Insights from a Gold Coast Buyers Agent:
The Gold Coast property market has been one of Australia’s standout performers over recent years and as we look ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be another year of solid, sustainable growth. While the pace may moderate compared to the post-pandemic surge, fundamentals remain strong, particularly across lifestyle and family-friendly suburbs.
As a Gold Coast buyers agent, here’s our outlook on prices, demand, suburbs to watch, and what buyers should be doing now to stay ahead of the market.
Gold Coast Property Forecast 2026: The Big Picture
In 2026, the Gold Coast is expected to continue outperforming many capital cities, supported by:
- Strong population growth and interstate migration
- Ongoing housing undersupply
- Major infrastructure investment
- Lifestyle appeal combined with relative affordability
Price growth of 8–10% across the Gold Coast is widely expected, with some high-demand pockets likely to exceed this.
Why the Gold Coast Market Is Set to Grow in 2026?
1. Population Growth & Lifestyle Demand
The Gold Coast remains one of Australia’s most desirable lifestyle destinations. Interstate buyers from Sydney and Melbourne continue to relocate for affordability, climate, and lifestyle, while local upsizers and downsizers remain active.
This steady flow of buyers is keeping competition high, particularly in established suburbs close to beaches, schools, and transport, where demand for off-market property buying services is increasing as buyers look for opportunities beyond publicly listed homes.
2. Chronic Housing Undersupply
Despite new construction, housing supply continues to lag behind demand. Rising construction costs, labour shortages, and planning delays mean fewer new homes are coming online placing upward pressure on prices, especially for existing dwellings.
This is one of the strongest long-term tailwinds supporting Gold Coast property prices into 2026.
3. Infrastructure Driving Long-Term Value
Ongoing investment in transport, health, education, and retail infrastructure is transforming key corridors. Improved connectivity continues to lift demand in suburbs previously considered “secondary” but now offering strong lifestyle and value appeal.
Suburbs to Watch on the Gold Coast in 2026
Lifestyle & Coastal Suburbs:
Coastal suburbs remain highly sought-after, with limited stock and strong owner-occupier demand:
- Burleigh Heads
- Palm Beach
- Mermaid Waters
- Currumbin Waters
These areas are expected to see steady, resilient growth, particularly for well-located family homes and boutique townhouses.
Growth & Family Corridors:
More affordable suburbs with infrastructure access are likely to outperform the broader market:
- Robina
- Coomera
- Upper Coomera
These locations continue to attract first-home buyers, families, and investors, supporting both capital growth and rental demand.
Gold Coast Units vs Houses in 2026:
- Houses: Limited land supply will continue to underpin strong long-term growth, particularly in established suburbs.
- Units & townhouses: High demand from downsizers, investors, and lifestyle buyers is driving renewed interest, especially in low-density, well-located complexes.
Many buyers agents on the Gold Coast are seeing units outperform expectations, particularly near beaches, transport, and employment hubs.
Rental Market Outlook for 2026:
The Gold Coast rental market is expected to remain extremely tight, with:
- Low vacancy rates
- Continued rental growth
- Strong investor competition for quality properties
This creates a favourable environment for investors, particularly those targeting dual-income households, townhouses, and well-located units.
Risks to Watch in 2026:
While the outlook is positive, buyers should be mindful of:
- Affordability ceilings in some premium suburbs
- Interest rate sensitivity, particularly for first-home buyers
- Market variation by suburb and property type
This is where working with an experienced Gold Coast buyers agent becomes critical, not all properties will perform equally.
Final Thoughts: Gold Coast Property Outlook 2026
The Gold Coast property market in 2026 is forecast to remain strong, competitive, and opportunity-rich particularly for buyers who act strategically. While growth may be more measured, the fundamentals remain firmly in place.
If you’re considering buying in 2026, partnering with a local Gold Coast buyers agent can help you navigate competition, secure off-market opportunities, and buy with confidence in the right suburb, at the right price.
