A University of the Sunshine Coast property expert is expecting to see a rise in local market sentiment at the Australian Property Institute’s annual industry information event on Tuesday 25 August.

Lecturer in Property Economics and Development Steven Boyd will chair the ‘State of the Market – Sunshine Coast’ event from 3.30-6pm at the Maroochy RSL Events Centre in Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore.

He will also deliver a presentation on emerging employment trends and their impact on the property market.

Mr Boyd said the annual event provided an opportunity for industry experts and the general public to engage in interactive discussion on the Sunshine Coast’s residential, commercial and retail property markets.

“This the only event of its nature that delivers a comprehensive view of all property sectors, including turnover trends, current conditions and future opportunities,” Mr Boyd said.

“The event also allows us to capture current sentiment, as we encourage audience members to have their say on where the market is heading.”

Attendees will hear presentations by local property experts from Savills, Herron Todd White, Colliers International and Ray White Commercial, and will be invited to respond to a series of polls using a web-based clicker tool.

While responses over the past few years have been relatively subdued, Mr Boyd said he expected the industry to take a more positive view this year.

“We saw last year that most individual markets had advanced toward the bottom of the cycle, or had begun an upturn,” he said.

“This year we’re hoping to see whether this trend has continued, and whether commercial property has followed the residential market into an upturn.”

More than 60 industry professionals and 20 USC students are expected to attend. Mr Boyd said the event provided an excellent opportunity for students to participate in discussions that would help shape the future of the local property industry.

— Jarna Baudinette