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The Gold Coast property market has experienced dramatic changes in recent years, with median house prices reaching $1.17 million as of September 2025. Understanding current pricing across different property types and suburbs is crucial for making informed investment or relocation decisions in this highly dynamic coastal market.
Property prices vary significantly across the Gold Coast, from luxury beachfront homes exceeding $4 million in Mermaid Beach to more affordable family houses starting around $800,000 in emerging suburbs like Pimpama and Coomera. The market shows strong growth momentum, with houses appreciating 9% over the past year and nearly doubling in value over five years.
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The Gold Coast property market commands median prices of $1.17 million for houses and $770,000 for apartments, making it Australia's second most expensive property market after Sydney.
Luxury beachfront suburbs like Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach Waters see house prices between $3-4.5 million, while emerging areas like Coomera and Pimpama offer entry points around $850,000.
| Property Type | Median Price (Sept 2025) | Annual Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Houses | $1,170,000 | +9% |
| Apartments/Units | $770,000 | +4.6% |
| Townhouses | $880,000-$1,000,000 | +7% |
| Prime Beachfront | $3,200,000-$4,450,000 | +12% |
| Budget Suburbs | $800,000-$900,000 | +8% |
| Up-and-coming Areas | $850,000-$1,030,000 | +11% |
| Central Locations | $1,300,000-$2,000,000 | +10% |
What's the current average property price in the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast property market shows a median price of $1.17 million for houses as of September 2025.
The overall median price across all dwelling types ranges between $1.08 million and $1.17 million, positioning the Gold Coast as Australia's second most expensive property market after Sydney. This represents a significant milestone for what was traditionally considered a more affordable coastal alternative to major capital cities.
Houses dominate the upper price range with their $1.17 million median, while apartments and units maintain a more accessible median around $770,000. The market has experienced unprecedented growth, with property values nearly doubling over the past five years from around $650,000 to current levels.
These prices reflect the Gold Coast's transformation from a tourism-focused economy to a sophisticated residential and business hub. Strong interstate migration, particularly from Sydney and Melbourne, continues to drive demand and push prices higher across all property types.
As of September 2025, the Gold Coast property market shows no signs of slowing, with continued population growth and infrastructure development supporting sustained price appreciation.
How do average prices differ between houses, apartments, and townhouses?
Houses command the highest prices at $1.17-$1.2 million median, apartments sit at $760,000-$775,000, while townhouses typically range between $880,000-$1 million.
The price gap between property types reflects both land value and buyer preferences on the Gold Coast. Houses benefit from land ownership and potential for future development or renovation, justifying their premium over strata-titled properties. Many buyers specifically seek the Australian dream of a standalone home with outdoor space.
Apartments offer the most affordable entry point into the Gold Coast market, particularly attractive for first-time buyers, investors, and downsizers. Modern apartment complexes in prime locations like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach can command significantly higher prices, with luxury units reaching $1.5-3 million for penthouses and beachfront properties.
Townhouses represent a middle ground, offering some of the benefits of house living (private outdoor space, multiple levels) while sharing land costs. They're particularly popular in master-planned communities throughout the northern Gold Coast suburbs like Coomera and Pimpama.
The price differential also reflects maintenance responsibilities and ongoing costs, with apartments typically having higher body corporate fees but lower individual maintenance requirements compared to houses.
What are the price differences across the main areas and neighborhoods of the Gold Coast?
| Area/Suburb | House Median Price | Market Positioning |
|---|---|---|
| Mermaid Beach | $3.2M-$4.45M | Ultra-luxury beachfront |
| Broadbeach Waters | $2.3M-$2.85M | Premium waterfront |
| Paradise Point | $1.7M-$2.65M | Prestigious canal living |
| Southport | $1.03M | Central hub location |
| Nerang | $910,000 | Established suburban |
| Coomera | $857,500 | Growth corridor |
| Pimpama | $830,000 | Emerging affordable |
How much does price vary depending on the size or surface area of the property?
Property prices per square meter range from $5,000 in outer suburbs to over $10,000 in prime beachfront locations.
Prime beachfront and luxury homes can exceed $10,000 per square meter, particularly in prestigious areas like Mermaid Beach, Main Beach, and Sovereign Islands. These premium locations command significant price premiums due to their irreplaceable coastal positions and lifestyle amenities.
Typical suburban homes across mid-tier Gold Coast areas average $6,000-$8,500 per square meter. This range applies to established suburbs like Robina, Mudgeeraba, and Burleigh Heads, where buyers get good value for family-oriented properties with reasonable access to beaches and amenities.
Apartments show a different pattern, with new builds in central or prime locations commanding $7,500-$10,000 per square meter. Older apartment stock in outer areas can be found for as low as $5,000 per square meter, particularly in suburbs like Southport and Surfers Paradise where older buildings offer more affordable entry points.
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What would the total purchase cost look like once you include fees, stamp duty, and taxes?
For a median $1.17 million house, total purchase costs including stamp duty and fees typically add $45,000-$50,000 to the purchase price.
Stamp duty represents the largest additional cost, calculated at $38,025 for a $1.17 million property under current Queensland rates. The calculation includes $17,325 base amount plus $4.50 per $100 over $540,000, then $5.75 per $100 over $1 million for higher-value properties.
Professional fees typically range $2,500-$4,000 and cover legal costs, title searches, transfer documentation, and settlement services. These costs remain relatively consistent regardless of property value, making them proportionally less significant for higher-priced purchases.
Additional costs include building and pest inspections ($600-$1,000), mortgage registration fees ($500-$1,500), and various government charges. Investors face higher ongoing costs including land tax and potentially higher insurance premiums.
First home buyers benefit from stamp duty concessions, paying zero stamp duty for properties under $700,000 and receiving phased discounts up to $799,999. This can represent savings of up to $30,000 for eligible buyers in the lower price ranges.
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How much would it cost monthly with a typical mortgage?
A typical mortgage on the median $1.17 million house costs approximately $5,338 per month or $1,232 per week with a 20% deposit.
This calculation assumes a $936,000 loan amount after a $234,000 deposit (20%) and current variable interest rates around 6.2%. The 30-year loan term is standard for most residential purchases, though shorter terms can reduce total interest costs while increasing monthly payments.
More affordable options exist in emerging suburbs, with a $900,000 house in areas like Nerang or Pimpama requiring approximately $4,474 per month or $1,061 per week. These areas offer significant savings while still providing access to Gold Coast lifestyle amenities.
Apartment purchases offer lower monthly commitments, with a $770,000 median unit requiring approximately $3,700 per month after a 20% deposit. However, buyers must factor in additional body corporate fees ranging $3,000-$8,000 annually depending on building amenities and management.
Interest rate movements significantly impact these calculations, with each 1% change in rates affecting monthly payments by approximately $400-500 on a median-priced home loan.
What are some real-world examples of recent purchase prices at different budget levels?
Recent Gold Coast property sales show distinct price brackets from $500,000 entry-level apartments to $4.5 million luxury waterfront homes.
Entry-level purchases between $500,000-$700,000 typically secure older apartments in central locations or newer units in outer suburbs. These properties often appeal to first-time buyers and investors seeking rental yields in established areas like Southport or older sections of Surfers Paradise.
The $800,000-$900,000 range captures modern family homes in emerging suburbs including Pimpama, Coomera, Pacific Pines, and Nerang. These areas offer new construction, modern amenities, and strong growth potential while remaining accessible to average income families.
Mid-range purchases from $1.3-$2 million secure quality family homes in central Gold Coast locations, waterfront properties in suburbs like Broadbeach, and executive homes in master-planned communities like Robina and Hope Island. This bracket represents the sweet spot for many relocating families seeking lifestyle and convenience.
Luxury purchases from $3-$4.5 million target premium waterfront and beachfront properties in elite suburbs including Mermaid Beach, Main Beach, and Sovereign Islands. These properties offer irreplaceable positions and serve both lifestyle and investment purposes for high-net-worth buyers.
Which areas are considered the most expensive, which are up-and-coming, and which are more budget-friendly?
- Most Expensive Areas: Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach Waters, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise (luxury precincts), Hope Island, and Sovereign Islands command premium prices due to beachfront positions, established prestige, and limited supply.
- Up-and-Coming Areas: Coomera, Pimpama, Southport, Pacific Pines, Ormeau, and Nerang benefit from new infrastructure, population growth, and development activity driving strong capital appreciation potential.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Outer northern corridor suburbs including Upper Coomera, Oxenford (away from theme parks), and select pockets of Southport and Nerang offer more affordable entry points.
- Emerging Investment Hotspots: Areas around new transport infrastructure, including suburbs near the proposed Gold Coast Light Rail extensions and new employment hubs, show strong growth indicators.
- Established Value Areas: Suburbs like Robina, Mudgeeraba, and Burleigh Heads provide stable growth with established amenities, schools, and transport connections at moderate price points.
What are the smartest buying choices today if you plan to live there, rent out short-term, rent out long-term, or resell later at a higher price?
Smart buying strategies depend entirely on your primary objective and investment timeline in the Gold Coast market.
Owner-occupiers should focus on suburbs with expanding amenities, quality schools, and transport connections including Coomera, Robina, Pacific Pines, and established areas like Burleigh Heads. These locations offer lifestyle benefits while maintaining solid growth prospects for long-term wealth building.
Short-term rental investors should target beachfront and central districts including Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach, and Burleigh Heads. Tourist demand remains strongest in these areas, supporting premium nightly rates and high occupancy during peak seasons. Proximity to attractions, restaurants, and beaches drives rental performance.
Long-term rental investors benefit from affordable suburbs with strong rental demand including Nerang, Pimpama, Southport, and outer areas of Robina. These locations attract families and young professionals seeking value while maintaining reasonable access to employment centers and amenities.
Capital growth investors should consider suburbs benefiting from infrastructure development, population growth, and lifestyle improvements including Coomera (rail connections), Burleigh Heads (gentrification), and select areas of Robina (master-planned expansion). These areas combine current affordability with strong future appreciation potential.
It's something we develop in our Australia property pack.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Australia versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.
How have property prices changed compared with one year ago and with five years ago?
Gold Coast property prices have increased 9% for houses and 4.6% for apartments over the past year, while five-year growth shows dramatic appreciation of 80-95% across all property types.
The one-year growth reflects sustained demand despite broader economic challenges including interest rate rises and affordability concerns. Houses continue outperforming apartments due to land scarcity and buyer preferences for standalone properties with outdoor space.
Five-year data reveals the Gold Coast's transformation from an affordable coastal alternative to a premium market. Median house prices rose from approximately $650,000 in 2020 to $1.17 million in 2025, representing an 80% increase that outpaced most Australian capital cities.
Prestige coastal areas including Surfers Paradise, Mermaid Beach, and other beachfront suburbs recorded the largest relative increases, with some areas doubling or tripling in value. This growth reflects the suburb's maturation from holiday destinations to permanent residential addresses for high-income buyers.
The five-year boom period coincided with COVID-19 migration patterns, historically low interest rates, and significant infrastructure investment including light rail extensions and new employment hubs. These factors combined to accelerate price appreciation beyond traditional market cycles.
What's the forecast for property prices over the next one year, five years, and ten years?
Property price forecasts indicate continued strong growth of 10-13% in 2025-2026, followed by more moderate appreciation through 2030.
The 2025-2026 forecast reflects continued population growth, ongoing infrastructure development, and sustained interstate migration particularly from Sydney and Melbourne. These fundamental drivers support near-term price appreciation despite potential economic headwinds and affordability constraints.
The 2026-2030 period may see growth rates moderate to more sustainable levels around 5-8% annually. Prestige suburbs could see house medians reach $6.5-9 million, while affordable suburbs may achieve $1 million median unit prices and $1.5 million median house prices across the broader Gold Coast.
Long-term 10-year projections remain robust due to the Gold Coast's lifestyle appeal, employment diversification, and continued infrastructure investment. However, macroeconomic factors including interest rates, population growth rates, and government policy changes could significantly impact these projections.
Climate change considerations and environmental regulations may increasingly influence coastal property values, potentially benefiting well-positioned inland suburbs while adding complexity to beachfront property investment decisions.
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How do Gold Coast property prices compare with other similar large coastal cities?
| City | Median House Price | Median Unit Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $1.25M-$1.3M | $900,000+ |
| Gold Coast | $1.17M-$1.2M | $760,000-$775,000 |
| Brisbane | $1,010,566 | $718,196 |
| Melbourne | $947,611 | $617,395 |
| Sunshine Coast | Approaching $1M | $750,000+ |
| Perth | $890,000 | $580,000 |
| Adelaide | $850,000 | $520,000 |
Conclusion
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.
The Gold Coast property market continues demonstrating exceptional growth momentum, with median prices reaching $1.17 million for houses and establishing the region as Australia's second most expensive property market.
Strategic buyers can still find opportunities across different price segments, from emerging suburbs like Coomera and Pimpama to luxury beachfront properties in Mermaid Beach and Broadbeach Waters, depending on their investment objectives and budget constraints.
Sources
- OpenAgent - Best Gold Coast Investment Suburbs
- BambooRoutes - Gold Coast Price Forecasts
- RealEstate.com.au - Gold Coast Record Prices
- GC Property Buyers - Market Analysis
- Hunter Galloway - First Home Buyer Guide
- LM Edge - Most Expensive Suburbs
- Money.com.au - Stamp Duty Calculator
- Australian Property Update - Market Ranking
- RealEstate.com.au - Price Forecasts 2030
- Property Buyer - 2025 Market Projections