Top 10 best suburbs to invest in Gold Coast 2024

gold coast beachfront property with q1 in background
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Dreaming of owning a slice of heaven along the picturesque Gold Coast? As of now, the Gold Coast is a hot spot for property investment, with median house prices rising steadily and demand remaining strong.

Amidst this bustling market, how do you navigate your way to finding the perfect suburb on the Gold Coast for your next investment property? Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant coastal energy or relaxed hinterland charm, our comprehensive list outlines the top ten suburbs in the Gold Coast for 2024 and what each of them has to offer.

1. Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach is often a suburb that flies under the radar compared to its more famous neighbours, but don’t let that fool you, as Mermaid Beach is a hidden gem for coastal living.  

It offers a laid-back lifestyle with a touch of luxury, featuring some of the Gold Coast’s most exclusive waterfront homes. It also offers quirky boutiques and trendy cafes to explore. Our Gold Coast Property Report recorded a median house sale price of $1.65 million, with a 1-year growth of 7%, a 10-year average of 11% and a median yield of 3.1%. 

If you’re interested in investing in something smaller, the median price for a unit is $730,000 with a 1-year growth of 8%, a 10-year average of 12% and a median yield of 4.6%. 

mermaid waters property - outdoor firepit area

2. Broadbeach

Broadbeach is a suburb poised for people who want the best of both worlds, it ticks all the boxes with a mix of urban sophistication and beachside serenity.  

This bustling suburb is a hub of activity, boasting a plethora of dining options, shopping precincts, and entertainment venues. If the urban buzz isn’t for you, then Broadbeach still offers plenty of beachfront tranquillity, with pristine sands and sparkling ocean waters just steps away. Houses in Broadbeach are currently selling for a median price of $1.975 million, with a 1-year growth of 16%, a 10-year average of 12% and a median yield of 3.6% as highlighted in our property report. 

Units on the other hand are selling for a median price of $780,000 with a staggering 1 year growth of 13%.

3. Southport

Often overlooked as a residential area due to it being the central business district of the Gold Coast, Southport is a prime location for a diverse range of housing options. From waterfront apartments to suburban homes, Southport has something for everyone. It boasts easy access to shopping centres, schools, hospitals, universities and public transport, making it a convenient choice for both families and professionals alike. 

We’ve observed that the median sale price in Southport for a house is $830,00 with a 1-year growth of 4%, a 10-year average of 8% and a median yield of 4.6%. 

If you’re interested in investing in a unit, the median price currently sits at $505,000, with a 1-year growth of 14%, a 10-year average of 7% and a median yield of 6.0%.

4. Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise where urban buzz meets beachfront charm. This iconic suburb boasts a vibrant skyline, world-class entertainment and golden sandy beaches. Living here means you are at the heart of the action, with an abundance of cafes, restaurants and nightlife options right at your doorstep. It is a perfect suburb for those who crave the hustle and bustle of city life whilst still being able to enjoy the laid-back coastal vibe. 

If you are looking to invest in a house here, the median sale price is $1.85 million. The one-year growth on a property in Surfers Paradise is 7% and 11% over a 10-year average. 

For similar growth, why not look at investing in a unit that will set you back about $560,000?

5. Hope Island

Hope Island, prestigious and exclusive, is a highly sought-after suburb on the northern end of the Gold Coast. It is a close-knit community, known for its world-class golf courses, deep canal marinas, waterfront resorts, and excellent dining and shopping options. Its appealing lifestyle and ongoing infrastructure development makes Hope Island an attractive destination for investors. 

The median price for houses and units in Hope Island is $1.6 million and $755,000 respectively. 

In our property report, the 1-year growth for houses and units in Hope Island is 14% and 18% respectively.

hope island property - gold coast, Australia

6. Nerang

If you are looking for a family-friendly suburb to invest in, Nerang may be the place for you. Nerang is a short drive from the hinterland, home to quaint cafes, and connected to the public transport infrastructure. It has an affordable price tag compared to other suburbs on the coast due to it being more inland than the beachfront suburbs. 

PRD declared Nerang to be in the top three suburbs for affordability and liveability in terms of housing on the Gold Coast in the second half of 2023. We note that houses are currently selling for $720,000 with a 1-year growth, 10-year average and median yield of 7%, 9% and 5% respectively.

7. Robina

Robina, where suburban serenity meets urban convenience. Robina offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle, with leafy streets and family-friendly amenities. Don’t be fooled though, Robina does not lack excitement; it is the home of the renowned Robina Town Centre where you will find everything from designer stores to gourmet dining options.  With its excellent schools, parks and recreational facilities, it is the perfect place to raise a family whilst still being able to enjoy easy access to the beach and city. 

Median houses and unit prices in Robina are $1,065,000 and $675,000 respectively with a 10-year average of 9-10% as highlighted in our property report.

8. Coomera

Coomera, once upon a time would have been considered a sleepy suburb, is now quickly emerging as one of the Gold Coast’s fastest-growing residential hubs. With its affordable housing options, and family-friendly amenities in addition to close proximity of major infrastructure projects such as Coomera Town Centre and Westfield Coomera, what is not to love about Coomera? It is the suburb that offers an abundance of opportunities for growth and prosperity.  

We note that houses in Coomera are currently selling for $730,000 with a 1-year growth of 11%, and 10-year average of 6%.

9. Palm Beach

Palm Beach is where affordability meets beachside living. Situated between Burleigh Heads and Currumbin, this laid-back suburb offers a relaxed lifestyle without the hefty price tag. 

An average home in Palm Beach is about $1.42 million with a median yield of 3.8%. For a slightly high yield of 4.6% and half the cost, consider investing in a unit. With its wide sandy beaches, picturesque parks, and burgeoning café scene, Palm Beach is a suburb with a lot to offer without breaking the bank.

10. Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads is the suburb of coastal chic and bohemian charm. Nestled between Surfers Paradise and Coolangatta, this suburb offers a relaxed lifestyle with a trendy edge. With its infamous James Street and Burleigh Point and abundance of cafes and boutiques unlike none other, it’s no wonder Burleigh Heads consistently ranks as one of the Gold Coast’s most desirable places to live. 

A house in Burleigh Heads will currently set you back $1.4 million with a 1-year growth and 10-year average of 12%.

burleigh heads property on the gold coast

Don’t forget to define your priorities

If you’re looking to invest or purchase your new home in the Gold Coast, before diving into your search, take some time to define your priorities. Consider factors such as –

  • Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend 
  • Lifestyle Preferences: Decide what amenities and lifestyle features are important to you, such as proximity to the beach, access to schools, public transport, shopping centres, or recreational facilities.
  • Family-Friendly Environment: If you’re interested in attracting this demographic, look for suburbs with good schools, parks, and family-friendly amenities.
  • Property Type: Decide whether you’re looking for a house, apartment, townhouse, or waterfront property.

Make sure to consult a local buyer’s agent

A local buyer’s agent can help you effectively navigate the property market with investment potential at the heart of your search. At COAST Buyer’s Agency, we prioritise our buyers, saving them time, money and stress when it comes to purchasing property in the Gold Coast region.

With years of experience in the region, and a proactive approach to keeping up-to-date with market trends and projections, we successfully navigate owner occupiers and investors through the entire process. So, If you’re looking to make a move to the Gold Coast, get in touch with us today!