Gold Coast market report
A major coastal city — high tenant demand driven by lifestyle, tourism, and development.
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- Median house rent
- $950/wk
- Median unit rent
- $850/wk
- Vacancy rate
- 1.2%
- Typical gross yield
- 3.2–4.2%
Indicative figures from CoreLogic, Domain, SQM Research and the Queensland RTA, as at mid-2026.
The Gold Coast property market continues to be one of Australia's strongest performing housing markets, driven by population growth, lifestyle appeal, tourism, and significant infrastructure investment.
As one of the fastest growing cities in Australia and the sixth largest city in the country, the Gold Coast has transitioned from a tourism-focused destination into a major economic centre for South East Queensland.
The region's strong population growth, expanding infrastructure network, and ongoing investment in health, education and transport continue to support long-term housing demand and price growth.
Key Market Highlights
Several key indicators demonstrate the strength of the Gold Coast property market.
~70%
Housing Growth (5yr)
Strong long-term gains
~50%
Rental Growth (5yr)
Sustained demand
$5B+
Commercial Pipeline
In active projects
$3B+
Transport Infrastructure
$1B
Health & Knowledge Precinct
$300M
Cultural Precinct
Population Growth
The Gold Coast continues to attract significant population growth due to lifestyle migration and employment opportunities.
570,000
2016 Population
640,780
2021 Population
~1M
2041 Projection
Approaching 1 million
Growth driven by interstate migration, returning international migration post-COVID, and employment growth across healthcare, tourism, construction and education sectors.
Economic Overview
The Gold Coast economy has grown rapidly and continues to diversify beyond tourism.
Healthcare
Retail
Construction
Education
Tourism & Hospitality
Professional Services
Financial Services
Accommodation
$3.85B
Healthcare sector output
$7.1B
Tourism contribution
~12.4M visitors annually
Infrastructure Investment
Significant infrastructure investment continues to support economic growth and housing demand.
Gold Coast Light Rail Expansion
Stage 3 connecting Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads, with future extension toward Gold Coast Airport.
Pacific Motorway Upgrades
Major road upgrades improving connectivity between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Gold Coast Airport Expansion
One of Australia's fastest growing airports — projected to reach 16.6 million passengers annually by 2037.
Health & Knowledge Precinct
A global centre for health innovation and research, driving employment and education growth.
$1.9 Billion
QLD State Government infrastructure investment across the Gold Coast
Housing Market — Median Prices by Suburb
Property prices vary widely depending on suburb and proximity to the coastline.
| Suburb | Median House Price |
|---|---|
| Labrador | $686,000 |
| Nerang | $775,000 |
| Robina | $1,100,000 |
| Burleigh Heads | $1,335,000 |
| Palm Beach | $1,498,000 |
| Broadbeach Waters | $2,000,000 |
Coastal suburbs have recorded the strongest long-term growth rates over the past decade.
Unit Market — Median Prices by Suburb
Apartment markets remain strong due to demand from both investors and downsizers.
| Suburb | Median Unit Price |
|---|---|
| Southport | $551,000 |
| Surfers Paradise | $610,000 |
| Palm Beach | $820,000 |
| Burleigh Heads | $930,000 |
Many apartment markets have seen growth of 10–14% over the past year.
Rental Market Conditions
Rental demand across the Gold Coast remains extremely strong with vacancy rates below 1% in many suburbs.
| Suburb | Vacancy | Median Rent /wk |
|---|---|---|
| Southport / Labrador | 0.4% | $780 |
| Nerang | 0.6% | $850 |
| Coolangatta | 0.8% | $1,180 |
| Surfers Paradise | 1.4% | $1,145 |
| Broadbeach | 1.6% | $1,380 |
Low vacancy rates continue to support rising rental prices across the region.
Housing Supply & Development
The Gold Coast has experienced significant construction cycles, with supply patterns directly impacting prices.
~8,000
Pre-2018 Games Supply
New units delivered
30%+
High-rise by 2046
Of future housing supply
Following the 2018 Commonwealth Games supply boom, inventory tightened significantly and prices recovered strongly. Current planning forecasts increasing density across the region.
Education & Healthcare
Education
- Griffith University — ~21,000 students incl. large international cohort
- Bond University — Australia's first private university
- TAFE Queensland campuses
Healthcare
- Gold Coast University Hospital
- Robina Hospital
- John Flynn Private Hospital
- Pindara Private Hospital
The Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct aims to create a global centre for health innovation and research, further expanding employment and education opportunities.
Lifestyle & Liveability
Lifestyle remains one of the strongest drivers of migration to the Gold Coast.
World-Class Beaches
Theme Parks
HOTA Arts Precinct
The Star Casino
Magic Millions
International Events
Hinterland & Nature
Dining & Nightlife
Future Development Pipeline
Several major development projects will continue shaping the Gold Coast property market.
Coomera Town Centre
Major new residential and commercial hub in the northern growth corridor.
Southport CBD Redevelopment
Urban renewal transforming the Gold Coast's administrative centre.
The Spit Redevelopment
New cultural precinct and public spaces on the northern Gold Coast foreshore.
Coomera & Pimpama Growth Corridor
Rapid population growth driving large-scale residential development in the northern suburbs.
Market Tailwinds
- Strong population growth
- Major infrastructure investment
- Lifestyle migration from southern states
- Limited supply in key coastal suburbs
- Growing tourism & education sectors
- Low rental vacancy rates
Market Risks
- Rising construction costs
- Potential oversupply in high-rise apartment markets
- Interest rate sensitivity for coastal property prices
- Tourism-dependent economic segments
Why Investors Are Watching the Gold Coast
Strong Population Growth
Major Infrastructure Pipeline
Lifestyle Migration Appeal
Low Vacancy Rates
Tourism & Education Growth
Diversifying Economy
The combination of economic growth, lifestyle appeal and population migration continues to support long-term housing demand, making the Gold Coast one of Australia's most closely watched property markets.
Suburb Yield Analysis — Gold Coast
Click any column header to sort. Gross yield = (weekly rent × 52) ÷ median price.
| Labradorhouse | $686k | $780 | 5.9% | 0.4% | +8.2% |
| Neranghouse | $775k | $850 | 5.7% | 0.6% | +9.5% |
| Southportunit | $551k | $580 | 5.5% | 0.5% | +12.3% |
| Surfers Paradiseunit | $610k | $620 | 5.3% | 1.4% | +13.8% |
| Palm Beachunit | $820k | $750 | 4.8% | 0.9% | +10.1% |
| Burleigh Headsunit | $930k | $850 | 4.8% | 1.0% | +11.5% |
| Coolangattaunit | $880k | $780 | 4.6% | 0.8% | +9.7% |
| Robinahouse | $1.1M | $900 | 4.3% | 0.8% | +7.1% |
| Burleigh Headshouse | $1.3M | $1,050 | 4.1% | 1.0% | +11.2% |
| Palm Beachhouse | $1.5M | $1,100 | 3.8% | 0.9% | +10.8% |
| Broadbeach Watershouse | $2M | $1,380 | 3.6% | 1.6% | +6.4% |
Yields are indicative based on current median prices and rents. Actual returns may vary.
Vacancy Rate Heat Map — Gold Coast
Suburbs sorted by vacancy rate — lower vacancy means stronger tenant demand and less competition for landlords.
Southport / Labrador
0.4%
$780/wk
Nerang
0.6%
$850/wk
Coomera
0.7%
$720/wk
Coolangatta
0.8%
$1180/wk
Robina
0.8%
$900/wk
Pimpama
0.9%
$680/wk
Palm Beach
0.9%
$1100/wk
Burleigh Heads
1.0%
$1050/wk
Helensvale
1.1%
$780/wk
Mermaid Beach
1.2%
$1250/wk
Surfers Paradise
1.4%
$1145/wk
Broadbeach
1.6%
$1380/wk
A vacancy rate below 2% is generally considered a landlord's market. Below 1% indicates critical rental shortage.
Data Sources
CoreLogic · ABS Census Data · SQM Research · Local Government Statistics · Market Research Publications
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