A few years back, I was in a podcast episode about what it takes to live and work on the Sunshine Coast. A lot has changed since then, especially when it comes to housing prices, rental supply, and the types of employment available in communities like Gibsons and Sechelt.
If you’re thinking about moving to the Sunshine Coast, here’s what you need to know.
Housing prices down from the peak, but still high
Back in 2021, BC’s Sunshine Coast was in a red-hot real estate market. Prices were climbing rapidly as people left urban centres in search of space and a quieter lifestyle. That momentum carried into early 2022, when we hit peak pricing around April and May.
Since then, things have shifted.
Prices haven’t dropped in a straight line, but overall, we’ve seen a gradual decline. In some cases, we’re approaching price levels closer to 2020–2021 again. That’s a meaningful change, especially for buyers who felt priced out just a few years ago.
What does it cost to buy a home on the Sunshine Coast?
If you’re entering the market in 2026, here’s a rough breakdown:
- Condos / Strata units: Entry point around $450,000–$500,000
- Fixer-upper homes: Starting around $600,000
- Typical detached homes: $800,000–$900,000 range
It’s important to note that “move-in ready” at $800K–$900K, especially in Gibsons, can still mean compromises. If you’re looking for better value, Sechelt often stretches your dollar further.
At the higher end, there’s still plenty of room to go up. Ocean-view condos and newer developments can easily reach or exceed the $1M mark, particularly where inventory is limited.
Fixer-uppers and “sweat equity”
One of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is the return of opportunity through fixer-uppers.
A few years ago, the idea of building equity through renovations didn’t really exist here. You simply paid top dollar and that was that. Now, if you’re willing to put in the work, there are opportunities to:
- Buy below peak value
- Renovate over time
- Potentially create long-term equity
This is especially true for properties with great locations and ocean views, but that are dated or in need of major updates.
That said, you do need to be careful. Housing prices on the Sunshine Coast still have room to soften, so buying at the right price is critical.
And if you’re thinking about buying to flip, make sure you understand BC’s flipping tax rules. There are some exemptions, particularly when you’re adding housing supply, but make sure you know what you’re getting into before you dive in.
Rental market and affordable housing
Rental prices have also come down from their peak. A big factor here has been policy changes around short-term rentals like Airbnb, which pushed more units back into the long-term rental pool.
There have also been some local efforts to increase affordable housing supply.
For example, the Shaw Road developments in Gibsons, supported by Sunshine Coast Affordable Housing Society along with government partners, have added new rental units aimed at workers and seniors. Phase one is already occupied, and phase two is nearing completion.
That’s helped, but overall, housing development has slowed. While several projects have been approved in Gibsons, they aren’t currently moving forward, leaving future supply uncertain.
Employment on the Sunshine Coast, BC
Housing is only half the equation. You also need to be able to earn a living here in order to support yourself.
Trades and skilled work
Demand for trades has softened due to a lack of large-scale developments. However, there’s still consistent need for:
- Renovations
- Maintenance work
- Smaller residential projects
If you’re reliable and skilled, there’s still opportunity but you just may not see the same volume of large jobs as before.
Service jobs and healthcare
Service sector jobs like restaurant servers, retail clerks, and jobs surrounding tourism and are always in demand, especially during the busy summer season. The challenge is that wages often don’t align with housing costs, which means many workers rely on shared housing or alternative arrangements.
One area that continues to see strong demand is healthcare.
With an older population on the Sunshine Coast, there’s ongoing need for:
- Nurses and healthcare professionals
- Home care workers
- Support roles for seniors
Related services like landscaping and maintenance are also in demand, as many residents prefer to outsource upkeep of their properties.
Remote work isn’t what it used to be
A major shift since 2021 is the decline in remote work.
During COVID, many people moved to the Sunshine Coast, BC while keeping city-based jobs. That’s less common now. More employers are requiring in-office time, which makes commuting from the Sunshine Coast more challenging.
If you do need to commute, the ferry becomes a major factor. Even a few trips per week can feel like a grind, and it changes the lifestyle equation significantly.
On top of that, the return of city amenities like concerts, sports, and dining has made some people reconsider the trade-offs of small-town living.
Self-employment and business ownership
For those looking to work for themselves, not much has changed but the fundamentals matter more than ever.
If you’re starting or buying a business:
- Keep your overhead low
- Be cautious about relying on employees
- Consider operating from home if possible
- Be well-capitalized with a long-term plan
Commercial rents are high, and due to high housing costs, staffing can be unpredictable. If you can run a lean operation and have experience in your field, there is still real opportunity here.
Final thoughts: Do your homework
Living on BC’s Sunshine Coast can be incredibly rewarding but it requires planning.
Whether you’re buying a home, renting, taking a job, or starting a business, the key is making sure the numbers work for your situation. Housing is more accessible than it was at the peak, but it’s still not cheap. And employment options, while diverse, don’t always align with the cost of living.
If you’re thinking about moving to BC’s Sunshine Coast, take the time to research. Because when it works, it really works, but you want to set yourself up for success.
Call Val
When you’re ready to call the Sunshine Coast home, I can help you run the numbers and understand what your day-to-day life will actually look like.
Call or text Val: 604-399-8935
Email Val: info@vallabrecque.ca
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