A “traditionally overlooked” suburb on the Sunshine Coast is starting to turn heads in real estate.
Kuluin property prices have increased significantly in recent times, as buyers realise its potential.
The median house price has climbed from $567,000 to $1.2 million since 2020, according to Ray White data.
No.13 Burran Court was last month sold for $1.45 million. Its value more than doubled since it was last sold in 2017 and it was the second highest sale in the suburb’s 35-year history.
The property attracted about 10,000 views online, more than 80 inspections and 20 open homes. There were 13 registered bidders, which is six times the state average.
Ray White Maroochydore sales consultant Hayden Kehoe said the suburb was getting deserved overdue attention from prospective homebuyers.
“Kuluin’s growth is largely driven by its location,” he said.
“The (home) owners often describe it as a ‘10-to’ suburb, meaning everything is within 10 minutes.
“It sits between Buderim and Maroochydore, two of the Sunshine Coast’s most established and desirable areas, while also sharing the Maroochydore postcode.
“What sets Kuluin apart is that it offers this proximity without the intensity of redevelopment, maintaining a more established, leafy and residential feel.
“Its connection to Buderim also reinforces a sense of space, privacy and lifestyle that resonates strongly with family buyers.”
Kuluin was officially recognised as a separate suburb in 1991.
Prior to this, it formed part of the broader Maroochydore and Buderim residential areas, with development accelerating following the opening of Kuluin State School in 1987.
The name Kuluin is derived from an Aboriginal word in the Kabi language, meaning black swan.
“Historically, the suburb was often overshadowed by neighbouring Maroochydore,” Mr Kehoe said.
“However, in recent years, it has begun to establish its own identity, driven by its larger land holdings, family appeal and strong schooling options.
“Kuluin has undergone noticeable gentrification. Many homes are still held by their original owners, while an increasing number of younger families are purchasing and renovating properties to suit modern living.
“We are also seeing new builds, renovations and selective small-scale developments and subdivisions where appropriate.”
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Mr Kehoe said properties within the suburb had become highly sought.
“We have been watching the Kuluin market for a very long time but, even over just the past two to three years, I’ve seen properties that were selling around $750,000 that are now comfortably achieving prices in the $1.2 million to $1.35 million range.”
“Kuluin has effectively caught up with much of the broader Sunshine Coast market.”
Mr Kehoe said first home buyer incentives, introduced in October, immediately boosted competition and prices for homes that were under $1 million.
The sale of No. 13 Burran Court has highlighted the suburb’s rise.
The property boasts five bedrooms, two bathrooms, two car spaces and a pool on a 1117sqm block.
“Elevated high off the street, it offers some of the best views in Kuluin, with a leafy outlook that feels more akin to the hinterland,” Mr Kehoe said.
“The fact that it attracted buyers who had never previously considered or even heard of Kuluin highlights both the quality of the home and the growing appeal of the suburb.”
Ray White auctioneer Dan Sowden, who has been calling local auctions for more than 22 years, noted that he had never previously stepped foot on Burran Court, a testament to how tightly held and sought-after the pocket is.
Auction results
9 Monomeeth Street, Buderim
- Sold prior to auction for $2.125m
- 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
- Ray White Buderim, Gregory Ward/Zoe Byrne
602/7 Venning Street, Mooloolaba
- Sold prior to auction for $750,000
- 1 bed, 1 bath, 1 car
- Ray White Mooloolaba, James Goldsworthy
15 Culbara Street, Mooloolaba
- Passed in at $4.9m, contact agent
- 5 Bed, 4 bath, 2 car
- Ray White Mooloolaba, Brent Higgins
3/3 Kirsten Court, Maroochydore
- Sold for $601,000
- 2 bed, 1 bath, 1 car
- Ray White Maroochydore, Hayden Kehoe
58 Oloway Crescent, Alexandra Headland
- Passed in at $2,7m contact agent
- 4 bed, 2 bath, 4 car
- Ray White Maroochydore, Jason Mills
2509/100 Duporth Avenue, Maroochydore
- Sold prior to auction for $1.19m
- 2 bed, 2 bath, 1 car
- Ray White Maroochydore, Ari Whisson
903/47-51 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba
- Sold under the hammer for $1.75m
- 2 bed, 2 bath, 1 car
- Ray White Mooloolaba, Brent Higgins
901/6 Wharf Street, Maroochydore
- Passed in at $2.7m, contact agent
- 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
- Ray White Maroochydore, Niall Molloy/Lottie Gunter
34/1 Grenada Way, Parrearra
- Sold under the hammer for $1.4m
- 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
- Ray White Maroochydore, Matthew Burke/Pam Thomas
725/11 Waterside Retreat, Birtinya
- Seeking overs over $1.35m
- 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
- Ray White Kawana Waters, Justin Wijaya/Matthew Johnson
29 Affinity Place, Birtinya
- Sold prior to auction for $1.35m
- 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car
- Ray White Maroochydore, Niall Molloy/Angus Low
13 Taree Court, Kuluin
- Passed in at $1.05m, contact agent
- 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 car
- Ray White Maroochydore, Hayden Kehoe
