Gold Coast New Apartment Market Report | Spring 2026

The Gold Coast new apartment market enters Spring 2026 with strong development activity, rising apartment values and continued demand from both owner-occupiers and investors. New apartment supply is increasing, with the construction pipeline well above historical levels, while pricing continues to strengthen amid population growth, limited housing availability and ongoing demand for coastal living. Tight rental conditions and forecast residential price growth are expected to support market performance over the coming years.

Market snapshot

The Gold Coast Local Government Area (LGA) is forecast to deliver 14,581 new apartments between 2026 and 2029, averaging 3,645 completions per year, which is 39% above the five-year average. In 2026 alone, 2,757 new apartments are expected to be completed. Two-bedroom apartments dominate future supply, accounting for 53% of the active pipeline, reflecting buyer demand for practical, lifestyle-focused apartment living.

New apartment prices

New apartment prices across the Gold Coast continued to rise in the year to Q2 2026, increasing 13.9% annually and 0.6% during the quarter. The indicative average price reached $16,400 per square metre, compared with approximately $9,000 per square metre four years ago. Over the past five years, new apartment prices have increased by 92.9%, highlighting the strength of demand for premium apartment stock in the region.

Residential property market

Gold Coast residential property values remain on an upward trajectory, with average residential prices increasing 12.6% over the year to Q2 2026 to reach $1.35 million. Apartment values recorded annual growth of 14.9%, outperforming houses at 13.0%. Looking ahead, McGrath Research forecasts Regional Queensland residential property prices will rise by a further 8% by the end of 2026, followed by 4% growth in 2027.

Rental market performance

Rental conditions remain tight across the Gold Coast, with vacancy rates recorded at just 1.5% in Q2 2026, well below the level typically associated with a balanced rental market. Average weekly rents increased 11.9% over the past year to $940 per week, supported by strong tenant demand and limited rental supply. McGrath Research forecasts Regional Queensland rents will increase by a further 6% by the end of 2026 and continue rising in 2027.

Economic drivers

Several factors continue to underpin demand for new apartments on the Gold Coast. Regional Queensland recorded population growth of 1.4% in 2025, while unemployment remained low at 3.8%. Building costs on the Gold Coast increased 5.8% during 2025, contributing to elevated development costs and supporting apartment prices. Ongoing population growth, employment stability and constrained housing supply continue to reinforce demand across the market.

Outlook for Gold Coast new apartments

The Gold Coast new apartment market is expected to remain well supported through the remainder of 2026 and beyond. A strong construction pipeline will help deliver much-needed housing supply, while population growth, solid economic fundamentals and sustained buyer demand are expected to support apartment values. Tight rental conditions and forecast residential price growth are also likely to maintain investor interest and reinforce the Gold Coast's position as one of Australia's strongest apartment markets. Explore the full Spring report for detailed insights into new apartment supply, apartment pricing trends, rental market performance and the key drivers shaping the future of the Gold Coast property market.