Gold Coast home values jump more than 10% in a year: what buyers need to know

Over the past year the Gold Coast property market has quietly notched up another big milestone. A recent article on realestate.com.au by property journalist Aleisha Dawson reported that Gold Coast home values have risen just over 10 per cent in twelve months, with the median price now sitting a little above 1.1 million dollars.

Headlines like that can feel exciting if you already own here and slightly terrifying if you are still saving or planning a move. In this post, I want to unpack what this kind of growth actually means for buyers, relocators, and investors who hope to secure a home on the Coast in the next year or two.

Why prices keep climbing

There is no single reason the market has moved this much. It is a mix of several forces working together.

Lifestyle demand
The Coast is no longer just a place for holidays. More people are choosing to base themselves here full-time and commute occasionally or negotiate remote and hybrid work. Beaches, climate, and lifestyle still rank highly for interstate and international movers.

Population growth and migration
Over the past few years, we have seen strong inflows from Sydney, Melbourne, and overseas. Even if the pace of migration slows a little, the base population is now higher, which keeps steady demand under the surface.

Limited quality stock
There is always a lot advertised online, but in many suburbs, there is a shortage of well-located, well-built homes. Renovated, move-in-ready properties are exceptionally competitive, which pushes prices up faster in that segment.

Construction costs and delays
Building new has become more expensive and slower. That has increased the relative value of established homes, particularly houses on good blocks and larger apartments in smaller, well-run complexes.

Investors returning
After a quieter period, more investors are looking again at the Gold Coast, attracted by strong rents and long-term growth. They often compete directly with home buyers at the same price points.

Put together, these factors help explain why we are now talking about double-digit annual growth again.

Does this mean the Gold Coast is unaffordable

Not necessarily, but it does mean expectations need to be realistic.

The median above 1.1 million dollars is an average. It hides big differences between suburbs, property types, and streets.

Some tightly held pockets sit well above the median, while others, often slightly inland, are still relatively accessible.

Units and townhouses remain more achievable for many buyers than freestanding houses in premium suburbs.

There are still opportunities to buy well, but “bargains” in the traditional sense are rare. The goal is less about finding something cheap and more about finding something that is a fair value for its location, layout, condition, and future potential.

What this means if you are relocating

If you are planning a move to the Gold Coast from interstate or overseas, a few practical implications flow from this kind of price growth.

Budgeting needs to be grounded in current numbers
Online forums often quote outdated price guides. When a market has moved more than 10% in a year, last year’s expectations can easily be off by six figures. Before you commit to a move, it is worth mapping your budget carefully against current sale results in the suburbs you are considering.

You may need to adjust your wish list
A pool, separate office, double garage, and walking distance to the beach is a fantastic brief, but not always possible at every price point. Sometimes the trade-off is distance from the water; sometimes it is choosing an older home you can update over time.

Timing matters
If your move is twelve to eighteen months away, it is helpful to run a few scenarios. What if prices grow another 5%. What if they stay flat? How would that affect the kind of home you can comfortably afford? Planning for a range rather than a single number gives you more flexibility.

Rent first or buy straight away
With prices and rents both rising, many families now do a hybrid approach. For example, rent in a target area for six to twelve months to properly learn the suburbs while actively watching the sales market and being ready to buy if the right property appears.

What it means for local upgraders and downsizers

If you already own on the Coast, strong growth can make an upgrade, downsize, or sideways move feel more achievable.

Upgraders may have more equity than they realised, which can open up suburbs or property types that felt out of reach a few years ago.

Downsizers can sometimes sell a family home, clear their mortgage, and move to a low-maintenance apartment or townhouse while freeing up capital.

The challenge is sequencing. In a rising market, you want to be careful about selling first without a plan but also avoid stretching too far financially if you buy first. This is where good lending advice and a clear buying strategy are essential.

How a buyers agent can help in a fast-moving market

In markets like this, information and timing make a big difference. A buyer's agent does not magically change the prices, but can help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Here is how I work with clients.

Clarifying the brief and budget:
We'll start with what you really need the home to do for your family or portfolio, and we'd like to confirm a realistic price range based on current sales, lending advice, and your comfort level.

Shortlisting and pre-checking properties
I scan the whole market for on-market, pre-market and off-market opportunities that match your brief. I rule out properties with obvious deal breakers, so you only spend time on serious contenders.

Inspections with honest commentary
For relocators, I attend inspections in person and provide detailed feedback and video walkthroughs, pointing out both the positives and the drawbacks, not just the highlights.

Price guidance and negotiation strategy
Using recent comparable sales, I give you a realistic value range and help set an offer strategy that balances competitiveness with discipline. In a market that has moved more than 10% in a year, this protects you from overreacting to the fear of missing out.

Due diligence and contract support
I help coordinate building and pest inspections, strata and contract reviews, and other checks, so you are not caught out by hidden issues.

Final thoughts

Double-digit annual growth sounds dramatic, but it is the lived reality for many Gold Coast suburbs right now. For buyers, it is a reminder that the market does not stand still while you are researching and dreaming. With the right preparation, clarity around your numbers, and a calm strategy, it is still possible to secure a home that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.

If you would like a clearer sense of what your budget can buy across different Gold Coast suburbs, you are welcome to get in touch, and I can walk you through some realistic options for 2026 and beyond. If you would prefer hands-on help with a search or purchase, you can read more about my full buyers advocacy service here.