While mainstream property data tends to focus on Australia's capital cities, it seems the Gold Coast has been running its own race.
As of October 2025, the city's median unit price of $956,000 overtook Sydney's [$927,000] for the first time, recording a 10-year growth rate of 101%, according to Ray White data.
Ray White's chief economist Nerida Conisbee said the Gold Coast is no longer an affordable coastal alternative, with the city's property values soaring on the back of continued population growth, easing interest rates, and tight housing supply.
The city's unit values have been driven, in part, by a wave of luxury apartment developments along the beachside strip.
But houses too have seen steep rises in value with a median price of $1.32 million as at October 2025.
City-wide, overall annual growth is up around 10% although some suburbs have seen their prices rise more steeply.
With investor lending in Queensland at record levels, the Gold Coast has been a key hotspot for investor activity.
See also: Investors flock to 'can't lose' property market
At the same time, many homebuyers are converting smaller holiday apartments into permanent homes in their quest to secure affordable, well-located housing.
"Areas once dominated by short-stay accommodation now have a more permanent residential feel, adding new depth of the market while tightening the supply of holiday rentals," Ms Conisbee said.
So, where are the best places to purchase on the Gold Coast in 2026? Veteran Gold Coast property doyen Andrew Bell delivers his top 10 picks.
(Median price data from realestate.com.au)
Southport, 4215
Median price: $1,182,500 for houses; $700,000 for units
Median rent: $820 per week for houses; $662 per week for units
Southport was Mr Bell's top Gold Coast suburbs choice in 2025 and he said it continues to be his number one pick.
The suburb's median house price has climbed 11.4% over the past 12 months while unit values have gained 9%.
"It ticks nearly all the major drivers of capital growth - access to employment, high levels of public transport, and close proximity to key infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and shopping centres," he said.
For many years, property buyers had steered clear of Southport due to its smaller blocks and older housing stock, with many of its homes in rundown condition.
"The lower rental values attracted residents with higher levels of unemployment, homelessness, and the area gained a reputation for petty crime," Mr Bell said.
"But major changes have transformed the area - being named the Gold Coast's CBD, the construction of the University Hospital, the light rail running through the heart of the suburb, and strong value growth in surrounding areas."
According to Mr Bell, Southport is now Queensland's most densely populated postcode, undergoing a major transformation with new high-rise buildings, medium-density projects, and renewed housing stock.
"It already ranks among the highest dollar-volume suburbs in Queensland [a measure of real estate activity calculated by adding the selling price of each transaction] and its underlying drivers will continue to position it as the number one suburb for both value and capital growth," he said.
Andrew Bell, Ray White Bell Group
Labrador, 4215
Median price: $1,175,000 for houses; $720,000 for units
Median rent: $780 per week for houses; $630 per week for units
The neighbouring suburb of Labrador also retains its position as number two pick, on the back of its older homes ripe for renovation or redevelopment.
Prices in the waterfront suburb have moderated considerably after seeing blistering growth during 2024 when Labrador's median house price shot up 27% and its unit price more than 15%.
In the 12 months to the end of October, median growth has slowed to 4.4% for houses and 7.5% for units.
"While it once carried a reputation as an undesirable area, that has changed rapidly," Mr Bell said.
"Its proximity to the Broadwater, central location, and relative affordability have made it increasingly attractive to younger buyers and first-home purchasers."
Labrador offers a less dense and more relaxed vibe than Southport with a selection of older Queenslander-style homes and more modern additions to the suburb.
"Properties that once sold for $600,000-$700,000 pre-pandemic are now achieving over $1 million following rebuilds or modern upgrades," Mr Bell said.
"With the suburb's ongoing transformation, Labrador is positioned for strong and sustained capital appreciation."
Biggera Waters, 4216
Median price: $1,224,000 for houses; $720,000 for units
Median rent: $900 per week for houses; $680 per week for units
Still in the neighbourhood, Mr Bell has nominated the next suburb north, perhaps best known for its Harbour Town factory outlet shopping centre.
The median house price in Biggera Waters has dropped 6.9% over the past 12 months, while the median unit price is up a healthy 10.8% over the same period.
Mr Bell likes the area for its strategic position between the Gold Coast's central property markets and the northern suburbs of Runaway Bay.
In recent years, Biggera Waters has seen a growing number of medium-rise developments with the area offering exceptional value for money, according to Mr Bell.
"Although light on public transport, it enjoys convenient access to major routes and has been somewhat overlooked compared to its neighbours, creating excellent buying opportunities," he said.
Mr Bell nominates pockets of medium-rise projects as appealing to first-home buyers, while older established homes on larger blocks offer affordable entry points with upside potential.
Carrara, 4211
Median price: $1,200,000 for houses; $835,000 for units
Median rent: $940 per week for houses; $740 per week for units
Not a Gold Coast suburb that many buyers immediately put on their list, Mr Bell believes Carrara, located on the Nerang River, continues to offer excellent opportunities.
The median house price has risen a modest 3.3% over the past 12 months while unit prices are up 8.4%.
Mr Bell said Carrara benefits from its strong road connections and its proximity to the Nerang train station, the Gold Coast Sports Precinct, and major event venues including Carrara Stadium, the home of the Gold Coast Suns.
The suburb is situated around 10-15 kilometres from the beach and about seven kilometres to the M1.
Properties at Carrara are generally on larger parcels of land, some enjoying elevation, views, and breezes that can be harder to come by in flatter suburbs.
"Carrara's combination of location, space, and value for money make it a smart option for buyers seeking potential without paying coastal premiums," Mr Bell said.
Ashmore, 4214
Median price: $1,185,000 for houses; $700,000 for units
Median rent: $850 per week for houses; $730 per week for units
The median house price in the neighbouring suburb of Ashmore continues its steady march upwards, gaining 9.2% over the past 12 months.
Mr Bell believes Ashmore is "beautifully positioned" just a few suburbs west of the coastline and is one of the few central Gold Coast suburbs with elevation, offering views, breezes, and its own distinct feel thanks to its topography.
Ashmore is well located near schools, shopping centres, golf courses, and is just a stone's throw from the Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens.
"Overshadowed by adjoining glamour suburbs, Ashmore still holds significant opportunity particularly through renovating solid 1960s and 70s homes on generous blocks," Mr Bell said.
He acknowledged prices in Ashmore are "getting harder" for first-home buyers but said it remains ideal for young families and is likely a "sleeping giant" of the Gold Coast property market.
Miami, 4220
Median price: $1,600,000 for houses; $1,150,000 for units
Median rent: $1,200 per week for houses; $800 per week for units
The coastal suburb of Miami is nestled between its more glamorous neighbours Mermaid Beach to the north and Burleigh Heads to the south.
Nonetheless, Miami has become a lifestyle hub in its own right with a vibrant nightlife scene centred around the locals' go-to haunt Miami Marketta, an industrial area turned arts/entertainment precinct.
"With the light rail extension set to reach Miami by 2026, the suburb is poised for major transformation," Mr Bell predicted.
"The new stations and mixed-use development will further enhance its appeal to younger buyers and investors, drawing strong demand and driving capital growth."
While the median house price in Miami has slipped over the past 12 months, unit values have increased 13.3%.
Miami is home to a well-used beachfront walking path, and its beach stretch is popular with families and dog walkers.
Miami-North Burleigh, Gold Coast. Image by Damon Hall via Pexels
Parkwood, 4214
Median price: $1,200,000 for houses; $730,000 for units
Median rent: $850 per week for houses; $727 per week for units
Parkwood is in close proximity to Griffith University, the Gold Coast University Hospital, and is currently home to the Gold Coast NRL team's training facility.
It is a "well-established but often overlooked suburb" in Mr Bell's estimation, providing everything young families need even though it is slightly removed from major shopping hubs while the closest schools are in adjoining suburbs.
That said, it is serviced by two light rail stops - Parkwood and Parkwood East - and has easy vehicle access to the M1.
Much of the suburb is relatively new - developed in the past 20-30 years or so, featuring mainly detached homes with only limited unit stock.
"It represents excellent value for families more focused on quality living and affordability than prestige, offering space, convenience, and accessibility at attainable prices," Mr Bell said.
Parkwood's median house price has climbed 9% in the past year and has almost doubled over the past five years.
Molendinar, 4214
Median price: $1,160,000 for houses; $747,500 for units
Median rent: $905 per week for houses; $667 per week for units
Mr Bell has also selected the neighbouring suburb of Molendinar, long regarded as a light industrial hub yet conveniently positioned just off the M1.
"Molendinar also contains large pockets of quality residential property and acreage," Mr Bell said.
"It is close to Griffth University and the Gold Coast University Hospital and offers superb convenience for those working in the central or northern Gold Coast."
While still a mixed-use suburb, Molendinar has seen consistent price growth in its residential sector with the median unit price climbing 18.1% over the last 12 months.
Units in the suburb are also currently achieving a 5.2% rental yield.
"Its mix of residential pockets, large blocks of land, excellent transport access and central location make it a suburb well worth investigating closely," Mr Bell said.
Pimpama, 4209
Median price: $880,000 for houses; $710,000 for units
Median rent: $700 per week for houses; $620 per week for units
With demand for affordable housing continuing to grow, Mr Bell named Pimpama, on the Gold Coast's northern outskirts, as one of the few suburbs still providing housing as close to affordable as the city has to offer.
Formerly a light industrial area with considerable bushland and some rural holdings, most of Pimpama's housing stock has been built in the last 10-15 years with many of the homes being sold by developers to investors through negative gearing seminars.
"But, in recent years, many of those investors have sold to capitalise on the substantial capital gains that have occurred," Mr Bell said.
Indeed, the median house price in Pimpama has doubled in the past five years and gained 12.1% over the past 12 months.
"The majority of the new buyers in Pimpama are now owner-occupiers and, as a result, the suburb is undergoing a transformation from being a predominantly rental area to one with a strong sense of community and pride in home ownership."
Pimpama is located on the Pacific Motorway (M1) about 30 kilometres north of Surfers Paradise and about 50 kilometres south of the Brisbane CBD.
"The northern suburbs of the Gold Coast have also benefited from the development of the Coomera Town Centre, rail stations, and associated infrastructure - all of which provide strong fundamentals for continued property growth," Mr Bell said.
Pimpama is now a stop on the Gold Coast-Brisbane Airport rail line after the suburb's new railway station opened in October 2025.
Helensvale, 4212
Median price: $1,305,000 for houses; $711,250 for units
Median rent: $1,000 per week for houses; $700 per week for units
Helensvale is an "excellent established residential area" which Mr Bell likes for its strategic location on the northern shoulder of the central Gold Coast, just off the M1 motorway.
"This makes it highly convenient for access both north and south," Mr Bell said.
"The area is also opening up further with the upcoming Coomera Bypass which will provide improved road access in both directions as well as additional rail connections."
The so-called Coomera Connector will run parallel and east of both the M1 and the Gold Coast railway line in a bid to relieve traffic congestion on the main highway by providing an alternative route through the city's northern suburbs.
"With generally large blocks of land, Helensvale is a suburb that hasn't received an enormous amount of profile over the years and, as such, it can be argued that it remains somewhat of an undiscovered gem," Mr Bell said.
That said, Helensvale's median house price has climbed 11.5% over the past 12 months while the median unit price has gained 8.6%.
Helensvale was the first planned suburb developed on what was the hinterland fringe of the Gold Coast in the 1980s.
It is home to a Westfield shopping centre and has both a heavy rail and a light rail station, making it the only place on the Gold Coast where trains, trams, and busses connect.
Advertisement
Buying a home or looking to refinance? The table below features home loans with some of the lowest interest rates on the market for owner occupiers.
| Lender | Home Loan | Interest Rate | Comparison Rate* | Monthly Repayment | Repayment type | Rate Type | Offset | Redraw | Ongoing Fees | Upfront Fees | Max LVR | Lump Sum Repayment | Extra Repayments | Split Loan Option | Tags | Features | Link | Compare | Promoted Product | Disclosure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5.94% p.a. | 5.98% p.a. | $2,978 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $530 | 90% |
| Promoted | Disclosure | ||||||||||
5.89% p.a. | 5.80% p.a. | $2,962 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $0 | 80% |
| Promoted | Disclosure | ||||||||||
5.99% p.a. | 6.02% p.a. | $2,995 | Principal & Interest | Fixed | $0 | $0 | 60% |
| Promoted | Disclosure | ||||||||||
5.93% p.a. | 5.93% p.a. | $2,975 | Principal & Interest | Variable | $0 | $395 | 70% | Disclosure |
