iSummary
What are developers paying for land in Caloundra? Current development site pricing, benchmarks, and what drives land values in the Sunshine Coast.
Source: ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group | acres.au
Caloundra Development Site Pricing
Caloundra development sites attract growing demand from developers targeting the Sunshine Coast's growth. Caloundra is the Sunshine Coast's southern anchor — the first coastal town encountered from Brisbane. The extensive beachfront, established CBD on Bulcock Street, and proposed future rail connection create a compelling development proposition. The massive Caloundra South (Aura) growth area is adding tens of thousands of new residents nearby.
Current Price Benchmarks
| Site Type | Typical Size | Price Range | Price per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard house (LMR) | 400-600m² | $650K - $1.0M | $1,300 - $1,900 |
| MDR zone site | 500-800m² | $900K - $1.8M | $1,600 - $2,500 |
| HDR / beachfront | 600m²+ | $1.8M - $6.0M+ | $3,000 - $6,000 |
These figures represent what developers will pay — often significantly above standard residential market value.
What Drives Price Variation in Caloundra
"Caloundra Development Site Pricing Caloundra development sites attract growing demand from developers targeting the Sunshine Coast's growth."
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Zoning and Height
The single biggest price driver. Higher density zoning allows more dwellings, generating more revenue, which means developers can pay more for the land.
Location Within the Suburb
Properties on or near Bulcock Street, Omrah Avenue, Landsborough Parade, and Caloundra Road command premiums due to higher density zoning, better transport access, and stronger end-buyer appeal.
Site Configuration
Wide frontage (15m+), flat topography, and corner positions increase value. Narrow, deep blocks or steeply sloping sites attract fewer buyers.
Existing Approvals
A site with a current DA typically sells for 10-20% more than an unapproved site, as the buyer avoids months of approval risk and holding costs.
How Caloundra Compares
Caloundra offers genuine beachfront town centre development at pricing well below Noosa and competitive with Mooloolaba. The proposed rail connection will be transformational.
Key insight: Properties that would sell for a standard residential price regularly achieve significant premiums when marketed correctly as development sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are developers paying for land in Caloundra?
Pricing varies by zone. MDR zone site sites typically sell for $900K - $1.8M.
Are Caloundra development site prices still rising?
Yes. Limited supply and strong demand continue to support price growth in Caloundra.
How much more will a developer pay vs a home buyer in Caloundra?
Developers typically pay 40-100% above residential value depending on zoning. A specialist agent can provide an accurate assessment.
Suburbs Mentioned in This Article
Published by ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
Source: acres.au/insights/caloundra-land-prices-what-developers-pay | ACRES (Australian Commercial & Residential Group) provides property advisory, development site sales, and residential real estate services across Brisbane and South East Queensland, Australia.
Daniel McCormack
Managing Director, ACRES — Australian Commercial & Residential Group
