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Yes, the analysis of the Gold Coast's property market is included in our pack
The Gold Coast property market has reached a critical juncture with over 50 suburbs now commanding median house prices above $1 million.
Strong capital growth, varying rental yields by location and property type, and ongoing infrastructure investment are reshaping investment opportunities across this coastal region. Whether you're considering buying for lifestyle or investment purposes, understanding current market dynamics, price trends, and yield potential is essential for making informed decisions.
If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Australia, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.
As of September 2025, the Gold Coast property market shows strong fundamentals with over 50% of suburbs exceeding $1 million median house prices and rental yields ranging from 3.2% to 5.6% depending on location and property type.
Infrastructure investment, population growth, and lifestyle migration continue driving demand, with apartments offering higher rental yields than houses and short-term rentals potentially outperforming long-term yields in tourist hotspots.
| Suburb | Median House Price | House Yield | Unit Yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Beach | $3.56M | N/A | N/A |
| Surfers Paradise | $2.40M | N/A | N/A |
| Southport | $1.07M | N/A | N/A |
| Labrador | $1.09M | 4.8% | 5.1% |
| Pacific Pines | $941K | 4.6% | 5.6% |
| Coomera | $842K | 4.6% | 5.4% |
| Robina | N/A | 4.5% | 5.1% |
How much do properties currently cost across different areas of the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast property market has experienced significant price increases, with over 50 of its 80 suburbs now recording median house prices above $1 million as of September 2025.
Premium coastal suburbs command the highest prices, with Main Beach leading at a median house value of $3.56 million and Surfers Paradise following at $2.4 million.
Central and western suburbs that were once considered affordable have now crossed the million-dollar threshold. Southport sits at $1.07 million, Labrador at $1.09 million, and Pacific Pines at $1.02 million median house prices.
Growth corridor suburbs still offer relative value compared to coastal areas. Coomera maintains a median house price of $842,000, making it one of the more accessible entry points for property buyers seeking capital growth potential.
Unit prices generally remain more affordable than houses across all suburbs, typically ranging from $400,000 to $800,000 depending on location and amenities.
How have prices in these areas moved over the past one, three, and five years?
The Gold Coast property market delivered exceptional growth in 2024, with house prices rising by 17.4% year-on-year.
Fast-growth suburbs have outpaced the city average significantly. Oxenford recorded 21% price growth in one year, while Pimpama and Upper Coomera both achieved 14% annual increases.
Five-year price movements show even more dramatic gains, with many suburbs recording increases exceeding 30%. This growth has been driven by population migration, lifestyle factors, and infrastructure investment.
The northern corridor suburbs including Coomera, Pimpama, and Hope Island have consistently outperformed established coastal areas in terms of percentage growth, though from lower price bases.
It's something we develop in our Australia property pack.
What's the rental yield right now for apartments, townhouses, and houses in key suburbs?
Rental yields vary significantly between property types and locations across the Gold Coast market.
| Suburb | House Yield | Unit Yield |
|---|---|---|
| Labrador | 4.8% | 5.1% |
| Pacific Pines | 4.6% | 5.6% |
| Coomera | 4.6% | 5.4% |
| Robina | 4.5% | 5.1% |
| Biggera Waters | 4.2% | 5.2% |
| Broadbeach | 3.2% | 4.8% |
| Surfers Paradise | 3.5% | 4.9% |
How do short-term rental returns compare with long-term rentals?
Short-term rental returns in tourist-focused Gold Coast suburbs can significantly outperform long-term rental yields during peak periods.
Holiday lets in beachfront and lifestyle suburbs typically command weekly rates 20-40% higher than equivalent long-term rental properties. Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, and Main Beach units can generate substantial short-term rental income during high season.
However, short-term rental returns fluctuate seasonally, with occupancy rates dropping during off-peak periods. Annual returns depend heavily on consistent booking rates and effective property management.
Increasing government regulation and competition from new short-term rental properties may impact future yield potential. Local council restrictions and strata body rules also limit short-term rental opportunities in some buildings.
Long-term rentals provide more stable, predictable returns without the management intensity required for holiday accommodations.
What are the vacancy rates in different neighborhoods, and are they trending up or down?
Vacancy rates across most Gold Coast suburbs remain tight, typically below 2% in high-demand areas.
Prime suburbs including Robina, Coomera, and Labrador are experiencing vacancy rates as low as 1%, indicating strong rental demand and limited housing supply.
Coastal lifestyle suburbs maintain consistently low vacancy rates due to both rental demand and owner-occupier preference. Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, and Currumbin show particularly tight rental markets.
Vacancy trends have either remained stable or tightened further in 2025, driven by continued population growth and interstate migration to the Gold Coast region.
The undersupply of new rental properties, combined with ongoing demand from both residents and investors, continues to support low vacancy rates across most suburbs.
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How do population growth, infrastructure projects, and job creation look for the short, medium, and long term?
The Gold Coast continues to experience population growth above the national average, particularly in corridor suburbs like Coomera, Pimpama, and Robina.
Major infrastructure projects are reshaping the region's connectivity and economic potential. The light rail expansion, hospital upgrades, and the Coomera Connector are significant medium-term catalysts for property demand.
Olympic-related infrastructure investment for Brisbane 2032 will benefit Gold Coast suburbs, with venue upgrades and transport improvements planned across the region.
The local job market is diversifying beyond tourism, with growth in health services, construction, education, and emerging technology sectors. New healthcare facilities and educational institutions are creating employment hubs in previously residential areas.
Long-term demographic projections show continued population growth, supported by lifestyle migration from southern states and international immigration through Queensland's skilled visa programs.
Which suburbs are considered undervalued or on the rise compared to the Gold Coast average?
Several suburbs offer value relative to the broader Gold Coast market while showing strong growth potential.
1. Pacific Pines - Currently priced below $1 million median while offering 4.6% house yields and 5.6% unit yields2. Coomera - At $842,000 median, provides entry-level pricing with 4.6% rental yields and infrastructure benefits3. Ormeau - Northern corridor location with growth potential from transport improvements4. Pimpama - Recorded 14% annual growth with continued development and family appeal5. Labrador - Waterfront location offering both yield (4.8% houses, 5.1% units) and capital growth potentialThese suburbs attract both owner-occupiers seeking affordability and investors targeting rental yield combined with capital growth prospects.
How do property types differ in terms of capital growth potential?
Property type performance varies significantly across the Gold Coast market, with each category serving different investor objectives.
Detached houses typically deliver the highest long-term capital growth, especially in premium coastal locations with limited land supply. Houses in Burleigh Heads, Palm Beach, and Broadbeach have consistently outperformed unit markets over five-year periods.
Apartments and units have recently shown strong capital growth as housing affordability constraints push buyers toward more accessible price points. Units also generate superior rental yields, making them attractive for income-focused investors.
Townhouses serve as a middle ground, offering moderate capital appreciation with steady rental demand from downsizers and young families. They typically provide better yields than houses but lower growth than premium coastal properties.
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.
What are the average time-on-market and resale margins across different areas?
High-demand Gold Coast suburbs are experiencing short selling periods, with well-priced properties often selling within 30 days of listing.
Premium coastal suburbs including Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, and Palm Beach show the fastest sales times due to limited supply and strong buyer demand. Properties in these areas frequently sell at or above asking price.
Growth corridor suburbs like Coomera and Pimpama also maintain relatively quick sale times, typically 30-45 days, as buyers seek value and growth potential.
Resale margins have improved significantly for properties held over five-year periods, with many suburbs recording price increases above 30% during this timeframe.
Properties purchased in undervalued suburbs three to five years ago are now delivering substantial returns, particularly in northern corridor locations that have benefited from infrastructure investment.
How much upfront budget do you realistically need, including purchase price, stamp duty, and ongoing costs?
Initial property purchase costs in Queensland include several components beyond the property price itself.
Stamp duty represents a significant upfront cost, with a $1 million property incurring approximately $30,000-$35,000 in duty under Queensland's tiered system. Properties under $550,000 qualify for reduced or no stamp duty for first-time buyers.
Deposit requirements typically range from 10-20% of the purchase price, with 20% deposits avoiding lender's mortgage insurance costs. For a $1 million property, this means $100,000-$200,000 upfront deposit.
Additional upfront costs include legal fees ($1,500-$3,000), building and pest inspections ($500-$800), and loan establishment fees ($600-$1,200). Total initial costs typically add 5-7% to the purchase price.
Ongoing annual costs include council rates ($2,000-$3,500), strata fees for apartments and townhouses ($4,000-$8,000), insurance ($1,200-$2,500), and maintenance reserves.
If you're buying to live in, which areas give the best mix of lifestyle, amenities, and future value?
Several Gold Coast suburbs offer excellent lifestyle amenities combined with solid capital growth prospects for owner-occupiers.
1. Broadbeach - Premium beach lifestyle with dining, entertainment, and transport links, plus strong capital growth potential2. Burleigh Heads - Village atmosphere, excellent beaches, and café culture with consistent property value increases 3. Palm Beach - Relaxed coastal living with quality schools and medical services nearby4. Robina - Family-friendly with shopping centers, schools, universities, and medical facilities5. Varsity Lakes - Master-planned community with lakes, parks, and proximity to Griffith UniversityThese suburbs combine immediate lifestyle benefits with long-term capital growth potential, making them suitable for both lifestyle and investment outcomes.
If you're buying to invest, where should you position yourself now for either rental income or future resale gains?
Investment positioning depends on whether you prioritize immediate rental yield or long-term capital appreciation.
For rental income focus, target suburbs offering yields above 4.5%: Coomera (4.6% houses), Labrador (4.8% houses, 5.1% units), Pacific Pines (4.6% houses, 5.6% units), and Biggera Waters (5.2% units).
For capital growth potential, consider suburbs with infrastructure investment and below-average pricing: Helensvale (light rail connectivity), Pimpama (family growth area), and Hope Island (premium development potential).
Mixed-strategy investors should focus on northern corridor suburbs that offer reasonable yields while maintaining growth potential from ongoing development and population increases.
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.
The Gold Coast property market presents compelling opportunities for both lifestyle buyers and investors, with strong fundamentals supporting continued growth.
Success depends on matching your investment strategy to the right suburb and property type, considering both current yields and long-term growth potential in this dynamic coastal market.
Sources
- OpenAgent - Best Suburbs to Invest Gold Coast
- Niecon - Best Suburbs to Invest in Gold Coast
- Kollosche - Gold Coast Million Dollar Club
- Coast Buyers Agency - Top Rental Yield Suburbs
- Moving to Gold Coast - Most Affordable Suburbs
- Property Buyer - Gold Coast Market Projections
- RealEstate.com.au - Queensland
- RealEstate.com.au - Australia