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
The Gold Coast property market in early 2026 remains one of Australia's tightest, with strong population growth, low vacancy rates, and interest rates shaping buyer opportunities.
This guide breaks down every Gold Coast neighborhood you need to know, from the highest-yielding suburbs like Coomera and Pimpama to premium beachside areas like Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market conditions, so you always have current data when making your investment decision.
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.
What's the Current Real Estate Market Situation by Area in the Gold Coast?
Which areas in the Gold Coast have the highest property prices per square meter in 2026?
As of early 2026, the three most expensive areas in the Gold Coast by estimated price per square meter are Burleigh Heads (4220), Broadbeach (4218), and Surfers Paradise (4217), with Burleigh Heads units commanding around AUD 8,660 per square meter.
In these premium Gold Coast neighborhoods, you can expect to pay anywhere from AUD 5,800 to AUD 8,700 per square meter for units, while houses in Burleigh Heads often exceed AUD 2 million at the median level.
Each of these expensive Gold Coast suburbs commands high prices for distinct reasons:
- Burleigh Heads (4220): Lifestyle positioning with national park access and a strong cafe and surf culture.
- Broadbeach (4218): Convention center proximity, dining precinct, and direct light rail connectivity.
- Surfers Paradise (4217): Year-round tourism gravity and high-rise beachfront inventory with ocean views.
Which areas in the Gold Coast have the most affordable property prices in 2026?
As of early 2026, the most affordable Gold Coast suburbs for property buyers are Pimpama (4209), Coomera (4209), and parts of Southport (4215), where house medians range from around AUD 930,000 to AUD 1.2 million.
In these more budget-friendly Gold Coast areas, you can typically find houses priced between AUD 5,000 and AUD 6,500 per square meter, which is significantly lower than the beachside premium suburbs.
The main trade-off in these affordable Gold Coast neighborhoods is distance from the beach and reliance on car travel, though Coomera and Pimpama benefit from newer housing stock and growing family-oriented infrastructure, while Southport offers better public transport but older homes that may need renovation.
You can also read our latest analysis regarding housing prices in the Gold Coast.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Australia. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
Which Areas in the Gold Coast Offer the Best Rental Yields?
Which neighborhoods in the Gold Coast have the highest gross rental yields in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Gold Coast neighborhoods with the highest gross rental yields are Surfers Paradise units at around 4.7%, Coomera units at approximately 4.5%, Coomera houses at roughly 4.1%, and Pimpama houses at about 4.0%.
Across the Gold Coast as a whole, typical gross rental yields range from around 3.0% in prestige beachside house markets to nearly 5% in high-demand unit corridors and northern growth suburbs.
These top-yielding Gold Coast neighborhoods deliver higher returns for specific reasons:
- Surfers Paradise (4217) units: Large renter pool from tourism and service workers keeps demand constant.
- Coomera (4209): Family demand for newer homes near schools and the Coomera Connector corridor.
- Pimpama (4209): Affordable entry prices relative to strong rental demand from young families.
Finally, please note that we cover the rental yields in the Gold Coast here.
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Which Areas in the Gold Coast Are Best for Short-Term Vacation Rentals?
Which neighborhoods in the Gold Coast perform best on Airbnb in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Gold Coast neighborhoods that perform best for Airbnb-style short-term rentals are Surfers Paradise (4217), Broadbeach (4218), and Burleigh Heads (4220), where occupancy rates remain strong due to year-round tourism.
Top-performing Airbnb properties in these Gold Coast neighborhoods can generate monthly revenues ranging from AUD 4,000 to AUD 8,000 depending on unit size, location within the suburb, and seasonal demand peaks during school holidays and events.
Each of these Gold Coast short-term rental hotspots outperforms for different reasons:
- Surfers Paradise (4217): High foot traffic, nightlife, and beach access attract weekend and holiday visitors.
- Broadbeach (4218): Convention center, dining precinct, and light rail make it popular with business travelers.
- Burleigh Heads (4220): Lifestyle positioning attracts premium guests seeking boutique coastal experiences.
By the way, we also have a blog article detailing whether owning an Airbnb rental is profitable in the Gold Coast.
Which tourist areas in the Gold Coast are becoming oversaturated with short-term rentals?
The Gold Coast tourist areas showing signs of short-term rental oversaturation are Surfers Paradise (4217), parts of Broadbeach (4218), and the Main Beach precinct, where high concentrations of investor-grade units compete intensely for bookings.
In Surfers Paradise alone, thousands of units are actively listed on short-term rental platforms, and many buildings have multiple near-identical listings competing for the same guest pool.
The clearest sign of oversaturation in these Gold Coast areas is when your revenue projections only work at peak-season occupancy rates, because if most comparable listings look interchangeable with the same tower, layout, and photos, pricing power typically weakens first.
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 Areas in the Gold Coast Are Best for Long-Term Rentals?
Which neighborhoods in the Gold Coast have the strongest demand for long-term tenants?
The Gold Coast neighborhoods with the strongest demand for long-term tenants in early 2026 are Southport (4215), Coomera (4209), Pimpama (4209), and Burleigh Heads (4220), where jobs, schools, hospitals, and transport access create consistent renter pools.
Vacancy rates across these high-demand Gold Coast suburbs remain extremely tight, often below 1%, meaning properties typically lease within one to two weeks of listing.
Different tenant profiles drive demand in each of these Gold Coast rental markets:
- Southport (4215): Healthcare workers, students, and professionals near hospitals and TAFE.
- Coomera (4209): Young families seeking newer homes near schools and theme parks.
- Pimpama (4209): First-time renters and families priced out of beachside suburbs.
- Burleigh Heads (4220): Lifestyle-focused professionals willing to pay premium rents.
The key amenity that makes Southport attractive to long-term tenants is its hospital and education precinct, while Coomera and Pimpama benefit from newer community facilities and improving road infrastructure, and Burleigh Heads offers walkable cafes, beaches, and national park access.
Finally, please note that we provide a very granular rental analysis in our property pack about the Gold Coast.
What are the average long-term monthly rents by neighborhood in the Gold Coast in 2026?
As of early 2026, average long-term monthly rents in the Gold Coast vary significantly by neighborhood, ranging from around AUD 2,800 per month for Coomera units to over AUD 5,300 per month for Burleigh Heads houses.
In more affordable Gold Coast neighborhoods like Coomera (4209) and Pimpama (4209), entry-level units typically rent for AUD 2,500 to AUD 3,000 per month, while houses range from AUD 3,000 to AUD 3,500 per month.
In mid-range Gold Coast suburbs like Southport (4215) and Surfers Paradise (4217), average monthly rents for units sit around AUD 3,200 to AUD 3,400, with houses in Southport reaching approximately AUD 4,500 per month.
In premium Gold Coast neighborhoods like Burleigh Heads (4220) and Broadbeach (4218), high-end units rent for AUD 3,400 to AUD 3,700 per month, while Burleigh Heads houses command around AUD 5,300 monthly.
You may want to check our latest analysis about the rents in the Gold Coast here.
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Which Are the Up-and-Coming Areas to Invest in the Gold Coast?
Which neighborhoods in the Gold Coast are gentrifying and attracting new investors in 2026?
As of early 2026, the Gold Coast neighborhoods currently gentrifying and attracting new investors include Southport (4215), Coomera (4209), and Pimpama (4209), where improving infrastructure, newer housing stock, and strong population growth are driving interest.
These gentrifying Gold Coast suburbs have experienced annual price appreciation rates of around 10% to 15% over recent years, with Pimpama houses showing particularly strong growth of 15.5% in the 2025 calendar year.
Which areas in the Gold Coast have major infrastructure projects planned that will boost prices?
The Gold Coast areas most likely to see price boosts from infrastructure projects are Broadbeach (4218), Burleigh Heads (4220), and Coomera (4209), where major transport upgrades are either underway or recently announced.
The specific projects driving these Gold Coast property markets include the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 extending from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, the Coomera Connector (Second M1) improving northern commutes, and the M1 Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrade boosting southern access.
Historically in the Gold Coast, suburbs near completed transport infrastructure have seen price premiums of 5% to 15% above comparable areas without such access, though timing varies depending on project delivery.
You'll find our latest property market analysis about the Gold Coast here.
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.
Which Areas in the Gold Coast Should I Avoid as a Property Investor?
Which neighborhoods in the Gold Coast with lots of problems I should avoid and why?
The Gold Coast neighborhoods that present the most investor challenges in early 2026 include high-rise towers in Surfers Paradise (4217) with intense competition, prestige house markets in Burleigh Heads (4220) with compressed yields, and any property where you ignore foreign buyer taxes.
Each of these Gold Coast investment challenges has a specific problem:
- Surfers Paradise high-rises (4217): Interchangeable units with high body corporate and intense listing competition.
- Burleigh Heads houses (4220): Yields around 3.3% mean you rely heavily on capital growth.
- Foreign buyer tax exposure: Queensland's 8% AFAD plus 3% land tax surcharge can erode returns.
For these Gold Coast areas to become viable, Surfers Paradise would need reduced supply or stronger differentiation between properties, Burleigh Heads would need yields to rise through rent growth, and foreign buyers would need to carefully factor in all Queensland state taxes before committing.
Buying a property in the wrong neighborhood 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 in the Gold Coast have stagnant or declining property prices as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the Gold Coast areas showing signs of price stagnation or decline in specific segments include Southport (4215) two-bedroom houses (down 2.1% over 12 months) and Surfers Paradise (4217) houses (showing negative compound growth while units remain positive).
These softer Gold Coast segments have experienced price declines or stagnation of around 1% to 3% over the past year, though this varies significantly by bedroom count and property type within the same suburb.
The underlying causes of price weakness differ by Gold Coast area:
- Southport (4215) two-bedroom houses: Older stock competing against newer builds in nearby growth suburbs.
- Surfers Paradise (4217) houses: Very limited house supply creates volatile pricing with fewer comparable sales.
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Which Areas in the Gold Coast Have the Best Long-Term Appreciation Potential?
Which areas in the Gold Coast have historically appreciated the most recently?
The Gold Coast areas that have historically appreciated the most over recent years are Burleigh Heads (4220), Pimpama (4209), Broadbeach (4218), and Coomera (4209), where lifestyle demand and population growth have driven strong price increases.
These top-performing Gold Coast suburbs have achieved notable appreciation:
- Burleigh Heads (4220): Very strong house and unit growth, with houses often up 10% or more annually.
- Pimpama (4209): Houses up 15.5% in the 2025 calendar year alone.
- Broadbeach (4218): Steady appreciation driven by light rail connectivity and amenity density.
- Coomera (4209): Consistent growth corridor performance tied to infrastructure investment.
The main driver of above-average appreciation in these Gold Coast areas is the combination of structural population growth (the Gold Coast LGA added over 15,000 people in 2023-24) and targeted infrastructure investment that improves accessibility and lifestyle appeal.
By the way, you will find much more detailed trends and forecasts in our pack covering there is to know about buying a property in the Gold Coast.
Which neighborhoods in the Gold Coast are expected to see price growth in coming years?
The Gold Coast neighborhoods expected to see the strongest price growth in coming years are Broadbeach (4218), Burleigh Heads (4220), Coomera (4209), and suburbs along the light rail and Coomera Connector corridors.
Projected growth varies by Gold Coast neighborhood based on infrastructure exposure:
- Broadbeach (4218): Expected 5% to 10% uplift as Light Rail Stage 3 completion approaches.
- Burleigh Heads (4220): Continued premium growth of 6% to 12% as new station access materializes.
- Coomera (4209): Steady 4% to 8% growth as Coomera Connector improves commute reliability.
The single most important catalyst for future Gold Coast price growth is the completion of Light Rail Stage 3 connecting Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, which will fundamentally change mobility patterns and make car-free living viable in more beachside suburbs.
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 Do Locals and Expats Really Think About Different Areas in the Gold Coast?
Which areas in the Gold Coast do local residents consider the most desirable to live?
The Gold Coast areas that local residents consider most desirable to live are Burleigh Heads (4220), Broadbeach (4218), and parts of Mermaid Beach and Palm Beach, where lifestyle, beach access, and community feel combine.
Each desirable Gold Coast neighborhood appeals to locals for specific reasons:
- Burleigh Heads (4220): National park, surf breaks, cafe culture, and village atmosphere.
- Broadbeach (4218): Walkable dining, entertainment precinct, and light rail convenience.
- Mermaid Beach: Quieter beachside living with less tourist traffic than Surfers Paradise.
- Palm Beach: Family-friendly beach suburb with strong local community feel.
These locally-preferred Gold Coast areas tend to attract established families, professionals, and retirees who prioritize lifestyle over pure investment returns.
Local preferences in the Gold Coast often differ from foreign investor targets because locals value community and lifestyle amenities, while foreign investors may focus more on yield metrics and tourism-driven returns in places like Surfers Paradise.
Which neighborhoods in the Gold Coast have the best reputation among expat communities?
The Gold Coast neighborhoods with the best reputation among expat communities are Surfers Paradise (4217), Broadbeach (4218), and Southport (4215), where rental availability, walkable amenities, and established newcomer networks make settling in easier.
Expats prefer these Gold Coast neighborhoods for practical reasons:
- Surfers Paradise (4217): Large rental unit market makes it easy to find short-term accommodation quickly.
- Broadbeach (4218): Walkable precinct with dining, transit, and beach access without needing a car.
- Southport (4215): More affordable rents and proximity to hospitals, education, and Chinatown.
The typical expat profile in these Gold Coast neighborhoods includes young professionals on working visas, international students, retirees from New Zealand and Asia, and remote workers attracted by the lifestyle and timezone.
Which areas in the Gold Coast do locals say are overhyped by foreign buyers?
The Gold Coast areas that locals commonly say are overhyped by foreign buyers are Surfers Paradise (4217) high-rises, Burleigh Heads (4220) houses, and some prestige waterfront properties where prices exceed local utility value.
Locals believe these Gold Coast areas are overvalued for specific reasons:
- Surfers Paradise high-rises (4217): Tourists pay premium prices for views locals can access freely at the beach.
- Burleigh Heads houses (4220): Prices have run ahead of rent growth, compressing yields below 3.5%.
- Prestige waterfront properties: Foreign buyers pay for exclusivity that locals see as lifestyle inflation.
Foreign buyers typically value the Gold Coast brand recognition, ocean views, and tourism potential in these areas, while locals focus more on practical livability, commute times, and community services that don't always justify the premium prices.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing the experience of buying a property as a foreigner in the Gold Coast.
Which areas in the Gold Coast are considered boring or undesirable by residents?
The Gold Coast areas that residents sometimes consider boring or less exciting are the outer growth suburbs like Pimpama (4209), Coomera (4209), and Ormeau, which are more car-dependent and lack the established character of beachside neighborhoods.
Residents find these Gold Coast areas less appealing for understandable reasons:
- Pimpama (4209): Newer masterplanned community still developing its retail and dining scene.
- Coomera (4209): More suburban feel with less walkability to beaches or entertainment.
- Ormeau: Inland location means no beach access and longer commutes to coastal attractions.
However, these same Gold Coast suburbs often deliver the best rental yields and strongest population growth, making them solid choices for investors prioritizing returns over lifestyle appeal.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| Reserve Bank of Australia | Australia's central bank sets the cash rate that shapes borrowing costs. | We used it to anchor the cost of money backdrop in early 2026. We then interpreted which Gold Coast buyer segments are most sensitive to rate changes. |
| Australian Bureau of Statistics | The national statistics agency provides official population and housing data. | We used it to quantify SEQ growth and floor area benchmarks for price calculations. We cross-checked growth narratives against regional population releases. |
| Queensland Government Statistician's Office | Queensland's official statistics office is the reference for state-level data. | We used it to pin down Gold Coast LGA population growth of 15,281 people in 2023-24. We linked that growth to rental pressure in transport-connected corridors. |
| realestate.com.au | Australia's largest property portal publishes standardized suburb market profiles. | We used it to get suburb-level median prices, rents, and implied yields. We compared multiple suburbs side-by-side to identify yield pockets versus prestige areas. |
| Residential Tenancies Authority | Queensland's official rental-bond regulator provides rent data from real lodgements. | We used it as the official check on rent levels by postcode and dwelling type. We compared it to listing-based measures to spot where asking rents run ahead. |
| Real Estate Institute of Queensland | The main industry body publishes statewide vacancy rate data used by policymakers. | We used it to describe rental market tightness heading into 2026. We cross-referenced with SQM Research for independent validation. |
| SQM Research | A long-running independent housing data provider with transparent time-series. | We used it to sanity-check vacancy conditions and direction of travel. We treated it as a second opinion against REIQ quarterly snapshots. |
| Queensland Revenue Office | The official tax authority for Queensland state taxes including AFAD and land tax. | We used it to explain extra duty for foreign purchasers in Queensland. We translated rules into practical budget impact guidance for Gold Coast buyers. |
| Department of Transport and Main Roads | The official transport agency provides authoritative project descriptions and timelines. | We used it to identify corridors being upgraded by transit investment. We mapped upgrades to residential neighborhoods likely to benefit from improved access. |
| Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 | The project's official information site used for public updates on progress. | We used it to confirm Stage 3 alignment from Broadbeach to Burleigh. We tied station-area logic to specific neighborhoods rather than vague claims. |
| Infrastructure Investment Program | Federal infrastructure page confirms timing, cost, and funding status of major projects. | We used it to cross-check delivery windows and project magnitude. We kept our infrastructure premium discussion evidence-based with this source. |
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