Is it worth it buying property in the Gold Coast in 2025?

Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Australia Property Pack

Yes, the analysis of the Gold Coast's property market is included in our pack

Who is the author of this content?

BAMBOOROUTES

A team specialized in real estate investing in APAC countries (Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, etc.).

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in the Gold Coast. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

What kinds of properties can you actually buy on the Gold Coast in 2025?

The Gold Coast offers over 4,100 properties currently for sale, ranging from entry-level homes to luxury beachfront penthouses.

You can purchase detached houses (over 2,100 listings), apartments, townhouses, villas, and new off-the-plan developments. The market spans a wide price spectrum, with entry-level suburbs like Pimpama and Coomera offering detached houses at median prices of $830,000-$857,500.

For apartments, you'll find modern 1-bedroom units in Surfers Paradise starting around $500,000-$700,000, while luxury beachfront penthouses in premium locations like Mermaid Beach and Main Beach can reach $2-9 million. The median apartment price across the Gold Coast sits at approximately $760,000 as of September 2025.

Typical examples include a 3-4 bedroom house in Pimpama for around $830,000, a modern apartment in central Surfers Paradise for $500,000-$700,000, and luxury beachfront properties commanding $3-9 million in the most prestigious locations.

It's something we develop in our Australia property pack.

Is it smarter to buy or just rent if you want to live there?

Buying property on the Gold Coast in 2025 generally offers better long-term value than renting, despite higher upfront costs.

The median home price has reached $1.08-$1.18 million, with forecasts predicting another 10-13% price increase this year. Meanwhile, median rents have climbed to $832 per week with annual increases of 5-7%.

The rental market presents significant challenges with a vacancy rate of just 1.1%, making it extremely competitive for tenants. This tight market means properties rarely stay empty, but finding rental accommodation requires quick decisions and often paying above asking price.

For buyers, the entry barrier is substantial, but the Gold Coast has delivered 90% price growth over the past five years. If you can secure financing and plan to stay for at least 3-5 years, buying typically outperforms renting financially.

Renting suits those needing flexibility, shorter-term stays, or those still building their deposit. However, with forecast growth potentially outpacing rent increases, buyers who can afford the entry costs often build more wealth long-term.

How much have property prices been in the past, what are they right now, and where are they heading?

What are the main trends shaping the Gold Coast property market this year?

Population growth remains the primary driver, with over 20,000 new residents arriving annually, predominantly through interstate migration from Sydney and Melbourne.

The rental market has tightened dramatically, with vacancy rates dropping to approximately 1% or less. This creates upward pressure on both rents and property yields, benefiting investors but challenging tenants.

Luxury properties are experiencing the fastest price appreciation, while mid-level affordability continues to be strained. This trend reflects the Gold Coast's growing reputation as a premium lifestyle destination.

Major infrastructure investments are boosting confidence, including the new Coomera Hospital, expanded rail connections, and landmark developments like "The Landmark" towers in Surfers Paradise. These projects enhance long-term demand and property values.

Foreign investment has increased, particularly from New Zealand and Asian buyers seeking Australian property exposure, though they're restricted mainly to new developments under FIRB regulations.

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Step by step, how do you go about buying property there as a foreigner or a local?

Local buyers follow a straightforward seven-step process starting with research and finance pre-approval.

First, research target areas and secure mortgage pre-approval from your bank. Then engage a reputable real estate agent familiar with your preferred suburbs and attend property inspections or auctions.

Next, make an offer or bid at auction, followed by essential due diligence including building and pest inspections plus legal checks. Once satisfied, pay the 10% deposit and exchange contracts, then settle the balance while paying stamp duty before moving in.

Foreign buyers face additional requirements and restrictions. You must obtain Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) approval before making any offer or exchanging contracts, which involves fees and can take 30-90 days.

Foreign buyers can typically only purchase new-build properties, off-the-plan developments, or vacant land for development—not existing homes except under special circumstances. You'll also need to establish an Australian bank account and understand all applicable taxes including stamp duty and land tax. The remaining process mirrors that of local buyers once approvals are secured.

Where are the best places to look for properties — which real estate agencies or platforms are most reliable?

The two major property portals, realestate.com.au and domain.com.au, provide the most comprehensive listings and market data for Gold Coast properties.

For real estate agencies, established firms like Ray White, LJ Hooker, and Keys Realty offer extensive local networks and market knowledge. These larger agencies provide broad coverage and established systems.

Boutique agencies such as Crew Commercial and Coastal Commercial offer more personalized service, particularly valuable for premium and luxury properties where individual attention matters.

The most effective approach combines using major portals for initial research and market understanding, then engaging local boutique agencies for personalized service and off-market opportunities.

Always verify agent credentials and read recent reviews, as the Gold Coast market's competitiveness means working with experienced, well-connected agents provides significant advantages in securing quality properties.

For different budget levels, what types of properties can you realistically expect to find?

Budget ranges determine both property types and locations available on the Gold Coast.

Under $900,000 typically gets you houses or townhouses in outer northern suburbs like Pimpama, Coomera, and Nerang, or older apartments near beach areas. These areas offer good value but may lack immediate beach access.

Between $1-1.5 million opens up modern 3-4 bedroom houses in established suburbs like Pacific Pines, Ormeau, and Varsity Lakes, plus quality apartments in prime locations like Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.

The $1.5-3 million range provides family homes with pools in desirable areas like Robina, Burleigh Waters, and Hope Island, along with luxury beachfront or riverfront apartments.

Above $3 million accesses luxury beachfront homes and premium apartments in prestigious locations like Mermaid Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Main Beach, where properties often feature direct beach access and high-end finishes.

It's something we develop in our Australia property pack.

What are the most common mistakes buyers make on the Gold Coast, and how can you avoid them?

The most frequent mistake is chasing market trends rather than researching fundamental value and long-term prospects.

Many buyers fail to clearly define their needs and end up compromising on essential criteria like location, property type, or budget constraints. This often leads to purchasing unsuitable properties that don't meet their actual requirements.

Inadequate budgeting for additional costs beyond the purchase price is another major error. Buyers often underestimate stamp duty, building and pest inspections, legal fees, and ongoing holding costs.

Skipping thorough due diligence, particularly building inspections and legal checks, can result in costly surprises after settlement. Some buyers also make emotional decisions driven by fear of missing out rather than logical analysis.

Avoid these mistakes by defining clear investment or lifestyle goals, thoroughly researching target areas, budgeting approximately 5% extra for transaction costs, always conducting professional inspections, and maintaining discipline in your decision-making process regardless of market pressure.

What's the cost of living like once you actually settle there?

Living costs on the Gold Coast are higher than most Australian cities except Sydney and Melbourne, driven primarily by accommodation expenses.

A family of four can expect monthly expenses around AU$6,795, while single residents typically spend approximately AU$3,817 per month including rent and utilities.

Housing represents the largest expense, with median rents of $832 per week adding pressure to household budgets. Utility costs, food, and transport expenses also exceed national averages due to the area's tourism focus and lifestyle premium.

Dining out, entertainment, and recreational activities carry premium pricing, particularly in beachside and tourist areas. However, the outdoor lifestyle can offset some costs through free beach access and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.

The cost structure reflects the Gold Coast's position as a premium lifestyle destination, where residents pay higher prices for the combination of beaches, climate, and recreational amenities.

Which neighborhoods are considered affordable, upcoming, or upscale, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of each?

How is everyday life for expats living on the Gold Coast?

The Gold Coast offers an exceptionally welcoming environment for expats, with a diverse, young, and international community.

Northern suburbs like Coomera and Hope Island attract families seeking modern amenities and good schools, while southern areas including Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach, and Miami appeal to young professionals and health-conscious lifestyle seekers.

The city provides excellent digital nomad infrastructure with numerous co-working spaces, regular networking events, and reliable high-speed internet throughout most areas. Regular expat meetups and community events make it easy to build social connections.

Daily life centers around an outdoor, laid-back lifestyle with year-round access to beaches, hiking trails, and recreational activities. The area maintains excellent safety standards and offers a balanced mix of urban conveniences and natural attractions.

Expats particularly appreciate the friendly local culture, English-speaking environment, and the ease of accessing both city amenities and natural environments within short distances.

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.

If you rent out long term, which areas should you target, what types of tenants are out there, what do they look for, and what kind of rental income and yield can you expect?

Coomera leads long-term rental performance with yields of 4.6% for houses and 5.4% for units, followed by Ormeau, Upper Coomera, Broadbeach, and Surfers Paradise.

Primary tenant demographics include young families in northern suburbs seeking good schools and transport links, professionals preferring central locations near business districts, downsizers wanting low-maintenance living, and students near educational institutions.

Tenants prioritize new, low-maintenance properties with modern fixtures, proximity to quality schools for families, reliable public transport connections, and parking availability. Properties with pools, outdoor spaces, and air conditioning command premium rents.

Expected rental income ranges from $700-900 per week for decent homes or units in central and northern areas, with gross yields typically between 4-5.5%. Units generally provide higher yields than houses due to lower purchase prices.

The market shows minimal vacancy rates and strong tenant demand, meaning quality properties rarely stay empty for extended periods, providing reliable income streams for investors.

If you rent out short term, what are the best areas, who are the guests, how much can you make, and what are the local rules and regulations?

Prime short-term rental locations include Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, and Main Beach, chosen for their proximity to beaches, nightlife, and tourist attractions.

Guest demographics primarily consist of holidaymakers including families and groups, digital nomads seeking temporary accommodation, and business travelers requiring flexible stays. Peak seasons typically deliver the highest occupancy and rates.

Income potential varies significantly by location and season, with prime properties in peak locations earning $1,000-3,500 per week during busy periods. Annual gross yields can exceed traditional rentals but require active management.

Regulatory requirements mandate a Short-Term Rental Accommodation Permit through the Department of Tourism, Innovation, and Sport. Compliance includes meeting safety standards, maintaining appropriate insurance, fulfilling tax obligations, and adhering to occupancy limits.

Non-compliance carries heavy penalties, and hosts operating before new regulations may retain "existing use rights" but should verify current requirements. The regulatory environment continues evolving, requiring ongoing attention to compliance updates.

So in the end, is buying property there in 2025 actually worth it — for living, for renting out, or for flipping later at a higher price?

For living, buying proves worthwhile if you plan to stay 3+ years, given strong forecast capital gains, scarce rental options, and lifestyle benefits, provided you can handle substantial upfront costs.

For rental investment, both long-term and short-term options show solid potential with yields of 4-5.5%, low vacancy rates, and strong rent growth. However, short-term rentals face increasing regulatory complexity that requires careful compliance management.

For property flipping, opportunities exist but require sophisticated market knowledge and substantial capital. Success depends on buying well in growth corridors or securing off-market deals, while transaction and renovation costs are high, leaving little margin for error.

The key insight for 2025 is that the Gold Coast market strongly favors property owners due to robust growth drivers including population expansion, infrastructure investment, and lifestyle appeal. However, success requires selectivity, thorough due diligence, and smart suburb selection.

It's something we develop in our Australia property pack.

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.

Sources

1. Realestate.com.au - Gold Coast Properties for Sale
2. Keys Realty - Gold Coast Property Sales
3. BambooRoutes - Gold Coast Price Forecasts
4. Hunter Galloway - Best Gold Coast Suburbs 2025
5. OpenAgent - Best Gold Coast Investment Suburbs
6. Realestate.com.au - Gold Coast 2025 Property Outlook
7. Bargoti Real Estate - Gold Coast Market Snapshot 2025
8. Coast Buyers Agency - Gold Coast Rental Yields 2025
9. Properstar - Australia Real Estate Guide
10. Airbtics - Gold Coast Airbnb Rules