Buyer’s Still Keen, but Cautious with Kirstie Klein-Hunter
As the warmer months approach, the Noosa property market is still buzzing – but it’s not without its complexities. Jennifer Swaine consults Buyers Agent Kirstie Klein-Hunter to unpack what’s happening behind the headlines and where the opportunities lie in the season ahead.
Spring demand, but not just any property will do It’s been an interesting time in the property market but according to buyers agent Kirstie Klein-Hunter, Noosa’s appeal remains high, especially for lifestyle buyers and investors hunting for holiday homes with solid rental potential.
She says demand remains strong for well-located properties with existing holiday letting approval.
“Properties in prime locations with permits in place are still moving quickly,” she explained.
“But buyers are being discerning. Homes that are not meeting the market in terms of price, or properties that need a lot of work are sitting longer. The cost of renovating prestige properties in the area is not insignificant so a buyer considering an unrenovated property has to have the appetite and the access to funds to take this on.
“It’s a detail that’s shifting buyer behaviour and making properties in ‘walk-in, walk-out’ condition all the more attractive,” Kirstie said.
Noosa Hinterland
While beachside homes are holding strong, demand for hinterland properties are facing headwinds – at least for the moment.
“Sellers’ price expectations aren’t always aligning with buyer realities, and finance remains challenging,” Kirstie said. “I am seeing less cash buyers at the moment, and brokers are telling me that securing finance and getting deals across the line can be challenging – although with interest rate cuts, we may see some relief in the coming months.”
Fragmented market means local expertise matters
A local expert who knows where to look – and who to call – is more valuable than ever. That’s because, as Kirstie explains, the sales market is becoming increasingly fragmented.
“We’re seeing more boutique real estate agencies popping up as agents break away from bigger brands,” she said. “It’s great for innovation, but it means buyers often need someone well-connected to get visibility across the full market and this is where the expertise of an experienced Noosa buyers agent becomes increasingly important.”
Victorian exodus continues
Longstanding pressures in Victoria, including tighter rental rules and rising land taxes, are still pushing investors north and Noosa remains the pinnacle in the investors crown.
“We’re seeing portfolio holders sell up down south and redirect their capital here,” Kirstie said. “But again, they’re looking for properties with fewer unknowns. “Location remains vitally important as does the condition of the property, and if it has a short term letting permit, that’s even better, ” Kirstie said.
New rules for sellers
One of the most significant changes to property transactions in Queensland is now here, with the new Property Law Act 2023 taking effect from 1 August 2025. The Act introduces a mandatory seller disclosure scheme, designed to improve transparency across residential, commercial and vacant land sales.
Under the scheme, sellers must provide buyers with key information about a property before a contract of sale is signed – or risk giving buyers the right to terminate.
Kirstie urges sellers to prepare early.
“There are still questions about how enforceable some of the compliance elements will be, so if you’re listing, make sure everything is up to scratch,” she said.
Steps to comply include engaging a solicitor early if needed, gathering updated property documents, and completing the official Seller Disclosure Statement (Form 2), along with any required certificates.
Sellers also need to ensure disclosure is delivered correctly and properly recorded to avoid issues down the track.
Holiday rentals still booming
On the holiday side, it’s busy. Allawah Noosa – the holiday letting arm of Kirstie’s business – is managing a growing portfolio of high-end homes, many of which have been purchased by her clients as investment properties. It’s a value-added service that gives clients peace of mind, particularly those living interstate or overseas, knowing their property is being professionally managed by someone they trust. With new stock, rising scrutiny, and a more fragmented sales landscape, there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy in Noosa right now. But for those who know what to look for – or who have someone like Kirstie in their corner – the market is still full of potential.
