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
If you're thinking about investing in rental property on the Gold Coast, understanding local yields is the first step to making a smart decision.
This guide breaks down gross and net rental yields, vacancy rates, neighborhood differences, and the real costs that eat into your returns.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market data and conditions.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in the Gold Coast.
Insights
- The Gold Coast's average gross rental yield sits at around 3.7% in early 2026, which is slightly below what most investors would consider "good" for a cash-flow-focused strategy.
- Units on the Gold Coast deliver roughly 3.95% gross yield compared to 3.61% for houses, making apartments a better entry point for yield-focused investors.
- Vacancy rates on the Gold Coast hover around 1%, which is extremely tight and means well-priced rentals typically find tenants within days.
- Suburbs like Southport, Labrador, and Coomera can push gross yields above 4%, while prestige beachfront areas like Mermaid Beach often sit below 3%.
- Property management fees on the Gold Coast average around 9% of rent, which is the single biggest recurring cost after any mortgage payments.
- Net rental yields on the Gold Coast typically land between 2.5% and 3%, once you factor in management, insurance, rates, and maintenance.
- Insurance costs for Gold Coast landlords range from A$2,500 to A$4,500 per year, and coastal storm exposure can push premiums even higher.
- The Coomera Connector and Light Rail Stage 4 projects are expected to lift rents in suburbs like Helensvale, Molendinar, and the Burleigh-to-Coolangatta corridor over the next few years.
- A realistic vacancy buffer for Gold Coast investors is around 2 to 4 weeks per year, even though the market-wide vacancy rate is extremely low.
- The Gold Coast's rent-to-price ratio of 0.31% monthly means it takes roughly 27 years of rent to cover the purchase price of an average property.
What are the rental yields in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
What's the average gross rental yield in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average gross rental yield across all residential property types on the Gold Coast sits at approximately 3.7%.
Most typical residential properties on the Gold Coast fall within a gross yield range of about 3.3% to 4.2%, depending on location and property type.
Compared to broader Australian benchmarks, the Gold Coast's 3.7% gross yield is roughly in line with other major coastal lifestyle markets, though it tends to be lower than regional Queensland towns where prices haven't surged as much.
The single most important factor influencing gross rental yields on the Gold Coast right now is the strong owner-occupier demand for beachside and lifestyle properties, which keeps pushing purchase prices up faster than rents can follow.
What's the average net rental yield in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average net rental yield on the Gold Coast for professionally managed properties typically falls between 2.5% and 3%.
The typical gap between gross and net rental yields on the Gold Coast is around 0.7 to 1.2 percentage points, which reflects the real cost of owning and managing a rental property here.
Property management fees are the expense category that most significantly reduces gross yield to net yield on the Gold Coast, with agents typically charging around 9% of rent as their ongoing commission.
Most standard investment properties on the Gold Coast deliver net yields in the 2.3% to 3.2% range, with the variation depending mainly on insurance costs, council rates, and whether the property sits in a body corporate arrangement.
By the way, you will find much more detailed rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in the Gold Coast.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Australia compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What yield is considered "good" in the Gold Coast in 2026?
On the Gold Coast, local investors generally consider a gross rental yield above 4.2% to be "good" because it meaningfully outperforms the market average of around 3.7%.
The threshold that separates average-performing properties from high-performing ones on the Gold Coast is roughly the 4% gross yield mark, with anything above 4.5% considered strong for this lifestyle-driven market.
How much do yields vary by neighborhood in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the spread in gross rental yields between the highest-yield and lowest-yield neighborhoods on the Gold Coast is roughly 2 to 2.5 percentage points.
The neighborhoods that typically deliver the highest rental yields on the Gold Coast are more affordable, renter-heavy suburbs like Southport, Labrador, Biggera Waters, Molendinar, Coomera, and Pimpama, where you can often find gross yields between 4% and 5%.
On the other hand, the neighborhoods with the lowest rental yields are the prestige coastal pockets like Main Beach, Mermaid Beach, Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach Waters, and Sanctuary Cove, where gross yields often sit between 2.5% and 3.5%.
The main reason yields vary so much across Gold Coast neighborhoods is the lifestyle premium effect, where areas closer to the beach attract strong owner-occupier demand that pushes prices up much faster than rents.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in the Gold Coast.
How much do yields vary by property type in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, gross rental yields on the Gold Coast range from approximately 3.6% for houses to around 4% for units and apartments.
Units and apartments currently deliver the highest average gross rental yield on the Gold Coast at roughly 3.95%, because their lower purchase prices relative to rent create a more favorable yield equation.
Houses on the Gold Coast deliver the lowest average gross rental yield at around 3.6%, reflecting their higher purchase prices which are often driven by land value and owner-occupier demand.
The key reason yields differ between property types on the Gold Coast is that house prices are pushed up by land scarcity and lifestyle buyers, while unit rents stay competitive because renters prioritize location and amenities over dwelling type.
By the way, you might want to read the following:
What's the typical vacancy rate in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average residential vacancy rate on the Gold Coast sits at around 1%, which qualifies as a very tight rental market.
Across different Gold Coast neighborhoods, vacancy rates typically range from about 0.8% in high-demand areas near employment hubs to around 1.5% in more seasonal or premium-priced pockets.
The main factor currently driving vacancy rates on the Gold Coast is the combination of strong population growth and limited new rental supply, which keeps competition for available properties intense.
The Gold Coast's vacancy rate of around 1% is well below the national average of approximately 1.4% and far below what industry bodies like REIQ consider a "healthy" rental market balance.
Finally please note that you will have all the indicators you need in our property pack covering the real estate market in the Gold Coast.
What's the rent-to-price ratio in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the average rent-to-price ratio on the Gold Coast is approximately 0.31% per month, which translates to about 3.7% annually.
For buy-to-let investors on the Gold Coast, a rent-to-price ratio above 0.35% monthly (or 4.2% annually) is generally considered favorable, and this ratio directly mirrors the gross rental yield calculation.
Compared to other Australian coastal lifestyle markets, the Gold Coast's rent-to-price ratio is fairly typical, though it sits lower than inland regional centers where property prices haven't climbed as steeply.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Australia. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which neighborhoods and micro-areas in the Gold Coast give the best yields as of 2026?
Where are the highest-yield areas in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three highest-yield neighborhoods on the Gold Coast are Southport, Labrador, and Coomera, along with nearby suburbs like Biggera Waters, Molendinar, and Pimpama.
In these top-performing Gold Coast areas like Southport, Labrador, and Coomera, investors can typically expect gross rental yields in the 4% to 5% range.
The main characteristic these high-yield Gold Coast suburbs share is relatively affordable entry prices combined with strong, consistent renter demand driven by proximity to employment hubs, hospitals, and transport connections.
You'll find a much more detailed analysis of the areas with high profitability potential in our property pack covering the real estate market in the Gold Coast.
Where are the lowest-yield areas in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three lowest-yield neighborhoods on the Gold Coast are Main Beach, Mermaid Beach, and Burleigh Heads, along with other prestige pockets like Broadbeach Waters and Sanctuary Cove.
In these premium Gold Coast locations, gross rental yields typically range from just 2.5% to 3.5%, which is well below the market average.
The main reason yields are compressed in these Gold Coast beachfront suburbs is that owner-occupier lifestyle demand pushes purchase prices to levels that rents simply cannot match.
Buying a property in a low-yield area is one of the mistakes we cover in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying property in the Gold Coast.
Which areas have the lowest vacancy in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the lowest residential vacancy rates on the Gold Coast are Southport, Robina, and Varsity Lakes, along with nearby suburbs like Parkwood and Helensvale.
In these low-vacancy Gold Coast suburbs, vacancy rates often sit well below 1%, sometimes dipping to 0.5% or less during peak rental periods.
The main demand driver keeping vacancy low in these Gold Coast areas is the concentration of employment, education, and healthcare facilities, including the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct near Southport and Parkwood.
The trade-off investors typically face when targeting these low-vacancy Gold Coast suburbs is that the strong demand often pushes purchase prices up, which can compress gross yields compared to less sought-after locations.
Which areas have the most renter demand in the Gold Coast right now?
The three neighborhoods currently experiencing the strongest renter demand on the Gold Coast are Southport, Robina, and Palm Beach, with consistent pressure also seen in Varsity Lakes and the southern coastal strip near Tugun and Currumbin.
The renter profile driving most demand in these Gold Coast suburbs includes young professionals, healthcare workers, university students, and families seeking good schools and commute access.
In these high-demand Gold Coast neighborhoods, well-priced rental listings typically receive multiple applications within days and are often leased within one to two weeks of hitting the market.
If you want to optimize your cashflow, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in the Gold Coast.
Which upcoming projects could boost rents and rental yields in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the three upcoming projects most likely to boost rents on the Gold Coast are the Coomera Connector Stage 1, the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 planning corridor, and ongoing expansion of the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct.
The neighborhoods most likely to benefit from these projects include Coomera, Helensvale, and Molendinar (from the Coomera Connector), as well as Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, Currumbin, Tugun, and Coolangatta (from the Light Rail Stage 4 corridor), and Southport, Parkwood, and Labrador (from the Health Precinct growth).
Once these projects are completed, investors might realistically expect rent increases of 5% to 15% in the most directly affected suburbs, though timing will depend on construction progress and broader market conditions.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about the Gold Coast here.
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What property type should I buy for renting in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
Between studios and larger units in the Gold Coast, which performs best in 2026?
As of early 2026, smaller units like studios and one-bedroom apartments on the Gold Coast tend to deliver higher gross yields, while larger two to three bedroom properties often provide more stable occupancy and lower tenant turnover.
Studios and one-bedroom units on the Gold Coast typically yield around 4% to 4.5% gross (roughly A$20,000 to A$25,000, or US$13,000 to US$16,000, or EUR 12,000 to EUR 15,000 annually), compared to 3.5% to 4% for larger units.
The main factor explaining why smaller units outperform on yield is their lower purchase price relative to rent, since renters often pay a similar weekly rate regardless of whether they get a studio or small one-bedroom.
Larger two to three bedroom units become the better investment choice on the Gold Coast when targeting family renters in suburbs like Robina, Varsity Lakes, or Coomera, where tenants typically stay for years rather than months.
What property types are in most demand in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the most in-demand property type on the Gold Coast is the two-bedroom apartment or unit in a well-connected, amenity-rich location.
The top three property types ranked by current tenant demand on the Gold Coast are two-bedroom units, three-bedroom houses or townhouses, and one-bedroom apartments in transit-accessible suburbs.
The primary demographic trend driving this demand pattern on the Gold Coast is the influx of young professionals and small families moving from Sydney and Melbourne who want lifestyle without the cost of a standalone house.
Large four-plus bedroom houses in outer suburbs with limited public transport are currently underperforming in rental demand on the Gold Coast and are likely to remain slower to lease.
What unit size has the best yield per m² in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the unit size that delivers the best gross rental yield per square meter on the Gold Coast is typically compact one-bedroom and small two-bedroom apartments in the 45 to 75 square meter range.
For this optimal unit size on the Gold Coast, investors can expect gross rental yield per square meter of roughly A$550 to A$700 annually (approximately US$360 to US$460, or EUR 330 to EUR 420), compared to A$400 to A$500 for larger units.
The main reason very small studios and very large units have lower yield per square meter on the Gold Coast is that studios face a rental price ceiling (tenants will only pay so much for a tiny space), while large units spread the same rent across more floor area.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in the Gold Coast.
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.
What costs cut my net yield in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
What are typical property taxes and recurring local fees in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, annual council rates for a typical rental property on the Gold Coast range from approximately A$2,500 to A$4,500 (roughly US$1,600 to US$2,900, or EUR 1,500 to EUR 2,700), depending on land value and rating category.
Other recurring local fees Gold Coast landlords must budget for annually include water service charges (often A$600 to A$1,000), and potentially Queensland land tax if total taxable landholdings exceed the threshold, though many single-property investors pay zero land tax.
These taxes and fees typically represent around 5% to 10% of gross rental income on the Gold Coast, with the exact percentage depending heavily on whether land tax applies to your situation.
By the way, we cover all the hidden fees and taxes in our property pack covering the real estate market in the Gold Coast.
What insurance, maintenance, and annual repair costs should landlords budget in the Gold Coast right now?
Annual landlord insurance on the Gold Coast typically costs between A$2,500 and A$4,500 (roughly US$1,600 to US$2,900, or EUR 1,500 to EUR 2,700), with coastal and flood-prone areas often sitting at the higher end due to storm exposure.
A recommended annual maintenance and repair budget for Gold Coast rental properties is around 0.5% to 1% of property value, or roughly 5% to 10% of annual rent, to cover routine upkeep and unexpected issues.
The type of repair expense that most commonly catches Gold Coast landlords off guard is weather-related damage from storms and humidity, which can lead to unexpected roof, gutter, and exterior maintenance costs.
In total, Gold Coast landlords should realistically budget A$5,000 to A$10,000 annually (approximately US$3,200 to US$6,500, or EUR 3,000 to EUR 6,000) for the combined cost of insurance, maintenance, and repairs.
Which utilities do landlords typically pay, and what do they cost in the Gold Coast right now?
On the Gold Coast, landlords typically cover water service charges and sometimes water usage (depending on metering compliance), while tenants are responsible for electricity, gas, and internet.
The estimated monthly cost for landlord-paid utilities on a typical Gold Coast rental unit is around A$50 to A$100 (roughly US$32 to US$65, or EUR 30 to EUR 60), mainly covering water service fees and any common area contributions through body corporate levies.
What does full-service property management cost, including leasing, in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, full-service property management on the Gold Coast typically costs around 8% to 10% of weekly rent as an ongoing fee, which works out to roughly A$350 to A$450 monthly (approximately US$225 to US$290, or EUR 210 to EUR 270) on a median-priced rental.
On top of ongoing management, the typical leasing or tenant-placement fee on the Gold Coast is equivalent to one to two weeks' rent (roughly A$800 to A$1,500, or US$520 to US$970, or EUR 480 to EUR 900) each time a new tenant is placed.
What's a realistic vacancy buffer in the Gold Coast as of 2026?
As of early 2026, Gold Coast landlords should set aside around 3% to 5% of annual rental income as a vacancy buffer, even though the market-wide vacancy rate is much lower.
In practical terms, Gold Coast landlords typically experience around 2 to 4 weeks of vacancy per year, accounting for tenant changeovers and any time needed for minor repairs between tenancies.
Buying real estate in the Gold Coast can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about the Gold Coast, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| SQM Research - Weekly Rents | SQM is a long-running Australian property research firm with transparent, repeatable data publication. | We took the week-ending 20 January 2026 asking-rent levels for houses, units, and combined. We then annualized weekly rents to compute gross yields. |
| SQM Research - Asking Prices | It provides a consistent, publicly available time series widely referenced in Australian housing commentary. | We used the week-ending 20 January 2026 asking-price levels for houses, units, and combined. We paired these with SQM weekly rents to estimate gross yields. |
| SQM Research - Vacancy Methodology | It explains exactly how vacancy is calculated, which is essential for credibility and understanding limitations. | We used SQM's methodology to frame what "vacancy" means. We then triangulated a Gold Coast vacancy estimate using REIQ and media reporting. |
| SQM Research - National Vacancy Report | It's a primary-source publication from a major market data provider with clear dates and definitions. | We used it to anchor the national rental vacancy backdrop going into early 2026. We then localized to the Gold Coast using Queensland indicators. |
| REIQ - Vacancy Commentary | REIQ is the peak body for real estate professionals in Queensland and publishes regular vacancy reporting. | We used REIQ to confirm Queensland-wide rental tightness and the "healthy vacancy range" framing. We translated that into what "tight" means for Gold Coast yields. |
| ABC News - Queensland Vacancy | ABC is a highly reputable national broadcaster that clearly attributes its claims to underlying datasets. | We used it as an independent cross-check that Queensland vacancy was around 1% heading into 2026. We applied that to support our Gold Coast vacancy estimate. |
| Australian Bureau of Statistics | Australia's official statistics agency with documented and stable definitions and methods. | We used ABS to sanity-check the broader rental environment. We kept yield math local to the Gold Coast but used ABS as macro context. |
| City of Gold Coast - Rates | It's the official local government source explaining how rates are calculated and what charges exist. | We used it to list the recurring council charges that typically hit net yield. We also explained why rates vary by land value and property category. |
| Queensland Revenue Office - Land Tax | QRO is the official state tax authority with primary-source thresholds and rules. | We used it to explain when land tax applies and why many single-property investors pay zero. We built realistic net yield scenarios with and without land tax. |
| Queensland Revenue Office - Transfer Duty | Official state tax rates that are updated and published for public access. | We used it to flag that upfront transaction costs affect true ROI if you buy and sell quickly. We kept main yield numbers property-level focused. |
| Queensland Government - Management Fees | Official guidance that defines what agents can charge and how fees are structured. | We used it to break property management into ongoing commission and letting fees. We then layered typical market percentages using REIQ guidance. |
| REIQ - Property Management Fees | REIQ is Queensland's peak body and provides state-level fee benchmarks with cited source trails. | We used REIQ's Queensland typical management fee range to size the biggest net-yield haircut. We applied it directly to Gold Coast rent levels from SQM. |
| Insurance Council of Australia | ICA is the national representative body for general insurers with official industry snapshot data. | We used it to support that insurance costs have been pressured by extreme weather. We justified higher insurance budgeting for the coastal Gold Coast market. |
| Canstar - Insurance Research | Canstar is a large comparison and research publisher that discloses its quote-sample methodology. | We used it to anchor an order-of-magnitude annual insurance budget range. We then adjusted upward for higher-risk pockets common in parts of South East Queensland. |
| Queensland TMR - Light Rail Stage 4 | Official transport department project page with update timestamps. | We used it to identify which corridors are in active planning and likely to influence renter demand. We mapped that to nearby rental micro-markets. |
| Queensland TMR - Coomera Connector | Primary project documentation from the delivery agency with scope and timing details. | We used it to identify commute improvements between northern Gold Coast and employment nodes. We linked that to rent resilience in growth suburbs. |
| Australian Government Infrastructure | Federal project listing with scope, cost, and status in one consolidated place. | We used it as a second independent confirmation of the Coomera Connector project scope. We referenced it when discussing projects that can boost rents. |
| Gold Coast Airport | Official airport publication of master plans and major developments. | We used it to support that airport-side demand can lift rents in nearby pockets. We listed neighborhoods most exposed to that demand. |
| Queensland State Development | Official Queensland Government page describing strategic precincts and investment focus. | We used it to justify why the Parkwood, Southport, and Griffith University cluster has structurally strong renter demand. We referenced it when ranking high-demand areas. |
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