If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to buy, that moment might be now. After a patchy start to the year, the market has found its rhythm. More properties are coming to market, buyer competition has eased from frenzied to competitive, and the political uncertainty that kept many on the sidelines has lifted.
Here’s what this means for you: there’s finally genuine choice without having to make desperate offers on average properties. Interest rates look likely to hold steady rather than climb higher. And while quality homes still attract multiple buyers, you’re no longer competing against twenty other desperate bidders willing to pay anything.
What’s Working Right Now
Preparation beats speed. With more stock available, buyers armed with pre-approval, clear briefs, and flexible settlement terms are securing better properties than those just trying to move fastest. The rushed, sight-unseen offers of 2021-2022 are done. Considered but decisive action wins now.
Off-market access delivers the best opportunities. Our established agent relationships unlock properties before they reach public portals. In a market with improved choice, these exclusive opportunities represent the cream of available stock, often in tightly held locations where public listings are rare.
Infrastructure investment creates hotspots. Areas benefiting from transport links, healthcare facilities, or major residential projects attract sophisticated buyers who recognise long-term value creation beyond immediate lifestyle benefits.
Vendor advocacy is gaining ground. Property owners increasingly seek professional guidance on sale strategies, agent selection, and market positioning. Both sides of transactions now want expert advantage.
Regional Market Highlights
Lennox Head Coastal lifestyle appeal without Byron Bay premiums. The suburb maintains exceptional value for beachside living, with Ballina airport proximity a significant drawcard for interstate buyers. Average house prices around $1.45M represent 64% growth over five years. Families relocating from metropolitan areas drive consistent demand.
Byron Bay & Suffolk Park Stock stays tight, buyer sentiment increasingly selective. The prestige market performs strongly – a record off-market Suffolk Park sale exceeded $7M. Premium-ready homes in prime locations command exceptional prices, but buyers demand absolute quality and unique positioning.
Kingscliff, Casuarina & Bogangar Thirty-four homes sold in the last 30 days across these suburbs. Current medians: Kingscliff $1.8M, Casuarina $1.65M, Bogangar $1.3M. Holiday buyers and family relocators keep momentum strong. The lifestyle appeal of these beachside communities proves resilient.
Tweed Heads & Banora Point Days on market averaged 24 days – a significant tightening. This reflects reduced stock and increased buyer urgency in value-conscious markets. Price growth of 6-7% year-on-year shows strong fundamentals, with activity concentrated around Tweed Valley Hospital proximity. Medians: Tweed Heads $1.05M, Banora Point $985K.
Southern Gold Coast Beachside suburbs buzz with activity across Tugun ($1.28M), Currumbin ($1.45M), and Coolangatta ($1.3M). Light Rail Stage 4 infrastructure upgrades underpin confidence in future growth, making these areas attractive to forward-thinking buyers.
Properties Secured in May
29 Ryder St, Uki Off-market purchase for Sydney investors seeking lifestyle property with rental potential. Demonstrates ongoing appeal of rural lifestyle properties for metropolitan buyers diversifying portfolios while accessing Northern Rivers lifestyle markets.
1/692 Casuarina Way, Casuarina Secured in competition for a local family. The duplex format proved ideal for their specific requirements – space plus community living. Competition reflected ongoing shortage of quality family homes in established beachside suburbs.
638 Pottsville Road, Sleepy Hollow Lifestyle acreage for a local family seeking space and privacy while maintaining reasonable coastal proximity. Reflects continued appeal of rural lifestyle properties for families prioritising natural surroundings.
2 Valiant St Kingscliff 670m2 block in one of Kingscliff Hill’s best locations. Secured for your local renovator clients following due diligence on the site. Exceptional value buying in a tightly held location, with over 16 groups through the first open home.
43 Sassafras Avenue, Pottsville Vendor advocacy for a local family’s sale, providing expert guidance on agent selection and marketing strategy. This expansion reflects our comprehensive understanding of both transaction sides, and ability to guide vendors through a stressful time.
Areas to Watch
Cabarita Beach Boutique developments progress alongside the large-scale Kings Forest housing project, set to drive new family migration. This combination creates compelling investment opportunities across multiple price points.
Southern Gold Coast Development Corridor High-end luxury developments redefine the skyline, reflecting growing demand for elevated living and premium amenities. Projects attract both owner-occupiers and investors seeking premium market exposure.
Tweed Valley Hospital Precinct Development around this major healthcare facility drives interest in surrounding suburbs, particularly from healthcare professionals and families seeking employment and service proximity.
Light Rail Stage 4 Zone Properties positioned to benefit from future transport connectivity attract increasing buyer attention, particularly from investors and owner-occupiers recognising long-term value enhancement potential. The Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 project continues through community consultation phases.
Local Recommendations
Farm & Co, Cudgen A much-loved local destination offering farm-to-table experiences and relaxed country charm. Stop by for coffee and fresh produce, explore sunflower gardens and animal enclosures, or enjoy ‘Picnic on the Lawn’ Sundays. The on-site restaurant serves seasonal, locally sourced dishes in a stunning rural setting.
Pixie, Byron Bay Consistently excellent dining in Byron’s vibrant food scene. High standards with the relaxed sophistication that defines the best of Byron Bay hospitality.
Off-Market Opportunities
Bangalow Mid-Century Property Architecturally significant with DA approval for studio and elevated hinterland views. Exceptional opportunity for buyers seeking character with development potential in a sought-after hinterland location.
Casuarina New Build Luxury construction 200m from beach, combining modern amenities with beachside walkability. Appeals to buyers seeking turnkey quality in an unbeatable location.
Bogangar 4 Bed home 4 bedroom, 2 bath 2 car garage on a quiet street.
More than 25 properties in Kingscliff, Casuarina and Pottsville for varying budgets and briefs.
What Buyers Are Asking
“Will rates drop further?” Most expect rates to hold steady or decrease slightly. The Reserve Bank of Australia continues monitoring economic conditions. Waiting for significantly lower rates risks missing quality opportunities in a market where good properties are more available but still competitive.
“Should I wait for more stock?” Current stock levels represent the best selection in months. Winter historically brings reduced listings, not increased choice.
“How do I compete now?” Success requires preparation over pure speed. With more properties available, buyers can be selective, but quality properties still demand quick action. Pre-approval, clear briefs, and readiness remain crucial.
Compass News
Team Growth Strong, consistent growth across all areas. Five dedicated professionals now service Northern NSW and Southern Gold Coast regions. The team inspects over 50 properties weekly and maintains access to exclusive off-market listings.
Enclave Development Launch We attended the official launch of ‘Enclave’ – Graya’s iconic Broadbeach development. Twenty-three luxury sky homes set to redefine prestige development expectations.
Market Outlook
Interest rate stability and sustained demand for destination living position our markets for continued resilience and price growth. Political certainty has reduced buyer uncertainty, while lifestyle-driven migration from major cities fuels demand across our micro-markets.
Low stock levels support upward price pressure. Infrastructure investment across the eastern seaboard reinforces buyer confidence in long-term regional value. Lifestyle appeal, infrastructure development, and political stability create compelling conditions for strategic property acquisition.
Let’s Find Your Property
Compass serves clients across diverse geographies and price points – from $600k strategic investments to $20M prestige residences. Deep local knowledge, strong agent relationships, and tailored approaches deliver exceptional outcomes at every stage of the property journey.
Contact: 📞 0476 634 565
📧 hello@compass.com.au
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