As 2025 wraps up, we wanted to say thanks. Whether you bought with us this year, started a conversation, or simply followed along, we appreciate you being part of our world.
It’s been a big year. For Compass, Q4 alone saw 24 properties secured for buyers across the Northern Rivers, Byron Shire and Southern Gold Coast. 72% of those were off- or pre-market. One in three had no competing buyers. In a market where stock sat 30 to 38% below five-year averages, that access made the difference.
Before we sign off for the break, here’s what the market told us this quarter and what it means heading into 2026.
Quick Snapshot
- Buyer Competition: Strong demand across all markets, especially in entry-level and family-home segments
- Compass Quarter: 24 properties secured. Our strongest quarter to date, with 72% purchased off- or pre-market
- Stock Levels: Listings remain 30 to 38% below five-year averages, creating persistent pricing pressure
- Breakout Suburb: Pottsville leads regional growth, driven by family buyers and tight supply
- 2026 Outlook: More listings expected from late January, though A-grade properties will remain scarce
Market Conditions: High Competition, Low Stock
The final quarter of 2025 confirmed ongoing momentum in the Northern Rivers and Southern Gold Coast property markets. Buyer depth from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast continues to shape demand.
Compass recorded its busiest quarter to date, with 24 successful acquisitions. 72% of these were secured pre- or off-market.
Listings remain critically low. Competition is strongest in the sub-$1.3m turnkey and family-ready segments, where homes often attract multiple offers within days. Prestige markets showed renewed strength, especially in tightly held beachfront pockets.
Regional Performance Highlights
Southern Gold Coast
Burleigh, Palm Beach, Currumbin and Tugun remain highly competitive, particularly for renovated homes. Stock levels are low, prompting increased interest in more affordable Tweed Coast options. Lifestyle relocators and hybrid workers continue to drive enquiry.
Tweed Shire: Kingscliff, Casuarina, Cabarita, Pottsville
This remains one of the most supply-constrained lifestyle markets in the country. Kingscliff and Cabarita are exceptionally tightly held, with minimal turnover. Pottsville emerged as Q4’s standout, with strong growth in early-family and turnkey sectors.
Value-conscious buyers from Mermaid and Palm Beach are expanding into Banora Point, Terranora and Tweed Heads South. A high portion of activity remained off-market, especially in entry and premium segments.
Byron Shire
Consistent buyer activity across mid-tier and prestige markets. Increased interest in walk-to-town homes and dual-income hinterland properties. Key markets include Bangalow, Suffolk Park, Coorabell and Mullumbimby, with activity concentrated between $1.8m and $2.4m.
Multiple $5m-plus prestige sales demonstrate strong demand for design-led and low-maintenance homes. New high-end developments like EADE are drawing national attention.
Ballina Shire and Lennox Head
Lennox Head continues to outperform as one of NSW’s fastest-moving coastal markets. High demand for renovated village homes and beach-adjacent properties. Multiple $8m-plus luxury sales highlight continued strength at the top end.
Compass Acquisitions: Q4 Snapshot
Our acquisitions this quarter reflect the full spectrum of buyer needs, from first-home buyers to prestige relocators:
- Cabarita Beach, 1 Palm Avenue: Prestige beachfront purchase for local clients. Featured on Million Dollar Listing Sydney and across Instagram with over 100,000 views.
- Byron Bay, 73 Butler Street: Secured for Brisbane-based investor targeting STRA-approved zones.
- Pottsville, 34 Seabreeze Boulevard: Purchased for a Central Coast family seeking a lifestyle change and modern turnkey property.
- Banora Point, 42 Kildare Drive: Acquired off-market for first-home buyers prioritising growth and value.
- Kingscliff, 60 Nautilus Way: Secured for Melbourne client as a low-maintenance holiday base.
Off-Market Advantage: 72% Secured Pre-Listing
Compass’s off-market success continues to be a key differentiator:
- 72% of properties secured off- or pre-market in Q4
- One in three homes acquired exclusively, with no competing buyers
- Rapid due diligence, strategic negotiation, and long-standing local agent relationships remain essential in high-demand segments
Entry-Level and Family Segment: Still Under Pressure
The most competitive market tier remains sub-$1.3m for renovated or family-ready homes. Pottsville led price and competition growth, with significant uplift from deep buyer demand and stock shortages.
Increased investor activity is adding further pressure across entry-level brackets. Families from Southern Gold Coast suburbs continue to expand searches into the Tweed Coast hinterland.
Prestige Market Recap
Q4 saw renewed strength in prestige markets, particularly beachfront and architectural homes in Cabarita, Byron Bay, Suffolk Park and Lennox Head.
Buyer interest remains steady above $5m, particularly for low-maintenance, design-led homes. EADE and Kloud by Graya are examples of luxury developments setting new benchmarks for liveability and design.
Looking Ahead: Q1 and Early 2026 Outlook
Stock and Buyer Activity
More listings are expected from late January into February, though A-grade homes will remain scarce. Family and entry-level markets will stay hot, with strong local and interstate interest. The prestige segment is expected to remain stable but selective, favouring architectural and low-maintenance offerings.
Supply Constraints and Construction
New stock remains limited due to ongoing construction cost pressures. Buyers will continue to favour completed or near-complete homes in the luxury space.
Migration Trends
Continued inflow from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Palm Beach, Mermaid and Miami families are increasingly looking south to Banora Point, Terranora and Pottsville. Buyers continue to prioritise lifestyle, schools, walkability and community.
Thank You from the Compass Team
2025 has been a defining year for Compass. In just our second year of operation, we’ve grown faster and further than we anticipated. That’s thanks to our clients, partners, and local communities who continue to trust us with their property journeys.
We’re proud to play a part in helping buyers secure their future in some of the most desirable regions in the country. 2026 promises further growth, new opportunities, and continued advocacy for our clients.
Have a safe and restful Christmas. We look forward to working with you in the New Year.
