Gold Coast apartment market flourishes – John McGrath

The prospect of living on the Gold Coast usually brings to mind the possibility of enjoying a relaxed lifestyle, close to the beach.

But the Gold Coast also presents an extraordinary opportunity for property growth, especially when it comes to the apartment market.

Driving this area’s popularity even higher is the Brisbane-hosted 2032 Olympic Games, and its $7.1 billion of new infrastructure and updated projects. Some of these projects have already begun, with the new $3.8 billion Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre breaking ground in October 2025.

Little wonder that Brisbane dwellings now have a median value of just over $1.126 million, after an annual upward tick of 19.1%, according to Cotality’s Home Value Index this month.

It’s also little wonder that the Gold Coast’s apartment market in particular is growing so swiftly.

In fact, the Property Council of Australia’s latest Gold Coast Apartment Pipeline Report found the apartment projects launched last year, were an increase on 2024. Plus, the completion figures for this year, as well as those expected in 2027, are also strong, while the Gold Coast’s population growth remains solid.

In addition, Urbis director Paul Riga commented that the Gold Coast’s apartment sector continued to enjoy positive underlying buyer demand, thanks largely to the premium and luxury market, which is generally less affected by feasibility hurdles.

At the same time, the Property Council report noted that cost and labour constraints are now affecting the apartment sector.  And, 60% of the 24 apartment projects launched in 2025 were at “a moderate or high risk of delay or withdrawal”.

Gold Coast: increasing values

Keeping all of the above in mind, it’s hardly surprising that the Gold Coast’s property values have enjoyed an extraordinary rise since the pandemic, in particular.

Cotality’s latest Regional Report found dwelling values on the Gold Coast, including the border town of Tweed Heads in NSW, are now $1,221,237 – an uptick of 12.8% in the year to February and 68.9% in the past five years. This is despite annual sales dropping by 3.2% and 10.5% respectively.

Meanwhile, in an annual upward shift of 3.2%, median weekly rents are now $943, with vacancy rates just 1%.

These figures and the Gold Coast’s lifestyle appeal have resulted in strong interstate migration to the area. This area’s affordability is also appealing to retirees, while families are attracted to the Gold Coast’s range of top-performing schools, both public and private.

I certainly believe that the Gold Coast’s lifestyle and location will never lose its appeal. So, I would encourage potential home buyers to not only study the area’s property data but keep faith in this location’s coastal attractions remains robust.