Gold Coast Real Estate: What’s Hot Right Now and What’s Overhyped.

For premium buyers considering a move to the Gold Coast, the market is full of potential, but not every postcode or project lives up to the hype. With over 20 years of experience helping people find the right home, I’ve seen firsthand what’s delivering long-term value and what’s not. Work with an independent Gold Coast buyers agent to buy with confidence.”

What’s Hot Right Now

1. Main Beach and Mermaid Beach – Exclusive Coastal Living

These tightly held suburbs are in high demand, especially among downsizers and international buyers seeking prestige, walkability and beach access. Properties east of the highway remain the Gold Coast’s blue-chip zone. Redevelopment sites and new boutique builds are drawing strong attention, particularly those near the new light rail expansion.

2. Broadbeach and Broadbeach Waters – High-End Amenity Meets Lifestyle

With dining, retail and entertainment on the doorstep, Broadbeach is evolving into the Gold Coast’s version of Double Bay. New premium apartments with generous floorplans, private lifts and quality finishes are selling fast, particularly in low-density towers.

3. Tallebudgera Valley and Currumbin Hinterland – Seclusion with Scale

For buyers seeking privacy, space and a sense of retreat, the hinterland offers high-value homes with acreage, views and architectural distinction. All of this is still within 20 minutes of the beach. This lifestyle market has seen strong growth among returning expats and remote professionals.

4. Southport’s TSS Precinct – Quiet Prestige Near Infrastructure

This hidden gem has seen renewed interest. Leafy streets, proximity to elite schools like The Southport School, and access to health and legal precincts make it popular with relocating professionals. Character homes and tasteful renovations are outperforming standard stock.

5. Luxury Duplexes and Villas in Mermaid Waters and Palm Beach

For those wanting a lock-up-and-leave lifestyle without the overheads of a high-rise, newly built villas and duplexes with architectural flair are outperforming older apartments. Buyers are prioritising quality over quantity, seeking light, privacy and timeless design.

What’s Overhyped Right Now

1. Mega Towers in Oversupplied Zones

Developments with hundreds of apartments, particularly those in central Surfers Paradise or South Broadbeach, are generating buzz but may underperform over time. High body corporate fees, inconsistent short-term letting rules and competition in the resale market are key risks.

2. Off-the-Plan Hype Without Detail

Some off-the-plan projects are commanding premium prices without the design substance to match. If you’re buying off the plan, make sure the inclusions, finishes and build timelines are clearly defined. Ensure you’re not paying for a view that may disappear.

3. Outskirts Estates Framed as the ‘Next Best Thing’

Fringe developments west of the M1 are often promoted as the next growth frontier. While these may suit investors or first-home buyers, premium purchasers looking for lifestyle, amenity and long-term capital growth should tread carefully.

What’s Driving the Market in 2025?

• Limited land supply and strong migration are keeping pressure on prices.

• Light rail Stage 3 is changing the game. Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach and Burleigh will become even more accessible and desirable.

• Prestige buyer demand is rising. Many are relocating for lifestyle, schooling or a more relaxed pace of life, especially from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and expat circles.

For Premium Buyers – What I Recommend

• Don’t rush. The right home takes time. I’ll help you assess more than just price. Location, streetscape, build quality and long-term value all matter.

• Think beyond views. Yes, they’re stunning, but orientation, privacy and proximity to lifestyle assets matter just as much.

• Consider family and future-proofing. If schooling, access to health services or potential multigenerational living is part of your plan, factor it in early.

• Prioritise boutique builds. Whether it’s a freestanding home, duplex or low-rise apartment, smaller is usually smarter.

Boutique vs Big: Know the Difference
While smaller developments often appeal to premium buyers, not all high-rises are created equal. I live in a 230 sqm apartment on the 45th floor of a tower with just three residences per level—and it’s quieter and more private than many standalone homes. Read more about why “smaller is usually smarter”—and when it’s not.

Let’s Find the Right Property Together

Whether you're relocating from interstate, New Zealand, or further afield, I offer clear, calm, and experienced support throughout the entire buying journey. I’ll help you avoid the hype and secure the right home, on the right terms. Work with an independent Gold Coast buyers agent to buy with confidence.”

Jo Denvir Gold Coast Buyers Agent | Trusted Advocate for Premium Property Buyers