The Gold Coast housing market recorded a clear upswing in July, with the median for houses (3+ bedrooms) reaching $1.295m. This represents a monthly increase of around 5%, while the three month moving average continues to climb. The result points to sustained growth rather than volatility. Eleven suburbs are now positioned above the $2m median, led by Mermaid Beach (~$3.35m), while activity remains broad across Hope Island, Robina, Upper Coomera, and Pimpama.
Macro Setting
- National context: According to CoreLogic’s latest home value index, national dwelling values rose 1.4% in the June quarter, with Brisbane up 2.0% and Regional QLD up 2.0% for the quarter / 7.9% over the year. The Gold Coast is moving in step with these trends, supported by migration inflows and constrained supply (CoreLogic, July 2025).
- Auction market: Preliminary clearance rates remained healthy in late July at ~74% nationally, highlighting strong buyer competition despite higher borrowing costs (Domain, July 2025).
Local Developments
- Planning approvals: Gold Coast City Council recently adopted a reform enabling a small executive group to approve major projects during recess. The intent is to streamline approvals and reduce delays. Supporters point to faster delivery of residential stock, while critics argue about transparency (Gold Coast Bulletin, July 2025). The implications for supply will depend on how many large scale projects are advanced under this framework.
- Project pipeline: New boutique and luxury developments continue. In Surfers Paradise, a six level, four residence complex on Sunset Boulevard has been lodged, drawing design inspiration from Uluru (Urban Developer, July 2025). Larger high rise proposals also continue along the coastal corridor, reinforcing pricing benchmarks at the top end.
- Retail alignment: Retail rents in Burleigh’s James Street are now approaching $1,500/sqm, closing in on Cavill Mall in Surfers Paradise (CBRE Research, mid 2025). This reflects strong confidence in retail and hospitality sectors that typically follow residential momentum.
Rental Market
Vacancy rates remain at historic lows. SQM Research reported the national vacancy rate fell to 1.2% in July (from 1.3%), with Queensland markets among the tightest. On the Gold Coast, weekly asking rents continue at elevated levels (SQM Research, July 2025). The ongoing supply demand imbalance supports rental growth, sustaining investor interest while heightening competition for tenants.
Insights From July Sales Data
- Median stability: The July house median of $1.295m confirms resilience through the mid year period, with the upward trend consistent across the last quarter.
- Prestige concentration: Mermaid Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Currumbin Valley anchor the top of the market (> $2m). Surrounding precincts such as Broadbeach Waters, Bundall, and Hope Island remain active within the $1.7m–$2.2m range.
- Mid market pressure: Coomera, Pimpama, Upper Coomera, Ormeau, and Nerang continue to provide more accessible options. These suburbs are absorbing demand from both local and interstate buyers seeking entry points into the Coast.
Outlook
The pace of supply remains the key variable. If the council’s approvals reform translates into more projects breaking ground, additional stock is unlikely before 2026–27. In the short term, pricing will be influenced by limited listings, low vacancy, and demand resilience. Macro settings, particularly expectations of further rate cuts signalled by the RBA, suggest steady rather than accelerated growth (RBA Monetary Policy Statement, August 2025).