolaba houses: $1.2M-$2.5M+
• Mooloolaba units: $650K-$1.4M+
• Caloundra houses: $850K-$1.3M
• Buderim houses: $1.1M-$1.8M
• Hinterland acreage: Highly variable $1.0M-$3M+

Market Dynamics:

• Lifestyle migration from Sydney and Melbourne continues to drive demand
• Limited supply in premium coastal locations supports values
• Strong rental demand supports investment property performance
• Holiday rental market particularly strong in Noosa and Mooloolaba
• Infrastructure investment including Sunshine Coast Airport expansion and Maroochydore CBD development
• Lifestyle appeal continues to attract owner-occupier demand at all price points

For Sellers:

• Initial appraisal — comparative market analysis based on recent sales
• Marketing campaigns — professional photography (often including drone), online listings, print advertising for premium properties, social media
• Open homes and inspections — typically scheduled weekly
• Sales methods — private treaty (most common), auction (popular for prestige and well-positioned properties), expressions of interest (luxury)
• Commission structures — typically 2.5-3.5% + GST (varies by agency and price)
• Marketing budgets — typically $3,000-$15,000+ for residential (significantly more for prestige)
• Settlement period — usually 30-60 days from contract

For Buyers:

• Property search assistance — access to agency databases including off-market opportunities
• Buyer’s agent services — available through specialist firms for prestige market
• Market insights — suburb information, recent sales data, price guidance
• Inspection coordination — private viewings and open home schedules
• Negotiation support — though primary loyalty is to vendors
• Pre-approval importance — critical in competitive market

For Investors:

• Property management — typically 7-9% + GST of weekly rent
• Tenant finding — advertising, inspections, applications, reference checks
• Routine inspections — quarterly property condition reports
• Maintenance coordination — tradesperson management
• Financial reporting — monthly statements and year-end summaries
• Holiday rental management — Noosa and Mooloolaba have strong short-term rental markets

For Renters:

• Application process — 100 points ID, employment references, rental history
• Bond requirements — typically 4 weeks rent (RTA bond lodgement)
• Lease terms — standard 6-12 month agreements
• Inspection access — limited windows, particularly competitive in peak periods

1. Are you currently licensed by the Office of Fair Trading Queensland?
2. Are you an REIQ member?
3. What’s your recent track record in my specific suburb? (Ask for examples.)
4. What’s your full commission, GST and marketing cost in writing?
5. What’s your marketing plan — including photography, video, online and print?
6. What buyer database can I tap into?
7. Will you (the senior agent) personally handle my property, or will it be passed to a junior?
8. What’s your communication cadence with vendors during the campaign?
9. What’s your assessment of the realistic price range, and what comparable sales support it?
10. What’s your auction vs private treaty recommendation, and why?

This guide is general consumer information about Sunshine Coast real estate agencies. It is not financial, legal or property advice. Decisions to buy, sell or invest in property are significant and should be made with appropriate independent advice. We have no commercial relationship with any of the agencies listed. Information about awards, recognition and credentials is based on publicly available sources and the agencies’ own published materials, and has not been independently audited. Always verify a real estate agent’s current Queensland licence on the Office of Fair Trading register before engagement.

We last reviewed this guide on 10 June 2026. Agency details, agent rosters, ratings and fee structures can change at any time. If you believe any detail in this article is incorrect or out of date — or if you are a listed agency with a correction — please contact us so we can review and update.