Renters will be able to inspect and apply for apartments at an almost completed development ahead of schedule, as demand continues to outstrip supply on the Sunshine Coast.
Habitat Development Group will open doors to renters for its St Clair apartments by Lake Kawana in late March, offering new homes to a market under pressure.
Habitat issued a media release stating that there was an overwhelming volume of rental inquiry received, so the development team opted to bring forward inspections to their new apartments, giving renters an opportunity for early access to view and lock-in a new home prior to completion.
The decision comes as the development nears completion, with the builders applying the final finishes ahead of its official opening in April.
The move comes as the Sunshine Coast vacancy rate sits at just 0.8 per cent, well below the 2.6 to 3.5 per cent range considered a healthy market, highlighting the ongoing shortage of available rental properties.
Vacancy rates remain around 1 per cent around the state, while strong population growth and limited housing supply continue to drive competition among renters.
Habitat spokesperson Karen Daly said the early opening was a direct response to heightened demand from renters struggling to secure suitable housing.
“We’re seeing strong interest from young professionals and families who are finding it increasingly difficult to secure quality rental homes on the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
“With the building nearing completion, we made the decision to open early because right now, people simply can’t afford to wait.
“We will have apartments available for rent from April, and opening early gives people a genuine opportunity to inspect and apply for new, well-designed housing in a highly competitive market.”
The St Clair release includes a mix of apartments, with weekly rents expected to range between $750 and $1400, catering to young professional couples and families seeking long-term rental options.
Ms Daly said Habitat’s focus extended beyond delivering housing supply.
“This isn’t just about delivering more apartments, it’s about delivering a lifestyle,” she said.
“We’ve designed St Clair to encourage connection, with shared spaces that bring people together, while still offering private, calm retreats within each residence.”
Residents will have access to a suite of amenities including a rooftop terrace, pool, parklands, residents’ lounge and direct access to Lake Kawana Boulevard and waterfront surrounds.
A dedicated Rental Open Day will be held on March 28.
Habitat will also host a series of on-site activations aimed at bringing future residents together from day one.
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St Clair will feature two residential towers, with 200 apartments over eight levels.
The development has already proven highly sought-after, with more than 90 per cent of apartments sold well ahead of schedule, an indicator that rental demand is likely to see the building fill quickly.
The St Clair release forms part of Habitat’s broader Sunshine Coast pipeline, aimed at increasing housing supply across the region and responding to ongoing rental demand.
