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The Gold Coast property market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth, establishing itself as Australia's second most expensive property market after Sydney.
As of June 2025, the market shows strong fundamentals with median house prices reaching $1.18 million and units at $675,000, supported by interstate migration, infrastructure investment, and constrained supply. While growth has moderated from the post-pandemic boom, the outlook remains positive with forecasts predicting continued appreciation across most property types and suburbs.
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The Gold Coast property market in mid-2025 shows strong performance with house prices at $1.18 million median and continued growth driven by interstate migration and limited supply.
Short-term forecasts predict 3-5% growth in the next 6 months, with medium-term projections of 5-8% over 6-24 months, while premium coastal suburbs lead market performance.
| Property Type | Current Median Price | 12-Month Growth | Forecast (Next 12 Months) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houses | $1,180,000 | +6.48% | +5-8% |
| Units | $675,000 | +7.19% | +5-8% |
| Land | Varies by suburb | Continued increases | Moderate growth |
| Rental Yields (Houses) | ~4.1% | Stable | Stable to slight increase |
| Rental Yields (Units) | ~5.3% | Strong | Stable to slight increase |
| Vacancy Rates | Historic lows | Tight market | Remain low |
| Market Ranking | 2nd most expensive in Australia | Moved up rankings | Maintain premium position |
Where is the Gold Coast property market currently sitting in terms of median prices for houses, units, and land?
The Gold Coast property market has reached premium territory as of June 2025, with house prices now ranking as Australia's second most expensive after Sydney.
Houses across the Gold Coast region have a median price of $1,180,000, representing a significant milestone for the market. This places the Gold Coast ahead of most capital cities including Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Units maintain a median price of $675,000, making them relatively more accessible but still commanding premium prices compared to most Australian markets.
Land valuations continue their upward trajectory with new values taking effect from June 30, 2025. While specific median prices vary significantly by suburb, the overall trend shows substantial increases across most areas. Premium coastal suburbs like Burleigh Heads and Mermaid Beach command the highest land values, while growth corridor areas like Pacific Pines and Maudsland offer more affordable entry points.
The market's elevation to second place nationally reflects the Gold Coast's transformation from a holiday destination to a serious lifestyle and investment hub. This positioning indicates strong underlying demand and limited supply constraints that continue to support high valuations.
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How have property prices changed over the past 3, 6, and 12 months in different suburbs of the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast property market has demonstrated consistent growth across multiple timeframes, with units slightly outperforming houses in recent periods.
Over the past three months leading to June 2025, house prices increased by 2.97% while unit prices rose by 2.99%. This quarterly performance shows sustained momentum despite the market moving past its post-pandemic peak growth phase. The similar growth rates between houses and units indicate broad-based demand across property types.
The six-month period shows continued positive trajectory, though growth has moderated from the exceptional pandemic-era increases. Most suburbs continue recording solid quarterly gains, with the market displaying resilience against broader economic headwinds. Premium coastal areas maintain their strong performance while emerging suburbs in growth corridors show consistent appreciation.
Annual performance over the past 12 months reveals houses up 6.48% and units up 7.19% across the Gold Coast region. Standout suburban performers include Gilston with house price growth of 12.2%, while unit markets in Coolangatta (+8.9%) and Benowa (+16.8%) significantly outperformed the broader market. These variations reflect local supply-demand dynamics and suburb-specific factors like infrastructure improvements and lifestyle appeal.
The consistent growth pattern across different timeframes demonstrates market stability and suggests underlying fundamentals remain strong despite broader economic uncertainties.
What are the short-term, medium-term, and long-term forecasts for property prices in the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast property market forecasts show continued growth across all timeframes, with expectations of accelerating appreciation as interest rates decline and infrastructure projects advance.
| Timeframe | Forecast Growth | Key Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term (Next 6 months) | 3-5% | Interest rate cuts, tight supply, strong demand |
| Medium-term (6-24 months) | 5-8% | Interstate migration, infrastructure projects, premium suburb performance |
| Long-term (3-5 years) | Potential to reach $1.7M houses | Ongoing lifestyle appeal, 2032 Olympics preparation, supply constraints |
| Premium coastal suburbs | Above average growth | Limited beachfront supply, lifestyle demand |
| Growth corridor suburbs | Strong family market growth | New infrastructure, family migration patterns |
| Investment grade units | Steady appreciation | Rental demand, low vacancy rates |
| Land development areas | Development-driven growth | Master-planned communities, infrastructure timing |
Which suburbs are showing the strongest signs of growth or decline right now, and what's driving those trends?
Several Gold Coast suburbs are demonstrating exceptional growth momentum, driven by distinct local factors and broader market trends.
The strongest performing house markets include Gilston, Pacific Pines, Southport, Ashmore, Maudsland, Carrara, Tamborine Mountain, and Arundel, all of which have now crossed the $1 million median threshold. These suburbs benefit from family appeal, infrastructure connectivity, and positioning in growth corridors. Gilston's 12.2% annual growth reflects its premium lifestyle positioning and limited supply of quality homes.
Unit markets show standout performance in Benowa (+16.8%), Coolangatta (+8.9%), Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Mermaid Beach, and Broadbeach. These coastal and near-coastal locations capitalize on lifestyle demand, renovation potential, and strong rental markets. Benowa's exceptional performance reflects its canal-front appeal and proximity to premium amenities.
Growth drivers across these high-performing suburbs include interstate migration patterns, with buyers seeking lifestyle and value compared to Sydney and Melbourne markets. Infrastructure improvements, including light rail extensions and motorway upgrades, enhance connectivity and appeal. Limited new housing supply in established areas constrains inventory and supports price appreciation.
Most suburbs have avoided significant decline, instead showing moderation from peak pandemic-era growth rates. Even areas with slower growth remain well above pre-pandemic levels, indicating broad market strength rather than localized weakness.
How are vacancy rates and rental yields evolving across the Gold Coast, and how do they compare by suburb and property type?
The Gold Coast rental market maintains exceptional tightness with vacancy rates at historic lows across most suburbs, creating a landlord-favorable environment.
Rental yields currently average around 4.1% for houses and 5.3% for units across the Gold Coast region. These yields reflect the market's premium pricing while still offering competitive returns for investors. Units provide superior yield performance due to their lower purchase prices relative to rental income potential.
Premium coastal suburbs like Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach, and Broadbeach experience the lowest vacancy rates due to high lifestyle demand from both permanent residents and short-term accommodation seekers. These areas command premium rents but offer lower yields due to high purchase prices. Competition for quality rental properties remains intense in these locations.
Suburbs like Southport, Labrador, and Palm Beach offer stronger rental yields while maintaining low vacancy rates. These areas provide better value propositions for investors seeking income-focused strategies. Their proximity to employment centers and transport links supports consistent rental demand from both families and professionals.
The tight rental market reflects broader supply constraints and continued population growth. New rental supply remains limited due to high construction costs and lengthy approval processes, supporting ongoing rental growth and yield stability across most property types and locations.
What types of properties are in highest demand and which ones are oversupplied?
Demand patterns across the Gold Coast property market show clear preferences for certain property types and locations, with supply constraints affecting availability.
- Houses in established suburbs: Highest demand category, particularly in coastal and infrastructure-rich areas. Limited supply drives competition and price growth.
- Premium lifestyle units: Strong demand in beachside locations and master-planned communities. Buyers seek quality finishes and lifestyle amenities.
- Family homes in growth corridors: Consistent demand from interstate migrants and local upgraders seeking space and value.
- Investment-grade units: Sought after for rental returns, particularly in areas with strong yield potential and low vacancy rates.
- Canal-front and waterfront properties: Premium demand with extremely limited supply driving exceptional price performance.
Oversupply concerns remain minimal across most property categories, though some distinctions exist. Older apartment buildings in less desirable locations face more competition, but overall unit supply remains constrained. New housing supply is severely limited by high construction costs, labor shortages, and lengthy approval processes.
The lack of oversupply reflects planning constraints, infrastructure limitations, and development costs rather than weak demand. This supply-demand imbalance continues supporting price growth across most property types and locations.
Development sites and land for future housing remain in high demand, indicating expectations of continued residential growth despite supply challenges.
What are the most common price ranges for buyers today, and how do buyer demographics differ by area?
Gold Coast property buyers concentrate their activity in specific price brackets that reflect both market positioning and demographic preferences.
The most active price range for houses spans $800,000 to $1.5 million, capturing the majority of market transactions. This range accommodates both local upgraders and interstate migrants seeking premium lifestyle locations. For units, buyers predominantly operate in the $600,000 to $900,000 bracket, offering more accessible entry points while maintaining quality and location appeal.
Coastal and premium lifestyle suburbs attract distinct demographic groups. Downsizers and retirees gravitate toward established beachside areas like Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach, and Broadbeach, seeking low-maintenance living with lifestyle amenities. These buyers often possess strong purchasing power from previous property sales in expensive markets like Sydney or Melbourne.
Inland and northern growth corridors appeal primarily to families and first-home buyers. Areas like Pacific Pines, Maudsland, and Carrara offer larger properties and better value propositions for families requiring space and proximity to schools and employment centers. These demographics prioritize functionality and growth potential over immediate coastal access.
Interstate migrants form a significant proportion of buyers across most price ranges, bringing equity from expensive southern markets and seeking lifestyle improvements. This migration pattern supports sustained demand across multiple suburbs and property types.
How does the investment potential vary between buying to live in, renting out, or flipping for resale across different suburbs?
Investment strategies on the Gold Coast require suburb-specific approaches, with different areas offering advantages for distinct investment goals.
Owner-occupiers achieve best value in established suburbs with strong infrastructure and lifestyle appeal. Areas like Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, and Broadbeach provide excellent lifestyle outcomes with solid capital growth prospects. Growth corridor suburbs like Pacific Pines and Maudsland offer family-friendly environments with infrastructure connectivity and potential for appreciation as development continues.
| Investment Strategy | Best Suburbs | Expected Returns |
|---|---|---|
| Owner-Occupier | Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Broadbeach, Pacific Pines | Lifestyle + capital growth |
| Rental Investment | Southport, Labrador, Palm Beach, Surfers Paradise | 4-6% yields + low vacancy |
| Renovation/Flip | Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach, Benowa, Carrara | 15-25% profit potential |
| Land Banking | Growth corridor areas, master-planned communities | Long-term appreciation |
| Holiday Rental | Beachfront locations, Surfers Paradise | Higher yields + capital growth |
| Family Investment | School catchment areas, transport corridors | Stable growth + rental demand |
| Premium Investment | Waterfront, exclusive suburbs | Capital growth focus |
What infrastructure or economic developments are planned that could impact property values in the short or long term?
Major infrastructure projects across the Gold Coast will significantly influence property values, with timing and proximity determining impact levels.
Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 represents the most significant near-term infrastructure development, extending connectivity and enhancing property values along the route. Properties within walking distance of planned stations show particular promise for appreciation as the project advances toward completion. The light rail network improves accessibility and reduces car dependency, particularly valuable for unit developments and transit-oriented communities.
M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades continue addressing traffic congestion and improving connectivity to Brisbane and southern markets. These improvements particularly benefit northern Gold Coast suburbs and growth corridors by reducing travel times and enhancing accessibility for commuters and businesses.
The 2032 Brisbane Olympics serves as a long-term catalyst for infrastructure investment and population growth. Venue developments, transport improvements, and accommodation expansions will create lasting benefits for the broader Gold Coast region. Properties in areas designated for Olympic-related infrastructure or likely to benefit from increased tourism and population show strong long-term potential.
New apartment and mixed-use developments like The Landmark contribute to urban density and amenity improvements in key locations. These projects enhance local employment opportunities and lifestyle offerings while potentially affecting nearby property values through increased density and competition.
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How accessible is financing right now for different types of buyers, and what impact is this having on market activity?
Financing conditions have improved significantly for Gold Coast property buyers, with interest rate cuts enhancing borrowing capacity and market activity.
Recent interest rate reductions have made borrowing more accessible across all buyer categories, with further cuts anticipated over the next 12-18 months. This improved accessibility particularly benefits upgraders and investors who can leverage existing equity to enter or expand in the Gold Coast market. Lower rates reduce monthly repayments and increase borrowing capacity for given income levels.
First-home buyers benefit from both improved rates and various government assistance schemes, though high property prices still present affordability challenges. Many first-home buyers focus on outer suburbs or units to achieve market entry while building equity for future upgrades. The combination of rate cuts and first-home buyer incentives supports continued activity in the entry-level market.
Investors find improved conditions particularly attractive given the Gold Coast's strong rental yields and low vacancy rates. Lower borrowing costs enhance investment returns while positive market sentiment supports confidence in capital growth prospects. Many interstate investors leverage equity from expensive markets to enter the Gold Coast investment market.
The improved financing environment contributes to sustained market activity and supports continued price growth. Buyers who were previously constrained by higher rates now find opportunities more accessible, maintaining demand pressure across most market segments.
What are the risks to watch out for—like interest rate movements, construction supply issues, or population shifts?
Several risk factors could impact the Gold Coast property market trajectory, requiring investor awareness and strategy adaptation.
Interest rate movements remain the primary risk despite current positive trends. While further cuts are anticipated, economic conditions could shift toward rate increases if inflation concerns emerge. Higher rates would reduce borrowing capacity and potentially moderate demand, particularly affecting highly leveraged buyers and investors. Market participants should stress-test their positions against rate increases of 1-2%.
Construction supply issues continue constraining new housing development across the Gold Coast. Material costs, labor shortages, and lengthy approval processes limit new supply and support existing property values. However, these constraints also risk limiting market growth if demand significantly exceeds supply capacity. Buyers may face reduced choice and continued price pressure from supply limitations.
Population shift patterns currently favor the Gold Coast but could moderate if affordability worsens or economic conditions change. The region depends heavily on interstate migration for demand support, making it vulnerable to shifts in migration patterns or economic conditions in source markets like Sydney and Melbourne.
Economic dependency on tourism and related industries creates vulnerability to external shocks or changes in travel patterns. While the market has diversified beyond tourism, significant economic disruption could impact employment and property demand across multiple sectors.
If you're looking to buy now, which specific suburbs and property types offer the best opportunities for value or growth depending on your goal?
Strategic buying opportunities in the Gold Coast market vary significantly based on investment objectives and risk tolerance.
For owner-occupiers prioritizing lifestyle and amenity, Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, and Broadbeach offer established infrastructure, beachside lifestyle, and strong capital growth prospects. These areas provide excellent liveability with reasonable expectations for continued appreciation. Families should consider Pacific Pines and Maudsland for space, value, and proximity to growth corridor infrastructure.
Rental investors should focus on Southport, Labrador, Palm Beach, and Surfers Paradise for optimal yield-to-price ratios combined with low vacancy rates. These suburbs offer strong rental demand from diverse tenant demographics while maintaining reasonable purchase prices relative to rental income potential. Units in these areas typically provide superior yields compared to houses.
Renovation and resale opportunities exist primarily in Burleigh Heads, Mermaid Beach, Benowa, and Carrara, where gentrification trends and premium positioning support value-adding strategies. Properties requiring cosmetic or moderate structural improvements offer potential for significant profit margins in these appreciation-focused markets.
Buyers should prioritize properties near infrastructure projects, established amenities, or areas with limited future supply. Quality locations with transport connectivity, school catchments, and lifestyle appeal provide the strongest foundations for sustained performance across changing market conditions.
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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 as of June 2025 demonstrates remarkable strength and resilience, positioning itself as one of Australia's premier real estate destinations.
With median house prices reaching $1.18 million and continued growth forecasts of 5-8% over the next 6-24 months, the market offers compelling opportunities for both owner-occupiers and investors seeking lifestyle and returns.
Sources
- Hinterland Realty - Gold Coast Property Market Update
- Smart Property Investment - Gold Coast 2nd Most Expensive
- Queensland Government - Land Valuations
- Australian Property Update - Gold Coast Market Position
- RealEstate.com.au - Property Price Surge
- RealEstate.com.au - Gold Coast Million Dollar Markets
- LJ Hooker - Gold Coast Market Insights 2025
- Bargoti Real Estate - Market Snapshot 2025
- RealEstate.com.au - Gold Coast 2025 Outlook
- Property Buyer - Market Snapshot and Projections