The Sunshine Coast is one of the most in-demand regional areas where Australians want to live, as homeowners hunt for more affordable coastal-adjacent options and lifestyle appeal.
According to the latest Regional Movers Index, the Sunshine Coast was the top destination for net internal migration inflow, accounting for 8.9% of total net migration, followed by Greater Geelong (6.8%) and the Fraser Coast (3.9%).
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, driving strong demand for housing that is thoughtfully planned and supported by the right infrastructure,” says Genaea Keith, Senior Development Manager at Stockland.
“The area continues to experience strong population growth and rising buyer demand due to its affordability and the high quality of life it offers, as well as its connectedness to Brisbane for employment.”
On the Sunshine Coast’s southern end, Caloundra offers a balance of coastal lifestyle, established amenities, access to health and education services, and proximity to employment hubs.
Just a short drive from Caloundra’s beaches and within easy reach of Brisbane is Aura, a fast-growing masterplanned community that’s being delivered by Stockland, one of Australia’s largest diversified property groups.
Communities like Stockland Aura in the Sunshine Coast are growing in popularity.
34 homes, 21 builders, one simple location
The 2,300ha masterplanned community will ultimately be home to about 50,000 residents across 20,000 dwellings.
“It’s one of Stockland’s flagship residential projects and is one of the largest masterplanned communities currently under development in Australia,” says Ms Keith.
The project includes mixed-use activity centres, parks, conservation areas, future schools, retail, employment hubs and extensive cycling and walking networks.
Stockland is offering both land and house-and-land packages through builder partners across its Aura precincts.
Last month, Aura opened its new display village opened – the largest on the Sunshine Coast – showcasing 34 homes by 21 builders.
“It features a wide selection of leading national and local builders, showcasing contemporary coastal home designs, sustainability features, and flexible floorplans,” says Ms Keith.
“Walking through a display village helps buyers compare layouts, experience finishes and room sizes in person, and understand how different home designs suit their block, lifestyle and budget.”
At Stockland Aura's new display village, buyers can walk through homes from a wide range of builders.
A thriving community with a connected, coastal aura
Aura is designed for convenience and connectivity.
For families, there are three state schools, a private school and two childcare centres already open, as well as future shopping centres and recreation spaces, all connected by extensive cycling and walking paths.
More than 148km of walking and cycling paths have been delivered so far, with plans to extend that to around 200km as the community grows.
There’s also a future train station planned for the City Centre, which will make trips to Brisbane and the wider region even more convenient.
From a lifestyle point of view, Aura leans into the Sunshine Coast way of living and enjoying the outdoors, with every home no more than 400m from a park.
There are currently more than 30 parks and playgrounds – including four sports precincts and three dog parks – plus a 5.3ha lifestyle destination, Aura Parklands and Lagoon, set to open in early 2027.
Retail precincts include Aura Business Park, the future Aura Town Centre which recently began construction, and the Aura Home + Life retail precinct opening later this year.
“Aura has been thoughtfully designed with convenience and community at its core. Its future destinations will bring together everyday essentials and local amenities with welcoming places to meet friends for coffee or dinner — all within easy walking distance of residents’ front doors,” said Ms Keith.
“The future town centre includes a Woolworths and an ALDI, as well as a dinning precinct overlooking the lagoon”.
Stockland Aura is set to be a lively, well-connected neighbourhood in one of Queensland's favourite spots.
Experience Aura at the display village
Overall, Aura offers affordability, lifestyle and long-term amenity in a well-connected, coastal location.
It’s for these reasons a wide demographic of buyers are choosing to build at Aura, Ms Keith said.
“There’s strong demand from first-home buyers and young families who are looking for good value, modern homes that are close to schools, parks and everyday amenities,” she says.
“We’re also seeing a growing number of upgraders – people who already live in the region and want to stay in the community but move into a slightly larger or newer home.
“It’s quite a balanced demographic overall, which contributes to the strong sense of community.”
The community continues to evolve to support the 16,000 residents who currently call Aura home, and new precincts are taking shape, including the 100-hectare City Centre, Aura Parklands and the Town Centre.
For those looking to start a new chapter at Aura, Ms Keith recommends visiting the display village as a first step.
“I always suggest taking your time to walk through a variety of homes so you can get a real feel for different layouts and finishes,” she says.
“Seeing the homes in person helps you understand how spaces flow, how natural light works in each design, and what feels right for your lifestyle.”
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