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Gold Coast Property Market 2025–26: Is Now the Time to Sell?

Thomas Roberts
Written By Thomas Roberts
Thomas Roberts
Thomas Roberts Founder, Which Real Estate Agent
Thomas Roberts founded Which Real Estate Agent in 2011. Since inception over 44,000 Australians have used its services to navigate one of life's most significant emotional and financial decisions.
Founder, Which Real Estate Agent Updated Oct 24, 2025

The Gold Coast has long been one of Australia’s most sought-after coastal destinations. But, in 2025, it’s no longer just a holiday hotspot, it’s a booming residential and investment market in its own right. From the beaches of Broadbeach to the new estates in Coomera, property values have climbed sharply thanks to population growth, limited housing supply and ongoing infrastructure upgrades.

According to recent CoreLogic and Domain data, the Gold Coast’s median house price has crossed the $1.1 million mark, while units now average around $760,000. Demand is being fuelled by interstate migration particularly from Sydney and Melbourne as Australians chase lifestyle, affordability, and remote-work flexibility.

For homeowners, this means your property’s value may have risen faster than expected. For buyers and investors, it means competition is fierce and well-researched decisions are essential. Understanding these market forces can help you decide whether now is the right time to make your move.

In this guide, we’ll unpack:

  • The current state of the Gold Coast property market (prices, growth, and rental trends)
  • What’s driving demand and where it could go next
  • Key insights for buyers, sellers, and investors

By the end, you’ll have a clear, data-backed view of the Gold Coast market and practical steps to make smarter property decisions this year.

Key Takeaway

  • Gold Coast house prices sit around $1.2 million, up about 10% in 2025.
  • Rents keep rising, with vacancy rates near 1%, showing strong rental demand.
  • The Gold Coast population grew by 15,300 people in 2024, driving housing pressure.
  • Infrastructure projects like the Light Rail Stage 3 and Coomera Connector boost buyer interest.
  • Low building approvals mean limited new supply and continued competition for homes.
  • Experts expect 4–7%  growth through 2026, with sellers still holding the advantage.

Next Step: If you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest, start by comparing real estate agents. The right local agent can give you suburb-specific insights, accurate price expectations, and access to serious buyers.

What’s Driving the Gold Coast Market in 2025

The Gold Coast property market has entered 2025 in a strong position, continuing the momentum seen through 2024. Let’s look at what the numbers show and what they actually mean if you’re considering a move.

Median Prices

According to CoreLogic’s mid-2025 data, the median house price sits around $1.17 million, up roughly 9 to 12% over the past year. Domain and other reports suggest that by September 2025, some coastal pockets have reached $1.3 million or more placing the region just behind Sydney in overall pricing.

Unit prices average about $760,000 – $770,000, a more affordable entry point, especially for first-home buyers or investors looking for higher rental yields.Houses are leading growth, but units still offer opportunity for those priced out of the detached market.

Growth Trends

Price growth on the Gold Coast has outpaced most of regional Australia, supported by ongoing lifestyle migration and a shortage of listings. CoreLogic’s quarterly trends show consistent quarterly increases, while independent analyses forecast 10 to 13% potential growth through 2025–26 if conditions stay stable.

Buyers entering the market now are paying near-peak prices in many areas, but long-term fundamentals such as lifestyle, jobs, infrastructure continue to underpin demand.

Rental Market and Yields

The rental market remains one of the tightest in Queensland. Vacancy rates hover around 1 to 1.5%, which is well below the balanced-market level of 3 percent. Weekly rents have increased to around $780 for houses and $580 for units, driving gross yields of roughly 4.3 percent and 5 percent respectively.

Strong demand for rentals is good news for investors, but challenging for tenants. Limited supply of new apartments could keep upward pressure on rents through 2026.

Supply and New Developments

One of the clearest trends is the lack of new housing supply. Reports suggest apartment completions are projected to fall from nearly 1,900 in 2025 to fewer than 100 by 2027. Land is scarce, particularly in coastal corridors, pushing buyers inland toward growth areas like Pimpama and Coomera.

Low supply is likely to keep prices elevated. For sellers, this creates opportunity; for buyers, it highlights the need for local market knowledge and negotiation skills.

Market Standing

The Gold Coast is now considered Australia’s second-most expensive property market after Sydney. This shift reflects not just price rises, but the region’s transformation into a mature, diversified economy beyond tourism with expanding healthcare, education, and construction sectors all supporting steady demand.

The Gold Coast is no longer the “cheap alternative” to Brisbane or Sydney; it’s a prestige market with a strong lifestyle premium attached. This property market remains one of the nation’s strongest performers in 2025. House prices are well above $1 million, rents are climbing, and supply is constrained, all signs of a confident, resilient market.

For buyers and investors, this means research and timing are everything. For sellers, it’s a window of opportunity to secure top-tier results while competition remains intense.

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Key Drivers Shaping the Gold Coast Property Market in 2025

The Gold Coast market’s growth isn’t happening by chance. A mix of population migration, infrastructure upgrades, limited land supply, and lifestyle appeal continues to drive demand across the region. Understanding these forces helps explain why property values remain strong and where opportunities might emerge next.

a) Population Growth and Migration

Over the past few years, the Gold Coast has welcomed thousands of new residents from interstate and overseas. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), Queensland recorded the highest interstate migration in the country in 2024, with the Gold Coast one of its top destinations. Most newcomers are moving from Sydney and Melbourne, attracted by lower property prices, warmer weather, and the ability to work remotely. International arrivals have also rebounded strongly, with overseas migrants and students adding fresh demand for both rentals and entry-level housing.

  • More people equals higher housing demand, which keeps prices elevated.
  • Rental stock is tightening further, especially near universities and transport hubs.
  • Migration adds diversity from young professionals and families to retirees increasing the range of properties in demand.

The Gold Coast’s population boom is one of the strongest in the nation, and it’s fuelling ongoing property pressure.

b) Infrastructure and Accessibility

Massive infrastructure projects are reshaping how people move around the region. These improvements are not only reducing travel times but also creating new property hotspots. Key projects boosting property values:

  • Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3, Extending from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads, improving connectivity and boosting property values along the corridor.
  • M1 Pacific Motorway upgrades, Easing congestion between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, making daily commuting far more practical.
  • Coomera Connector (Second M1), Under construction, offering new routes for the northern corridor and spurring residential growth in Coomera and Pimpama.
  • 2026 Commonwealth Games legacy infrastructure, Investment in sporting facilities, public transport, and local amenities continues to deliver benefits.

Infrastructure builds confidence. Better roads and public transport improve liveability and accessibility, two of the biggest value drivers in any property market. Suburbs along new routes typically experience faster capital growth and stronger buyer demand.

c) Supply Dynamics

One of the defining characteristics of the Gold Coast housing market in 2025 is chronic undersupply. There simply aren’t enough homes to meet demand. CoreLogic and industry reports show listings remain well below long-term averages, while new apartment completions are expected to fall by more than 90% by 2027. Coastal land is effectively built-out, and new development approvals face delays due to planning and construction costs.

  • Low supply supports strong prices and quick sales.
  • Developers face rising costs and limited land options, restricting new builds.
  • Buyers must act quickly and be realistic with expectations.

Until new housing supply improves, prices are likely to stay high especially in desirable coastal suburbs.

  1. d) Property Types and Buyer Segments

Not all buyers are chasing the same dream. The Gold Coast attracts a mix of owner-occupiers, investors, and lifestyle buyers, each shaping the market in their own way.

Owner-occupiers:

  • Often migrating from southern states for lifestyle or remote work.
  • Favour detached homes close to beaches, schools, and amenities.

Investors:

  • Focused on rental yields and short-term demand, including Airbnb opportunities.
  • Units near transport and entertainment hubs remain popular for consistent returns.

First-home buyers:

  • Turning to growth corridors such as Coomera, Pimpama, and Ormeau for affordability.
  • Rely on Queensland Government grants and stamp-duty concessions to get started.

Different buyer groups mean different performance outcomes. While luxury beachfront homes continue to attract wealthy buyers, the most active growth remains in affordable, well-connected corridors.

e) Government Incentives and Policy Support

Government programs continue to play a role in shaping buyer activity and affordability. Key incentives:

  • First Home Owner Grant (Queensland): Offers eligible first-time buyers up to $30 000 toward newly built homes.
  • Stamp duty concessions: Help reduce upfront costs for lower-priced properties.
  • Federal Help-to-Buy scheme (starting 2025): Allows eligible buyers to co-purchase with the government, lowering deposits.

These programs encourage entry-level buyers to remain active even as prices rise, which keeps turnover and demand healthy especially in outer-suburban and new-build markets.

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Gold Coast Suburbs & Property Types

Not every Gold Coast area moves the same way. Population growth, new roads and rail, and where new homes are being approved all influence which suburbs feel “hot” versus “good value”. Below, we explain the big patterns you should watch out for and what they mean for buyers and investors.

a) Coastal lifestyle belt

The beachside strip (Broadbeach–Mermaid–Burleigh and nearby pockets) has very limited vacant land. With more people moving into the city than moving out, demand keeps outpacing supply. The Gold Coast LGA added ~15,300 people in the year to 30 June 2024, one of the largest increases in Queensland, according to the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO) using ABS Regional Population data.

When population rises faster than new dwellings, well-located coastal suburbs tend to hold value and sell quickly. Expect premium pricing and competitive buyer activity in these pockets.

b) Northern growth corridor (Coomera, Pimpama, Ormeau, Helensvale)

The biggest population gains in the city are supported by new transport links. The Coomera Connector (Stage 1) is under construction (16 km between Coomera and Nerang) to take pressure off the M1 and improve travel times for northern suburbs. Improved accessibility usually lifts buyer demand. For first-home buyers and young families priced out of the beach, these suburbs offer newer houses, schools, and shopping with better road links arriving soon.

c) Hinterland family suburbs (Nerang, Mudgeeraba and surrounds)

With coastal land scarce, many families look inland for bigger blocks and quieter streets while staying within a reasonable drive to jobs and beaches. Population growth figures for the wider Gold Coast show the city’s overall residents are climbing strongly, which spills demand into these hinterland markets over time. If you want a house and yard without beachfront prices, these areas can offer better value especially as the city-wide population keeps rising.

d) Units vs Houses

  • Houses: Benefit from finite land and family demand. With dwelling approvals trending lower nationally and construction still constrained, detached housing tends to see firmer pricing when population grows.
  • Units/apartments: Offer lower entry prices and can be closer to beaches or transport. However, performance varies by building and precinct. Investors should check body corporate (strata) costs, building quality, and genuine local rental demand (vacancy trends). (For rental tightness context, see long-running vacancy series from SQM Research.)
Source: SQM Research

If you’re chasing long-term growth, established house suburbs typically do the heavy lifting. If you’re chasing yield or lower buy-in, well-located units near rail, universities or major job nodes can work but do your building-level homework.

e) Transport projects shaping micro-markets

Two headline projects are changing the map:

  • Gold Coast Light Rail – Stage 3 (Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, 6.7 km, eight new stations): Improves north–south movement along the coastal spine and can lift demand around new stops. 
  • Coomera Connector – Stage 1: Adds a second north–south road corridor to relieve the M1 and support growth in Coomera–Pimpama–Helensvale.

Properties with better transport access usually attract more buyers and tenants, which supports prices and rents over time.

f) How we know supply is tight (and why that supports prices)

Australia-wide, new dwelling approvals and completions have been trending lower than what population growth would ideally require. The ABS reports fewer multi-unit approvals in recent months and a fall in total commencements in the June 2025 quarter.

On the Gold Coast specifically, the city’s population is rising quickly, with the Gold Coast LGA one of Queensland’s largest annual increases. When strong population growth meets slower-moving construction pipelines, competition for existing homes intensifies.

Therefore, tight supply + strong population growth = support for prices in both coastal and family suburbs, with northern corridors benefiting from new roads.

Need local, suburb-specific advice?

Get matched with an agent who knows the micro-trends on your street. Compare Gold Coast agents (free).

Gold Coast Property Forecast 2025-26: What Should Buyers & Investors Expect?

The Gold Coast market enters late 2025 with solid momentum. Prices are high, rental demand is strong, and supply remains tight. But what happens next depends on a few major economic and housing factors such as interest rates, construction activity, and population growth.

Let’s break down what the data and experts are telling us about 2026.

a) Price Growth is Cooling Not Crashing

After two years of strong gains, the Gold Coast property market is starting to move from a “boom” phase to a “steady growth” phase. According to Cotality’s Regional Market Update, Gold Coast house prices are up around 10–12% year-on-year, while units have risen by about 5%. 

property market data for Gold Coast
Source: Cotality

The ABS Residential Property Price Index shows the broader Queensland index up 8.1% over the past year confirming the Gold Coast trend sits just above the state average. Most forecasters, including major banks, expect moderate growth of 4–7% across 2026.

b) Rental Market Demand Still Outstripping Supply

The rental crisis isn’t over. According to CoreLogic’s Quarterly Rental Review (Q3 2025), the Gold Coast’s median weekly rent for houses now sits around $780, and for units about $600.

Vacancy rates are at 1.1% (SQM Research) well below the 3% balanced-market level. Drivers of ongoing tightness:

  • Population growth continues to exceed new dwelling supply (ABS Building Activity 2025).
  • Some long-term rentals have shifted into short-stay accommodation.
  • Construction delays mean fewer new apartments entering the market.

Rents are likely to rise another 6–8% through 2026, with little relief expected until new housing projects finish in 2027.

c) Interest Rates & Affordability

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept the cash rate at 4.35 per cent since late 2024. Its October 2025 statement notes that inflation is easing, opening the door for a possible rate cut in mid-2026.

Impact on the Gold Coast:

  • Buyer confidence: Stable or slightly lower rates mean buyers can borrow with more certainty.
  • Affordability pressures: The ABS Housing Finance Data (August 2025) shows average new-loan sizes in Queensland up 13 per cent year-on-year, meaning buyers are still stretching budgets.
  • Price stability: As rates flatten, so should price volatility.

Even with high prices, steady interest rates are preventing a market downturn.

d) Supply Shortages Will Keep Prices Elevated

One of the clearest trends in the data is Australia’s construction slowdown.

The ABS Building Approvals (June 2025) shows national dwelling approvals down 7.9 per cent year-on-year, while Queensland approvals are 5 per cent lower than the five-year average.

For the Gold Coast, local councils confirm the same pattern: fewer new apartments are being completed, and coastal land is almost fully developed.

  • Low supply means sellers remain in control.
  • New land releases in the northern corridor (Coomera–Pimpama) will help but not solve the shortage.
  • Apartment pipelines are shrinking meaning fewer rental homes coming to market.

 Even with slower price growth, competition will stay strong because there simply aren’t enough homes.

e) Risks to Watch in 2026

Every market has risks. For the Gold Coast, the key ones are:

  1. Affordability ceiling: If incomes don’t keep pace, first-home demand could soften.
  2. Interest-rate surprises: Inflation could prompt the RBA to delay or reverse expected cuts.
  3. Construction bottlenecks: Labour shortages and material costs could push completion timelines further.
  4. Oversupply pockets: Certain high-rise precincts (e.g. central Surfers Paradise) risk slower growth due to concentration of new stock.

However, strong underlying demand and limited land mean these risks are more likely to slow growth rather than cause price falls.

f) Long-Term Trends: Lifestyle, Sustainability & Migration

Data from the ABS Internal Migration Report (2024) confirms ongoing interstate inflows to Queensland, with many heading to coastal regions. Combined with job diversification, health, education and construction now rival tourism in local employment (QGSO Labour Force 2025) the city’s economic base is stronger than a decade ago.

Buyers are also changing what they value:

  • Energy-efficient homes (solar, battery storage, EV-ready garages).
  • Smart-home features for remote work.
  • Walkable neighbourhoods near parks and cafes.

These preferences are increasingly reflected in sale prices and rental demand.

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What Should Sellers, Buyers & Investors Do Next?

With prices at record highs and strong buyer demand still running through late 2025, many Gold Coast homeowners are asking: “Is now the best time to sell or should I wait?”

To answer that, let’s look at what the data says about the market cycle, buyer behaviour, and how sellers can make the most of current conditions.

a) For Home Sellers

According to CoreLogic’s regional update, Gold Coast house prices have risen 10–12% in the past year, and the number of active listings remains about 20% below the five-year average. That shortage of stock means buyers are competing, especially for well-presented homes under the $1.5 million mark.

The ABS Building Approvals (June 2025) confirms that fewer new dwellings are being built, which means new supply isn’t easing the pressure.

What this means for you as a seller:

  • You’re operating in a market with more buyers than properties.
  • Well-prepared homes can still attract multiple offers.
  • Average days on market remain under 30 in many suburbs 
  • The peak of buyer confidence may last through mid-2026 before levelling.

Focus on presentation and pricing. Buyers are still willing to pay a premium, but they expect homes to be move-in ready. Staging and quality marketing can add 5–10% to your final sale price.

b) For Buyers

The Gold Coast remains one of Queensland’s tightest housing markets, and ABS Housing Finance Data (August 2025) shows average new loan sizes in Queensland up 13% year-on-year. Buyers are borrowing more but that doesn’t mean overpaying is wise.

Simple advice for 2025–26 buyers:

  • Get pre-approved finance before you start.
  • Target suburbs with upcoming transport or infrastructure projects (like the Coomera Connector).
  • Consider units or townhouses in growth corridors if detached houses are out of reach.
  • Avoid emotional bidding; focus on long-term value, not fear of missing out.

c) For Investors

Rental yields remain appealing, especially as vacancy rates hover around 1.1%. Houses average around 4.3% gross yield, while well-located units return about 5%. Investor focus points:

  • North and hinterland suburbs (Coomera, Pimpama, Nerang) show steady tenant demand and ongoing infrastructure growth.
  • Beachfront apartments attract short-term rental potential but may face higher strata costs and volatility.
  • Keep an eye on interest-rate policy, a mid-2026 RBA cut could lift investor demand again.

Choose locations with population and employment growth (ABS Labour Force & Regional Population 2024–25) rather than chasing short-term gains.

d) For First-Home Buyers

Government incentives remain in play, including:

  • Queensland First Home Owner Grant: up to $30 000 for new builds.
  • Stamp-duty concessions for properties under $550 000.
  • The Federal Help-to-Buy Scheme (2025) allowing shared ownership with the government to lower deposits.

Affordable opportunities still exist in the northern corridor and western hinterland, where median prices sit well below the city average.

How to Decide When to Sell

Timing the market is tricky, but data shows sellers who act during a low-listing period achieve better outcomes. CoreLogic’s national analysis found that homes sold when listings were 25% below average achieved prices 3–6% higher than equivalent homes sold during high-listing periods.

Right now (late 2025):

  • Listings remain tight.
  • Buyer enquiry levels are stable.
  • Interest rates are steady.

This combination makes early-to-mid 2026 an attractive window for many Gold Coast homeowners to sell before more stock enters the market.

Practical Steps for Gold Coast Sellers

  1. Get a detailed property value report. Use up-to-date CoreLogic or ABS price indices to understand your true market position.
  2. Compare local agents. The right agent will know exactly which buyer segments are active in your suburb and how to market your home effectively.
  3. Present your property professionally. Invest in minor repairs, styling, and daylight photography, these small steps can deliver major returns.
  4. Set a realistic pricing strategy. Use comparable sales (not listing prices) and recent data from your agent or the ABS Residential Price Index.
  5. Stay flexible. Even in a seller’s market, quick adaptability on settlement or conditions can secure better offers.
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Conclusion

The Gold Coast property market has matured, it’s no longer just a tourist haven but one of Australia’s most dynamic real estate regions. With steady price growth, limited supply, and record population inflows, sellers are in a powerful position.

If you’ve owned your home for several years, chances are your property’s value has risen considerably. Selling in this market could unlock that equity and allow you to upsize, downsize or reinvest elsewhere while buyer competition is still strong.

For first-time sellers, it’s never been more important to choose the right local agent and use accurate data when setting your price.

This isn’t about timing a boom, it’s about making informed moves while the fundamentals remain in your favour.

FAQs

How fast are property prices growing on the Gold Coast?

Price growth has slowed from the double-digit surges of 2023–24 but remains positive. CoreLogic forecasts 4–7%growth through 2026, supported by population gains and limited new supply.

Is the Gold Coast property market still good for sellers in 2025?

Yes. Listing volumes are still 20% below the five-year average (CoreLogic Listings 2025), which means fewer homes for sale and more competition among buyers. Well-presented homes can attract multiple offers within weeks.

What rental yields can investors expect in 2025?

Gross yields average about 4.3% for houses and 5% for units, according to CoreLogic’s Rental Market Review 2025. Vacancy rates remain tight at around 1–1.5%, based on SQM Research data.

What are the main risks for 2026?

The main risks are affordability pressures, potential interest-rate changes, and construction delays. However, most experts agree the fundamentals like population growth, limited land, and lifestyle appeal will keep the market resilient.

Is now a good time to sell a house on the Gold Coast?

If you’re a homeowner thinking of selling, the next 6–12 months remain an excellent window. Stock levels are low, buyer enquiry is steady, and RBA interest rates are stable. Sellers who prepare early and use a skilled local agent are still achieving standout results.

 
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